Engineering colleges in India organize tech fests. Business schools host management fests. With Amrita’s focus on multi-disciplinary education and research, it is but natural that B.Tech., M.Tech., B.Sc., M.Sc. and MBA students at the Amritapuri campus would come together to host a multiFest.

Vidyut 2012 got off to a rocking start on February 1 when Amrita students from the Schools of Engineering and Business were joined by those in the Schools of Arts & Sciences and Biotechnology as well as the Department of Social Work to organize the various competitions.

Nearly 1500 student participants arrived from all over 100 colleges in India to compete, to present research papers, attend workshops and interact with distinguished guests from industry and academia.

At the inaugural ceremony, Subroto Bagchi, co-founder of MindTree Ltd., spoke to students about leading lives that would ultimately impact society in a positive way. The following day, Sam Pitroda, chairman of National Innovation Council, interacted with students from his office in New Delhi, through A-View.

Others who spoke during the three-day fest included business leaders from Samsung, SKF Global and NTPC, among others.

When participating students were not busy listening to invited talks, they were learning about the latest gadgetry in several industry-certified and hands-on workshops. Among the most popular workshops were those on Android Mobile Application Development, Cybersecurity, Entrepreneurship, Robotics and Automobiles.

A special highlight was the model science village that showcased and explained technologies for sustainable development. Harnessing solar and wind energy, treatment of waste water, rain water harvesting were all beautifully demonstrated, as also several innovative approaches to increase the efficiency of these technologies.

“It is the younger generation that has to lead the way in the wide adoption of these technologies today,” stated a student participant from Bangalore. “As such, it is great to see the Amrita multiFest promoting this in a big way.”

Sustainable development was also the prominent theme for several contests, wherein participants competed for cash awards. Building business plans, designing circuits, assembling robotic devices, they had the opportunity to display their talents and enthusiasm.

The Rubik’s Cube event resulted in new national records. PhD student Bhargav Narasimhan, participant from Chennai, broke previous records for 2 x 2 average, 3 x 3 one-handed and average, set in IIT Kanpur the previous week.

All three evenings had special treats in store for all. On the first day, participants were welcomed by an electrifying display of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art form. Famous rock bands performed on the second and third days.

Dr. Bala, Associate Dean, Amritapuri campus, sent out a congratulatory note to the fest organizers.

“Vidyut has been a great success,” he said. “Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Br. Anand Shenoy and all other faculty members and students who made this possible. This was a great opportunity for our students to learn event management, planning and coordination and they have done admirably well. Congrats to them!”

February 6, 2012
Amritapuri Campus