BHUBANESWAR: The inaugural session of the tenth edition of annual socio-cultural fest of IIT Bhubaneswar, Alma Fiesta 2019 took place in the Permanent Campus of the Institute at Jatni .
Lighting of the ceremonial lamp marked the beginning of “The 90’s Carnival: A Nostalgic Ride”, which is the theme of Alma Fiesta in 2019. Director of IIT Bhubanesar, R V Rajakumar mentioned that the two of the nation’s important dignitaries, namely the President and the Prime Minister of India visited the Institute in the same year and dedicated the institute to the nation.
IIT Bhubaneswar has made rapid strides in imparting global class education together with innovation and creativity in science, arts and technology. Rajakumar also highlighted the importance of Indian classical music and dance in today’s times, and urged the students to use the fine arts as a medium to enhance their technical creativity.
Chief Guest of the evening, Bishnupada Sethi, Higher Education Secretary, Govt. of Odisha and a noted poet, spoke about the importance of social connection in today’s digital world. Chairman, Alma Fiesta, C Bhamidipati welcomed all the members. The award ceremony of the Children’s Fest followed and up next was ‘Leela’, a musical and dancing extravaganza which marks the first ‘Star Nite’ of Alma Fiesta.
The inaugural session also involved a children’s fest ‘Bachpan Ka Rangmanch’. The event was held in association with Swabhiman Foundation and Akshara Foundation in which students from Arugul School, Podapada School and Khudupur School participated with enthusiasm.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Ankur Gupta, vice-chairman of Alma Fiesta. The cultural performances of the inaugural session were an utter treat, as the specially-abled children and performers from the Swabhiman foundation mesmerised everyone with their brilliant performances.