Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 31: Srinivas University inaugurated ‘Sri Nova 2026’, a national-Level intercollegiate fest for pre-university (PU) students, on October 30 at its new campus, Pandeshwar, Mangaluru.
The two-day fest provides an excellent platform for PU students from different parts of the country to showcase their talents, creativity, knowledge and competitive spirit through various competitions and activities.
The programme was presided over by Dr A Srinivas Rao, chancellor of Srinivas University and president of A Shama Rao Foundation. Dr Naveen Shetty K, president of the Dakshina Kannada District PU Colleges Principals’ Association, was the chief guest.







The guests of honour included Abhishek Kumar, chief manager, Bank of Maharashtra; Prof Er Mitra S Rao, trustee member, board of governors, Srinivas University; A Samana S Rao, member, board of governors; Dr K Satyanarayana Reddy, vice-chancellor; Dr Anil Kumar, registrar; and Dr Ajay Kumar, registrar (development), Srinivas University.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Dr Naveen Shetty K appreciated Srinivas University's initiative in providing a national-level platform for PU students. He congratulated the university management, organisers, faculty members and students for their efforts in organising such a large-scale event.
He advised students to have clear goals in life and work towards achieving them with dedication, discipline and determination. He emphasised that extracurricular activities, along with academic achievements, play an important role in personality development.
He encouraged students not only to win competitions but also to win people's hearts through good conduct and respect. Quoting the teachings of Siddeshwara Swamiji, he said, "What we give to the world is what we receive in return. Therefore, we should give our best to the world."
Guest of honour Abhishek Kumar, chief manager, Bank of Maharashtra, extended his best wishes to the participants. He expressed his hope that the achievements of young students would enhance the nation's reputation and bring pride and recognition to the country.
In his presidential address, Dr A Srinivas Rao expressed happiness over the participation of more than 400 students. He highlighted that participation and the experience gained through competitions are more important than merely winning prizes. Such platforms help students enhance their confidence, knowledge and overall personality. He encouraged all students to actively participate in the various competitions and make the best use of the opportunities provided.
Dr Pavithra Kumari, convenor of 'Sri Nova 2026' and dean, Institute of Aviation Studies, welcomed the gathering. Prof B Prashanth Prabhu, dean, Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism, proposed the vote of thanks.
Prof Prajna Odilnala and Prof Elson D'Souza compered the programme.
The inauguration marked the beginning of the two-day fest, which provides students with an opportunity to showcase their talents, interact with students from different educational institutions and develop creativity, teamwork and a healthy competitive spirit through various competitions and activities.