Media Release
Bengaluru, Jul 28: Emphasising that the future belongs to those who remain curious and adaptable, Fr Dr Victor Lobo, vice chancellor of St Joseph's University, urged students to cultivate an open mind while addressing the gathering at Elixir 2026, the University's annual Open Day, held on Monday.
Speaking to prospective students, parents and visitors, Fr Lobo observed that artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly transforming the educational landscape. "In this age of AI and automation, there cannot be a more valuable gift than an open mind. Curiosity, adaptability and the willingness to learn will define success in the years ahead," he said.
The Open Day brought together 48 academic departments, each showcasing innovative exhibits, research projects, creative installations and interactive demonstrations. According to the organisers, the event attracted nearly 2,500 visitors, including students, parents and teachers from schools and colleges, while over 1,200 university students and faculty members participated in presenting the exhibits.
Faculty coordinator Prem noted that this year's edition witnessed a significant increase in participation compared to previous years. "We welcomed more schools, colleges and visitors than ever before. The number of exhibits has grown so much that classroom space has become a challenge. This year's event also introduced new attractions such as the TED-Ed programme and a dedicated selfie point," he said.
Though held over a single day, Elixir 2026 was the culmination of nearly four months of planning, involving budgeting, coordination, exhibit preparation and logistical arrangements. The event aimed to provide prospective students with first-hand exposure to the university's academic programmes, infrastructure, student activities and learning environment.
chief guest Fr K S Casimir SJ congratulated the university for organising an event that inspires curiosity and meaningful learning. Encouraging young learners to embrace questioning as a habit, he remarked, "Questions create new worlds," while highlighting the importance of integrating emerging technologies such as AI into education.
Guest of honour Christy Priyadarshini, principal and secretary of Bishop Cotton Girls' School, appreciated the University for creating a platform where innovation and creativity could be experienced firsthand. Addressing students and parents, she encouraged young people to view Open Day as an important milestone in their academic journey rather than merely an exhibition. She also urged parents and teachers to continue supporting students as they explore their interests and career aspirations.
A major highlight of the event was the TED-Ed programme, which saw the participation of 35 students discussing the growing role of artificial intelligence in education and everyday life. The sessions explored AI's applications in teaching, assessment and evaluation while encouraging participants to critically reflect on the opportunities and challenges presented by the technology.
Student volunteer Zarah Abdul Rasheed described the event as an enriching learning experience. "Open Day gives us practical exposure while allowing visitors to appreciate the creativity and talent across departments. Every exhibit presents unique ideas, making it an exciting opportunity to learn from one another," she said.
With vibrant exhibitions, interactive learning experiences and meaningful discussions on the future of education, Elixir 2026 offered prospective students a comprehensive glimpse into campus life at St Joseph's University. The event successfully reinforced the University's commitment to innovation, experiential learning and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.