Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Mar 26: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) was lit up with joy and excitement as its annual cultural festivity Utsav-2025, commenced on March 26 at KMC Greens.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Vasanti R Pai, trustee of MAHE Trust, alongside dignitaries including pro-chancellor MAHE Manipal Dr H S Ballal, vice chancellor Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, director of students affairs, Dr Geetha Maiyya, chairperson of the Cultural Coordination Committee (CCC), Dr Shobha Kamath, and secretary, CCC MAHE Dr Sambit Das.
The fest was inaugurated by Vasanti R Pai, trustee, MAHE Trust, who along with the dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp, and declared the commencement of a five-day extravaganza.
Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor MAHE Manipal, said, “MAHE gives a lot of importance to promote cultural, co-cultural, sports and games activities. It helps in holistic development of students and help them in the future. Therefore, cultural extravaganza of Utsav is organised every year and this year too. Participation is as important as winning or losing, may the best team win. I wish this event for the next four days every success. Students who have come from outside campus enjoy your stay and return back with sweet memories.
Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor MAHE, Manipal, in his words said, “This is the true spirit of Manipal. Now everyone feels part of this wonderful occasion to take part in this cultural extravaganza, one of the largest in the country. We have seen many international events, festivals, technically Utsav-2025 stands apart. This is the best event conducted across the country. Utsav has become a part of the University calendar. Holistic development of students has become much earlier in Manipal University, which is followed by other universities. Utsav plays an extraordinary role in allowing the talents of the students to come forth. In the next four days we will have a wonderful display of talents, our culture, dance, music and celebrate diversity. Participation is more important than winning or losing.
The event commenced with the parade of cultural coordinators of all the departments and institutes from all campuses of the university. The prizes for the winners of various competitions were distributed on the occasion.
Spanning five days, Utsav 2025 features forty enthralling events, engaging 3500 students and 500 faculty members across five campuses, including Mangaluru, Sikkim, Malaysia, Dubai, Jamshedpur, Jaipur and Bengaluru. The KMC Greens was filled with vibrant decorations, offering a backdrop for competition and performances.
Dr Shobha U Kamath, chairperson, CCC welcomed the gathering. Dr Sambit Das, secretary, CCC MAHE, delivered the vote of thanks. Dr Saraswathi Shriram, assistant professor, KMC Mangaluru compered the event.