IISc to host unique techno-cultural event

In a first-of-its-kind event, students at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) will organise a unique national-level festival which will combine learning in science and technology with various cultural activities. The fest is set to become a permanent annual fixture on the institute’s calendar.

‘Pravega’, as it is called, will see participation by students from institutes all over the country as well as a number of renowned scientists, industrialists and entrepreneurs. According to Krishnan Iyer, a third-year undergraduate student who is the coordinator, “While IISc has organised similar events in the past, it was not on such a large scale. Students from a IITs, NITs and other prestigious colleges are expected to take part in the fest. It has taken us one year to plan and organise the fest.”

The fest which will take place from January 31 to Febuary 2, will be a mixed bag of activities. A photography competition will take place simultaneously with technical competitions themed on various aspects of pure sciences and engineering, like kitchen chemistry, cryptography and coding. While on the one hand there will be quizzes on technology and science, on the other, a workshop on B-boying and break dancing will also take place. Workshops on a variety of subjects like satellite designing and launching, gesture game development and mobile making will be conducted, as will a battle of bands, dance and essay writing competition.

The highlight of the three-day festival will probably be lectures and talks from the likes of Mylswamy Annadurai, program director of the Mars Orbiter Mission, Professor Adriano Aguzzi, renowned physician from the University of Zurich, Vijay Chandru, founder and chairman of In silico Technology and Jens Cattarius, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz R&D India.