P.P. Savani University’s much-anticipated cultural festival, Kalaagoonj 2026, unfolded as one of Surat’s most dynamic youth celebrations this year. The multi-artist lineup featured celebrated names such as Salim–Sulaiman and Shirley Setia, but it was young live performer Rythum Shastri who left an especially powerful imprint on the audience with his signature concert experience, “Parinda.”
On the festival’s opening night, February 19, Rythum delivered a performance that quickly became the defining highlight of the event. Designed specifically for college audiences, “Parinda” is more than a concert set — it is a carefully structured youth-driven musical journey crafted to energize and emotionally engage students.
A Concert Experience, Not Just a Performance
From his opening moments on stage, Rythum demonstrated why his live format is gaining rapid attention across campuses. The entry was dramatic yet controlled, the transitions were fluid, and the energy was sustained throughout. His setlist seamlessly moved between high-tempo crowd anthems and soulful, emotionally resonant tracks, ensuring that the audience remained fully invested from start to finish.
The production quality added another dimension to the evening. Precision lighting cues, synchronized drops, and choreographed stage movements transformed the university grounds into a professional concert arena. With four successful editions of “Parinda” already completed prior to Kalaagoonj, the 2026 PPSU edition raised the bar further, signaling the evolution of youth-oriented live entertainment.
Students responded with overwhelming enthusiasm — chanting lyrics in unison, illuminating the venue with phone flashlights, and turning the space into a collective celebration of music and identity. The atmosphere reflected what today’s college festivals are all about: unity, expression, and immersive engagement.
A Moment of Reflection Amid Celebration
While the show maintained a vibrant tempo, Rythum concluded the evening on a powerful emotional note. His tribute segment titled “Bharat Ke Veer” shifted the mood from celebratory to deeply reflective. As patriotic visuals and music filled the stage, the crowd stood together in silence and respect, creating one of the most memorable moments of the festival.
This segment underscored an important message — that live music can transcend entertainment and serve as a vehicle for inspiration and national pride.
Sharing his perspective on performing for students, Rythum remarked, “The youth of India carry limitless potential, and music is one of the strongest tools to inspire them.”
That philosophy was evident throughout the concert. Every element — from song selection to stage design — was aligned with motivating and connecting to the next generation.
A Rising Force in Campus Live Music
In today’s performance landscape, where visual spectacle often dominates, Rythum Shastri stands out for blending high-impact production with authenticity and emotional awareness. His ability to read a young audience and adapt in real time gives his concerts a dynamic edge that resonates strongly within the college circuit.
Kalaagoonj 2026 will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark edition for P.P. Savani University. Beyond the star presence and grand scale, it marked another milestone in Rythum Shastri’s growing journey as one of India’s most exciting youth-focused live performers.
With “Parinda” continuing to expand its wings across campuses, Rythum’s trajectory suggests that this momentum is only accelerating — and the college concert scene is taking notice.