A Celebration of Culture, Leadership, and the Power of Community

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) is honored to celebrate a defining achievement for one of our student organizations: WPI Rangeela.
 
On April 27, 2025, Rangeela claimed first place at Sholay 2025, a premier intercollegiate Bollywood fusion dance competition hosted by Stony Brook University. This is the team’s first competition win, a long-awaited and emotional milestone for a group that began with a vision—and is now a part of WPI history.

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WPI Rangeela at Sholay 2025

WPI Rangeela at Sholay 2025

From Vision to Victory

Although Rangeela was officially recognized in April 2022, its story began in Fall 2021. Five students—Alopa Waje, Pooja Kawatkar, Amrit Kaur, Rayna Jacob, and Aadhya Puttur—began laying the groundwork for a cultural dance team at WPI. What started with shared passion quickly became a movement.
 
Today, the team has grown to more than 25 performers and continues to serve as a cultural home and creative outlet for students of all backgrounds.
 
At Sholay 2025, Rangeela delivered a stunning, high-energy routine blending Bollywood, Bhangra, and contemporary choreography. Their storytelling and technical excellence earned them first place—and the hearts of all in attendance.

A Senior Send-Off: Words from the Founders

Alopa Waje (’25):
“Lots of emotions—excited because it feels like everything that has happened over the last four years has led to this moment, humble because of the difficult times each person and the team has faced to get here, and most importantly PROUD because the team has worked so hard and deserves to be rewarded for the win!! 🏆”

Amrit Kaur (’25):
“It’s crazy. When the five of us first got together with the shared interest of dance, I never thought it would get to where we are today. We’ve grown to 25+ members, given so many the chance to perform on stage and learn new styles. To bring home First—right before graduation—leaves me speechless. I’m so proud of everyone who made this dream real and so glad I was part of creating a family at WPI.”

Pooja Kawatkar (’25):
“I feel so happy and proud!! It feels surreal—like I was living the final episode of a TV season and I want to relive it. Since 2021, we’ve worked tirelessly to get Rangeela here. Our friends, family, and supporters gave us the strength to give it our all. The team is growing fast, and every time I see them perform, I’m even more proud. It really is only going up from here!”

Rayna Jacob (’25):
“I’m so incredibly proud of everyone!! I truly believe we won because of our relentless dedication to the team—whether it was late night practices, hours of fundraising, or lugging the saap and khunde bags across campus. We all sacrificed for the team and I can't say how lucky I am to have a team who is willing to put in the extra effort, even through all the highs and lows. That effort and spirit of teamwork was the reason for our first-place victory at Sholay and I hope it inspires the future generation of Rangeela!!”

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Members of WPI Rangeela Holding the 1st Place Trophy

Members of WPI Rangeela Holding the 1st Place Trophy

Together, this team continues to represent what’s possible when culture, creativity, and student-led excellence come together. ODIME is proud to support Rangeela as they inspire the next generation of student leaders, artists, and changemakers. 

Congratulations, Rangeela!!

 

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME) promotes and oversees student-facing learning experiences, programs, services, trainings, and initiatives for WPI.