The Kitab Cup kicked off with an energetic opening ceremony that
set the tone and atmosphere for the rest of the day. From the very
first moment, there was an undeniable buzz in the air, an
excitement that could only come from a day full of purpose,
community, and celebration. The ceremony began with a soulful
musical performance, featuring singing accompanied by a keyboard
that resonated beautifully with the early attendees. A lively
dance performance followed, bringing energy and movement to the
stage and immediately drawing the audience into the festive
vibe.
Once the artistic performances concluded, the focus shifted to the
people behind the event. There was a warm honoring and welcoming
of the many sponsors and partners who had come together to support
The Kitab Cup and its larger mission. One by one, each sponsor and
partner was appreciated and recognized with enthusiastic applause
from the crowd. In a beautiful gesture of goodwill and long-term
collaboration, each of them was also gifted a small potted plant.
It was a symbol of growth, sustainability, and the hope of
extending these partnerships for many more years to come.
Following the heartfelt opening ceremony, the energy and vibrant atmosphere
of the Kitab Cup only picked up further. The event was filled with
activity at every turn. A wide variety of stalls had been set up,
ensuring there was truly something for everyone. Whether you were
looking to engage with NGOs and foundations doing impactful work,
grab a bite or drink from food and beverage stalls, or even get a
temporary tattoo for a bit of fun, there was no shortage of
options. The diversity of the stalls reflected the inclusive,
community-focused spirit of the event.
And then, of course, came the core of the Kitab Cup—football. The
barrage of intense matches provided non-stop entertainment for
spectators and participants alike. From dominant performances that
had the crowd roaring, to unexpected upsets that left jaws on the
floor, the tournament offered a thrilling display of skill,
showmanship, and pure passion. Every kick, every save, every goal
was infused with the spirit of Gyaan through maidan, a powerful
expression of learning and wisdom through the field. It was clear
that this was more than just a tournament—it was a platform for
stories, for unity, for something bigger.
In the heart of the event, a student band played live music
throughout the day, filling the grounds with rhythm and melody.
This student group, having been given the chance to showcase their
passion and talents, kept the atmosphere light and upbeat even in
the middle of tense matches or busy foot traffic. Their
contribution was invaluable in maintaining the vibe and keeping
spirits high, reminding everyone present that this was as much a
festival as it was a football event.
People had come to the Kitab Cup for many different reasons. There
were football players, stall managers, volunteers, TKC managers,
and organizers. And then there were those who simply came to be a
part of the Kitab Cup’s good cause. Beyond Blueprints and
Blindspot Magazine went around interviewing all these attendees
and participants, capturing lively moments and the shared sense of
purpose that led to everyone’s presence at this event. Why these
two magazines? As explained by Shashwat Agarwal, co-organizer and
a driving force behind Project Kitab, “We were looking for
magazine associates that we could tie up with… We didn’t want to
go with conventional magazines. What we really wanted was to go
with a magazine that is youth-led.” He further added, “Our aim is
to empower and build a good community. I think the Blindspot and
Beyond Blueprints are two magazines that our aims and our issues
align with.” His words captured the completely youth-driven and
independent nature of TKC, which gave it a different kind of
energy and made the event all the more memorable.
As The Kitab Cup drew to a close, the crowd gathered once again in
front of the main stage. Organizers Shashwat Agarwal and Shaurya
Sinha took to the stage to address the audience, offering
heartfelt reflections on their journey, from months of planning to
the final, action-packed execution. Shaurya humbly stated, “I only
have to thank my team for how the entire thing played out,”
emphasizing the team’s collective effort. Shashwat followed by
sharing his personal growth during the process: “I learnt more
than I thought I would with TKC.” Their words resonated deeply
with everyone listening, touching on themes of teamwork,
leadership, learning, and dedication.
The speeches led seamlessly into the final award ceremony, where
standout players and teams of the tournament were celebrated.
Whether it was a golden boot, best goalkeeper, or team spirit
award, the cheers from the crowd were loud and genuine. It was a
celebration not just of football, but of effort, camaraderie, and
the values that brought everyone together.
As if the day hadn’t already been packed with inspiration and fun,
the closing performances were the perfect final touch. A
mesmerizing classical fusion dance act held the audience
spellbound, blending tradition and modernity in a beautiful
performance. This was followed by one last music act—an energetic
and uplifting performance that brought the crowd to its feet. It
was a final show of unity, joy, and celebration—a fitting end to a
day that had been about much more than just sport.
We all hope to witness and see Project Kitab grow even more in the
years to come, continuing to embody the spirit and vibes of a
charitable cause, bringing communities together, and helping out
in the most inspiring of ways.
Written By:
-Kabeer Mohammed & Avni Dev