Manipal: An evening packed with entertainment marked Volunteer Services Organization's (VSO) cultural extravaganza SPARSH-2016 at Fortune Inn Valley View lawns on Saturday. Dance, violin recital, stand-up comedy and special performances by Sudhir R- Flute Boxer and Harmonica Beat Boxer, a semifinalist of ‘India’s Got Talent’ and Raghavendra Hedge, who promoted national and religious integrity of India with his Sand Art Skills were some of the highlights of the evening.

The show began with a lamp lighting ceremony which was unique and Vice Chancellor Manipal University, Dr H Vinod Bhat was the first to light one of the many lamps mounted on small little shelves fixed on a ply board. It had a special effect and many from the audience could join in the lighting ceremony. Dr Bhat then addressed the gathering and lauded the activities of Organization. “VSO and volunteers are doing a commendable job in not only providing a helping hand to the people in need, but are also supporting them in many different ways,” he said.

While Sudhir and Raghavendra cast a spell on the audience with their performances, the dance by the students of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal College of Nursing and Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration added colour to the programme. Upcoming stand-up comedian from MIT, had the audience in splits. Mr RangaPai’s violin recital of “golden oldies” of Bollywood was entertaining too.

Funds collected at Tarang 2016 was also donated at the function.Rupees one lakh rupees was donated to neonatal poor patient fund of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal and Rs 25,000 to Hemophilia Society. “The Voluntus” e-newsletter of VSO, an online quarterly designed by School of Communication was also launched during the event.