(From left) Bihar Chamber of Commerce president OP Shah, Patna University pro-vice-chancellor SI Ahson and industries and disaster management minister Renu Kumari inaugurate the fest in Patna on Thursday. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, Jan. 27: Rendezvous of Colleges, 2011 — a three-day education and cultural fair, organised by the bachelor of business administration department of Magadh Mahila College, was inaugurated today by industries and disaster management minister Renu Kumari.

“This college has always contributed to academics and extra-curricular activities. Such events are necessary for the empowerment of women. Women must participate in all aspect of our industrial growth,” said Kumari.

College principal Dolly Sinha said: “The department has performed very well since its inception in 2006. Its success can be determined from the fact that though it has only 60 seats, there is a huge rush for admission in the department.”

The theme of the fest is “Let’s Go Green”. Two events — Add Sense and Slido-Mania — took place on the college campus today.

While Ad Sense was a quiz programme on environment issues, Slido-Mania was a slide show competition where three teams participated.

Other interesting events, including a film quiz, are scheduled in the remaining two days at the fest.

Stalls of designer clothes and accessories were set up where students exhibited their marketing skills.

Patna University pro-vice-chancellor S.I. Ahson, who was also present at the inauguration function, said: “The BBA department is vibrant. It is always coming up with new projects and ideas.”

“This fair is a good initiative by the students and the teachers of the department,” he added.

Meera Verma, the co-ordinator of the department, said: “People often do not realise the importance of the greeneries. One should not forget that human existence would be impossible without the environment.”

Verma said the fest aims to promote awareness and preservation of the nature.

Eleven colleges, including Indian School of Management and Usha Martin Academy, are taking part in the fest.

O.P. Shah, the president of Bihar Chamber of Commerce, who was the guest of honour at the fest, said: “This is my first visit to the college and I am very happy to see the initiative of the hard-working girls. Practical training along with theoretical learning is very important.”

“It is best if these events are related to entrepreneurship development programmes,” he added.