Concert culture rises in Doon’s colleges as locals stress on prioritising academics over flashy events
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Campus concerts are increasingly becoming part of admission-season outreach in Dehradun’s top colleges, with institutions using celebrity performances and entertainment events to attract prospective students. However, residents say that such trends should not influence long-term academic choices.
For years, students selected colleges primarily on the academic reputation, faculty strength, infrastructure and placement records. But with rising competition among institutions, campus concerts and cultural showcases are emerging as visibility tools during admissions outreach.
Class XII student exploring higher education options Vivek Rathore said that the concerts may create excitement but should not distract students from evaluating academic quality and the career prospects. Rathore said that, “The events are something that my peers have been discussing. If not directly, these events do play a role in our choices of colleges. At least for some of us”.
Parents attending admission counselling events are also noticing the shift. Reenu Rathore said that while entertainment programmes may appeal to students, factors such as faculty quality, campus infrastructure and placement support remain critical in decision-making. “Students should focus on what the institution offers in terms of education and future opportunities, like placements. In our era, we would look at placement records and other key things, but today’s kids get swayed away by the flashy events,” she said.
She added that for her family, she continues to prioritise the long-term academic outcomes over short-term “distractions”.
Colleges see this differently. Education policy faculty member at a local college Swati Kaushik said that campus concerts can contribute positively to student engagement and help reduce stress, particularly during examination periods, she said. However, she cautioned that such activities should complement, not replace core academic considerations during the admission process.
Locals say that the trend reflects increasing competition among private institutions seeking to strengthen their visibility during admission cycles in education hubs like Dehradun, which attracts students from several neighbouring states. With colleges expanding promotional strategies through entertainment-based outreach, parents and experts emphasise the need for students to assess institutions based on academic standards, faculty expertise and placement outcomes rather than celebrity-driven campus events alone.
