Bhubaneswar,11 Jan. 2019: The 10th edition of the annual socio-cultural fest of IIT Bhubaneswar, Alma Fiesta 2019, was inaugurated in the permanent campus of the Institute here today.

The ceremony started with the lighting of the lamp marked the beginning of “The 90’s Carnival: A Nostalgic Ride”, which is the theme of Alma Fiesta in 2019.

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.

Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, Prof. R.V. Rajakumar mentioned that the two of the Nations 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.

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.

Chairman Alma Fiesta Dr. C. Bhamidipati welcomed all the members to participate wholeheartedly in the events to follow on 12th and 13th January. 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 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 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 earned praise from the Director, the chief guest and the Deans.  The performers such as the ‘one-footed’ Odissi dancer Padmashree 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.