Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Nov 15: Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM), Bantakal, Udupi, organised ‘Avishkar 2K25’, a science fest for young minds on November 15 at the college premises.
Avishkar 2K25 aimed at nurturing scientific curiosity and innovation among PU and High School students state and district level, is envisioned as a vibrant platform to ignite scientific curiosity, encourage experimentation, and promote interdisciplinary learning among young minds.
The chief guest of the event, Pratheek Bayal IAS, chief executive officer of Zilla Panchayath Udupi, inaugurated the event. In his inaugural address, he said, “I commend the college for organising an event that nurtures the human mind, inspires students, and brings them together to express their curiosity and learn from one another. Science and technology have always fascinated me because they continuously challenge and expand human thinking. Our entire civilisation has advanced on the foundation of technology. Computer science, in particular, has expanded tremendously and now influences every branch of engineering. Karnataka was the first state to introduce the e-governance system, and the central government adopted e-governance only after Karnataka. The introduction of Aadhar has brought a major transformation across the country. As the world keeps evolving, we too must adapt, change is the only constant, and without it, we risk falling behind.”
K Jagadish Navada, principal of Viveka Pre-University College Kota Udupi, highlighting the importance of identifying and nurturing individual talent, said, “Talent reflects the unique IQ level of each student, and while it differs from person to person, every student gets the same amount of time to showcase it. However, due to negative thinking, many students fail to bring out their abilities, and unused talent eventually goes to waste. That is why talent must be expressed at the right time and guided in the right direction. Opportunities, when given, should be used wisely. In life, just like in a game, if plan A fails, there is always a plan B. Success and failure are two sides of the same coin, winning is not permanent, and failure is never final. The one who loses today may be the winner tomorrow. Our responsibility is to encourage students and provide them with a platform so they can reveal their true potential.”
Uday Shetty, chief planning officer, Zilla Panchayat, noted the rapid technological growth of the present era and said, “Technology is evolving at a very fast pace. In our time, these changes happened much more slowly, and I often feel we were born a bit too early compared to today’s rapidly advancing world. Now, technology transforms every month. This presents a great opportunity for students. Talent is what helps a person succeed, and through programmes like this, we can nurture future Einsteins for our society.”
Vijay Kumar KAS, project director Zilla Panchayat, emphasising responsible use of technology said, “Time holds great value, and along with new technological inventions, morality is equally essential. We must understand how, why, and when to use a particular technology so that it is not misused. Unfortunately, those who are technologically advanced and educated sometimes become a concern for society due to misuse. Avishkar 2K25 provides a meaningful opportunity for students and youth. Today, we notice children spending excessive time on social media; both elders and students should reduce screen time and work on improving their lifestyle. When we give importance to time, innovation, and moral values together, our efforts will be truly successful.”
Rathnakumar, secretary, Shri Sode Vadiraja Mutt Education Trust Udupi, presiding over the event said, “Today’s science and technology act like a double-edged sword, so we must use them wisely. As the name suggests, ‘Avishkar’ is a platform for innovation, research, and bringing forth new developmental ideas within you. Scientists, engineers, and doctors from Karnataka have made significant contributions to the nation’s rapid progress, and we will continue to lead the country. SMVITM is not a factory producing engineers, it is an institution that shapes true engineers for society. All of us must work together to uphold this mission.”
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of around 500 students and large number faculty across various institutions
The programme began with the invocation by Vindhya students of first year CSE. The event features science model exhibition, interactive session, science quiz and short video making competition, designed to engage students in hands-on scientific exploration.
Dr Nagaraj Bhat, dean, academics and in-charge principal welcomed the gathering. Dr Subbulakshmi N Karanth, head of Chemistry Department and convener of Avishkar 2K25, delivered the vote of thanks. Students Chirashree and Deepa D Prabhu compered the event.
Faculty members, students and participants were present on the occasion.