11 January 2019

On Successful Completion of Inaugural Ceremony of Alma Fiesta (Annual Socio Cultural Fest) of IIT Bhubaneswar

The inaugural session of the 10th edition of the annual socio-cultural fest of IIT Bhubaneswar, Alma Fiesta 2019 took place in the Permanent Campus of the Institute, Jatni, Odisha on 11 January 2019. Ceremony started with lighting of the 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, Prof. 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 2018 for convocation and dedication of the Institute to the Nation, respectively. IIT Bhubaneswar has made rapid strides in imparting global class education together with innovation and creativity in science, arts and technology. Prof. 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, Shri Bishnupada Sethi, Higher Education Secretary, Govt. of Odisha and a noted poet, expressed happiness at the rapid growth shown by IIT Bhubaneswar and congratulated the Institute for making green, serene and beautiful campus. He also stressed on the importance of having good teachers as role models for the students to take up careers in science, technology and creative arts.

Chairman Alma Fiesta Dr. C. Bhamidipati welcomed all the members to participate wholeheartedly in the events to follow on 12th and 13th January, together with famlies. The inaugural session also involved the 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 award ceremony of the Children’s Fest followed and up next was “Leela”, the musical and dancing extravaganza which marks the first “Star Nite” of Alma Fiesta.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. 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. The performances earnt praise from the Director, the chief guest and the Deans. The performers such as the 'one-footed' Odissi dancer Padm Shri Nityananda Das and the 8 year old kid genius Asit with his flutes didn’t disappoint at all, and the night ended on a high note that proved Alma is truly set to guarantee entertainment to all over the next two days.