Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 2: Udupi Poorna Prajna College emerged as the overall champion of Sri Nova 2026, the national-level intercollegiate fest for pre-university students organised by Srinivas University, while Canara PU College secured the runner-up position.
The two-day fest witnessed 1,684 students representing 63 institutions competing in 32 different events across seven categories. Winners in all categories were recognised with cash prizes, trophies and certificates.
The valedictory ceremony was held on Saturday, October 31, at the new campus in Pandeshwar, presided over by Dr A Srinivas Rao, chancellor of Srinivas University and president of A Shama Rao Foundation. Sajeepa Mohammed Mustafa, chairman of Bharath Infra Tech, Mangaluru, was the chief guest. Amritha, academic head of Mylogic Business Management School, Vijayalakshmi R Rao and A Samana S Rao, members of the board of governors, along with Dr K Satyanarayana Reddy, vice-chancellor of Srinivas University, were the guests of honour.
Dr Pavitra Kumari, convenor of Sri Nova 2026, presented the fest report, highlighting the successful conduct of the various competitions across multiple campuses and the enthusiastic participation of students from different institutions.
In his address, chief guest Sajeepa Mohammed Mustafa appreciated the creativity, teamwork and innovative ideas displayed by the participants. Recalling his association with the event three years ago, he lauded the remarkable growth of Sri Nova into a national-level fest. Encouraging students to pursue their dreams with determination, he emphasised the importance of transforming one's mindset from doing something out of obligation to doing it out of passion. He urged students to believe in themselves, nurture positive thoughts and work consistently towards their goals.
Guest of honour Amritha appreciated the innovative ideas, teamwork and creativity displayed throughout Sri Nova 2026. Sharing her experience of being associated with the fest since its inception, she commended the quality of the events and the efforts of the organisers, encouraging the team to continue the same enthusiasm and spirit in future editions.
Presiding over the ceremony, Dr A Srinivas Rao congratulated the organising team, faculty members and students for the successful conduct of the fest. He particularly appreciated the coordinated efforts of the university's deans, faculty and student volunteers, which helped bring together 63 institutions. He also lauded the innovative events and the enthusiasm and talent displayed by the younger generation.
Dr Ajay Kumar, registrar (development), Srinivas University, welcomed the gathering, while Dr Thrishala Noronha, dean, Institute of Physiotherapy, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes to the winners and participants.