On a recent weekend at the Shri Ram College of Commerce, North Campus at Delhi University, one could relate to the sentiment “We CAN do it” spreading across the campus at full volume. The occasion was a unique celebration of environment-friendly benefits of metal cans, which was named CanCussion 2011. The event was organised as a part of Canvironment Week, a global initiative by Hindustan Tin Works Ltd (HTWL).
The high-energy event had drummers from leading bands from all over India along with ragpicker bands and other college bands performing live in front of the young audience. The participants from different bands performed on instruments made from tin cans and other scrap items. Drashti Dhami, television actress, Dr Chandana Raul, international Odissi dancer and Joel Michael Rozario, famous drummer and percussionist, were part of the judging panel.
Nirvan Pareva, a drummer and one of the top three runners-up at the event, mentions that this was a different kind of do, and since it was organised to raise awareness about recycling products it had a social message too. He says, “I play drums for my band but when I was invited to play tin cans at this event, I was excited to be a part of it. On the final day I will be playing an instrument made of gas cylinder.”
Speaking about the concept of the Canvironment Week, Atit Bhatia, senior vice-president of HTWL says, “2010 was the first year when we ideated and launched CanCussion with participation of only college students. This time we also had a special segment for ragpicker bands in addition to young talented drummers from leading bands. The ragpicker bands were provided vocational training as part of the philanthropic leg of the campaign to give them an alternate way of life other than ragpicking.”
The winner of CanCussion 2011 was Mahinder Bhatt, who churned out great music from the tin-drum kit. After winning the trophy, he said, “I am looking forward to the grand finale performance, where the top three winners will be jamming to create some great music from waste cans.”