The annual ‘Damodar Idol‘ singing competition, organized by the Cultural Council of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, was held on 5th September 2024, in Hall 1, 5th Floor, Central Block. The event commenced at 10 a.m. with an elegant inaugural dance performance by the FY BBA (FS) girls, led by Miss Daniella Pereira. The esteemed judges for the competition, Miss Daniella Fernandes and Mr. Presley Fernandes, accomplished singers, were introduced and formally welcomed with roses by the Officiating Principal, Prof. Sanjay P. Sawant Dessai. The program was smoothly compered by Ms. Heizal Fernandes and Mr. Raza Banducda from BBA.
The competition was structured into four categories: Hindi Solo, English Solo, Konkani Solo, and Duet performances, ensuring a wide representation of musical styles. This allowed participants to choose categories that best highlighted their vocal strengths and creativity. Students from various departments and batches pre-registered and auditioned for the competition on 2nd September 2024, leading to an impressive display of talent and enthusiasm. Throughout the event, a diverse range of musical genres—spanning from classical to contemporary—captivated the audience. The participants, clearly well-prepared, delivered exceptional performances that kept the energy high. The audience, in turn, cheered passionately for their favourite contestants, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Special performances by the judges added to the excitement and entertainment.
Each performance was evaluated based on criteria such as diction, stage presence, dynamics and rhythm, vocal quality, and harmony. After a series of captivating performances, the much-anticipated announcement of winners thrilled the audience. The results were as follows:
| Category | First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
| Hindi Solo | Pratham Sawant (FYBCA) | Sanch Shirodkar, (SYBCA) | Ronak Naik (TYBCA) |
| English Solo | Kamal Ram (TYBCOM) | Dinesh Kumar (TYBCOM) | Rahul Raikar (SYBCOM) |
| Konkani Solo | Denzilla Menezes (M.COM) | Anushka Fernandes (SYBCOM) | Melisha Baptista (SYBCOM) |
| Duet | Denzilla & Alrich (MCOM) | Anushka & Melisha (SYBCOM) | Sanch & Dinesh (SYBCA & TYBCOM) |
The success of the competition was the result of meticulous planning and flawless execution by the Cultural Council team, led by dedicated students, the Convenor Ms. Sheetal Arondekar, and teachers in-charge, Ms. Delisha Rebello, Ms. Zakiya Tahir, and Ms. Ciana Fernandes, along with the administrative staff. Their hard work was reflected in the smooth flow of the event. The program concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by the Cultural Secretary, Mr. Tanish Patil. A total of 36 students (19 male, 17 female) participated in Damodar Idol.
Expected Outcome of the Activity
‘Damodar Idol’ showcased a high level of talent, enthusiasm, and dedication from participants across various departments. The event not only celebrated musical diversity but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among students. The well-executed program, coupled with the judges’ valuable feedback, provided an enriching experience for both performers and the audience. Overall, the competition achieved its goal of promoting artistic expression and engagement within the college.
