Bengaluru : Christ Academy Institute of Advanced Studies (CAIAS) hosted UMANG 2026 – Rangilo Chowk on October 16, bringing together students, families, performers and well-wishers for a celebration of Indian culture, music and dance. This year, the festivities carried a purpose close to home: supporting Lakshmi Bohra, an 18-year-old from Kathmandu, Nepal, and the daughter of a CAIAS security staff member.
A member of the extended CAIAS family, Lakshmi has been living with arthritis since she was two to three years old. The condition has progressively affected both her legs, and doctors have recommended three operations, one of which has already been completed. The profits generated from UMANG 2026 will go towards supporting her medical treatment, turning the community’s participation into a meaningful gesture of care.
Inspired by the colours and traditions of Indian folk culture, Rangilo Chowk featured a folk dance competition, a lively flea market showcasing independent stalls, and an evening of Dandiya and DJ celebrations. The event brought together cultural expression, local entrepreneurship and community spirit, with a shared social purpose at its heart.
CAIAS extends its heartfelt gratitude to the participants, performers, stall owners, guests, volunteers, students, staff members, supporters and partners who made the celebration possible. Their enthusiasm helped make UMANG more than a cultural event, reflecting the institution’s belief that meaningful change often begins when a community comes together for someone in need.
As CAIAS steps into its eleventh year, UMANG 2026 stands as a reminder that celebrations become more meaningful when they bring people together to make a difference.
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