Singer Akriti Kakar performs at the annual techno-cultural fest of Institute of Technical Education and Research in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pat

Taking a break from the rigours of serious academics and the grind of examinations, students of Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), Bhubaneswar, showed their expertise in technology at their annual techno-cultural fest, Chakravyuh, from January 3 to 7. The five-day extravaganza ended with a bang as Bollywood playback singer Akriti Kakar rocked the Celebrity Nite on Monday evening with her high-voltage performance.

The singer began her performance with her personal favourite – Marjaani from Billu. This was followed by tracks such as Abhi Abhi To Mile Ho from Jism 2, Paani Da Rang from Vicky Donor, Main Pareshaan from Ishaqzaade and Subah Hone Na De from Desi Boyz. Following special requests, she also belted Fevicol Se from Dabangg 2.

Her high-voltage performance made young boys and girls throng the stage and turn into zany dancers. Some others stood up on their chairs, switched on the lights on their mobile phones and swayed according to the tempo of the songs.

The fest was inaugurated by Tata Steel vice-president Arun Kumar Mishra, along with ITER deputy chairman Prof B.K. Sarap, dean Prof R.K. Mishra, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University dean (research) Prof P.K. Nanda and convenor of Chakravyuh Prof R.K. Hota.

Botany lessons

The 37th annual conference of Odisha Botanical Society was recently organised at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, to make students aware of recent developments in plant biotechnology. Over 400 delegates including scientists from premier educational institutes from across the state and country participated in the event.

“It was a great learning experience for us, as we got an opportunity to interact with various scientists and professors who gave us an insight into this emerging field,” said Swati Das, a student.

Officials of Ravenshaw University said the existing laboratory facilities would be upgraded for advanced research. The varsity is also planning to enter into collaboration with various state and national universities in the field of plant biotechnology.

A student of the institute walks the ramp during the fest. Telegraph picture

Women’s stay

Baliapal College of Physical Education, a premier postgraduate physical education professional college of the state, will start construction of a ladies hostel. The foundation stone of proposed facility was laid by Rajya Sabha MP Sashi Bhusan Behera on January 6. Behera highlighted the importance of physical education, especially for women in the wake of increased cases of harassment against them. He stressed on discipline, fitness and courage for achieving success. He assured the college of financial help, both from the state and central governments. College principal Sakti Ranjan Mishra had appealed for financial assistance for the ongoing project, stating that nearly Rs 95 lakh would be required. The political leader has agreed to provide Rs 10 lakh in first phase from his MP Lad fund.

Happy growth

The Sri Sri University Faculty of Management Studies, Cuttack, organised a seminar titled “Growth without Tears” on January 3 to understand the economic growth scenario of the country. University president A.L. Rao, vice-chancellor Kailash Mishra, higher education secretary Gagan Kumar Dhal and president of World Forum of Ethics in Business Rajita Kulkarni addressed the faculty members and students. Rao talked about the Gini index, which measures the extent to which the distribution of income or consumption expenditure among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution.

A racing car developed by students of NIT Rourkela on display at Swadeshi Mela in Rourkela. Picture by Uttam Kumar Pal

Medical aid

The community medicine department of the Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital, Bhubaneswar, conducted a free health camp at a village in Khurda on January 4. Nearly 150 people attended the camp where diagnostic and curative health services were provided. Doctors of the Institute of Dental Sciences also attended to the patients.

Vroom ahead

A team of 25 students from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, which had participated in the SupraSAE racing car design and engineering event at Noida last year, won appreciation at the recent Swadeshi Mela held in the Steel City. The students, who christened their team as Road Runner, displayed their creation – R3-25.

The team had secured an overall rank of 18 among the 117 teams of students that had participated in the competition at Buddh International in Noida.