Students at the IIT-Bhubaneswar fest, Wissenaire 2012, in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 22: The two-day techno management fest of IIT Bhubaneswar, Wissenaire 2012, saw active participation from students of technology.

The fest, inaugurated on Friday, aimed at providing the students a platform to collaborate for conceiving and executing ideas, plans and presentations.

On the concluding day, the event recorded a footfall of around of 1,500. Outstation students, too, participated in the fest.

“Wissenaire 2012 aims to fuel indigenous research and inspire and motivate the budding technocrats and scientists. It aims to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship, thirst for innovation and inspire ingenious minds,” said T.N.S. Nihar, chief coordinator of the fest.

“We have left no stone unturned in bringing all the technical and managerial enthusiasts under one canopy,” said Nihar.

Speaking at the inaugural event of the fest, former IPS officer and social activist Kiran Bedi said that the IITs should encourage community projects among students.

“Before becoming professional engineers, they should become human engineers. Students should take time out and visit villages to experience life there. Only then, would they inculcate the attitude to serve society,” said Bedi.

“Students must strive towards the three Ms for success — ‘Mastery’ in all that you do, understanding the ‘Meaning’ of life and being a good ‘Member’ of your country,” said Bedi.

A magic show by renowned magician Arvind Jayashankar of Netherlands cast a spell on the audience with his ingenious tricks and mind reading skills on the inaugural evening.

The most interesting part of the fest was a 3D laser show that aimed at creating awareness on sustainable technology.

The first day of the fest witnessed Colloquia, a paper presentation event where the participants presented their understanding of the advancements made in the fields of science and technology.

The Grand Arcanum — a series of electrical, mechanical and civil design events — saw a huge participation from the students.

Case studies, youth parliament and a series of on-spot events too keep the audience involved.

On the second day, a quiz contest, robotics events and a maths Olympiad were held.