A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

June 29, 2024, is a day I’ll always cherish. As one of the organizers of "Nadhya: Live in Concert", an event brought to life by the Rotaract Club of the University of Moratuwa, I had the privilege of watching our collective efforts come to life at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre.

Nadhya wasn’t just any concert. It was a special, Chinatown-themed event with a powerful purpose—to raise funds for cancer patients. This was a huge project that took almost six months of planning and effort. As it was our first time organizing a concert, we knew we were in for a challenge, but we were excited to take it on.

Our vision was ambitious. We wanted to transform the venue into a vibrant Chinatown-inspired space that would leave a lasting impression on everyone who attended. We brought together an incredible lineup of artists, including Lahiru Perera, Wasthi, Hana Shafa, Dilu Beats, Ravi Royster, Bhashi Devanga, Vinuja Tharushka, Chanuka Mora, and Prabhasha Nethmi, who is an exceptionally talented artist from our own university. Additionally, two amazing bands, Yaka Crew and Midlane, were set to perform, with TV Derana on board as our Official Media Partner. Everything was lined up for an unforgettable night.

To build excitement and spread the word about the concert, we organized a flash mob at Havelock City Mall, featuring some of our talented university students. Their dynamic performances created a buzz and helped generate enthusiasm for the event, showcasing the energy and talent we had in store for the concert.

However, we quickly realized that organizing a concert was much harder than we had anticipated. Our Organizing Committee (OC) worked tirelessly over the months, handling countless details, coordinating with artists and sponsors, managing ticket sales and tackling any issues that arose. There were moments when it felt like everything might fall apart, but the dedication and teamwork of our OC were truly inspiring.

One of our biggest concerns was the unpredictable weather, especially since it was an outdoor event. We also faced monetary and logistical issues—things didn’t always go according to plan, and there were moments when it felt like everything might fall apart. But our team, the Organizing Committee (OC), stayed strong.
What kept us going was the teamwork within our group. Each of us brought different skills and strengths, and by working together, we were able to overcome the obstacles we encountered. Every challenge became a learning experience, and every setback pushed us to find better solutions.

When the night of the concert finally arrived, we were both excited and nervous. But once the music started and the stage lit up, all our worries disappeared. Our host really stood out. Her energy and excitement were amazing at getting the crowd pumped up. With her engaging personality, she created a lively and electric atmosphere that got everyone excited for the evening. The crowd was enthusiastic, the atmosphere was electric, and at that moment, we knew that all our hard work had paid off.

Looking back, "Nadhya: Live in Concert" wasn’t just a successful project—it was proof that when people come together, they can achieve incredible things. I am incredibly grateful to every member of the Organizing Committee for their relentless effort and unwavering commitment. We didn’t just complete a project; we also gained valuable experience in event planning, problem-solving, and the importance of collaboration.

As we move forward, I’ll always carry the lessons we learned from Nadhya. It showed me that no matter how tough things get, with determination and the right people by your side, anything is possible.