Team News Riveting
Patna, January 29
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya hosted its annual cultural and sports fest ELEGANTE 8.0 that concluded on Sunday.
The event included students from prestigious institutions such as the NSIT Patna, IMI Kolkata, St. Xavier’s Patna and IIM Ranchi. The theme of this year’s event is “Abhyudaya” meaning progress, emphasising the institution’s growth.
The festivities commenced on January 24 with an inauguration ceremony facilitated by Dr Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, and the Chief Guest, Anand Kumar (IPS) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gaya. In his address, the Chief Guest emphasised mindfulness, a core value of the institute, and its importance in all aspects of life.
Dr Sreelekha Mishra, Chairperson of Students’ Affairs, delivered the welcome speech, thanking the students, committees, and clubs for their efforts in organising the fest. The ceremony also introduced the participating sports teams and officially declared the fest open.
The first day of the annual fest included sports events with participation from leading institutes: IIM Ranchi (50), St. Xavier’s Patna (70), NIT Patna (70), IMI Kolkata (30), and NSIT Patna (20). In addition, the day included an online gaming competition, a simulation of the International Court of Justice, and creative workshops like pottery and painting. The evening concluded with cultural performances, showcasing the diverse talents of the participants.
It was followed by sports competitions and events like Quizzilla, Policy Case Competitions, and a painting competition. The day also featured the NAVYATA fashion show, with participation from the Indian Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), Muzaffarpur, Bihar, NSIT Patna, and IIM Bodh Gaya. The evening showcased solo singing performances followed by a performance by IIM Bodh Gaya’s official musical band, The Story Tellers.
The day concluded with a live musical performance by the band Azaadi. On the final day, January 26, the CSR Committee of IIM Bodh Gaya organized EduRun, a marathon aimed at raising awareness about rural education and highlighting the importance of collective efforts in promoting accessible education for all. The event saw participation from over 800 individuals, including students, faculty members, officers and cadets from the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD) and Officers Training Academy (OTA). The marathon started from IIM Bodh Gaya’s Academic Block to Maya Sarovar Lake through the Magadh University campus and back to the Academic Block, covering a total distance of 8.5 km.
Refreshments (food and beverages) were available at all stages of the run. The initiative was supported by the State Bank of India (SBI), Coca-Cola, Union Bank, and Raasta Café. The celebrations started with a Republic Day observance, which included solemnly hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem.
The day unfolded with sports matches and cultural programs, culminating in a valedictory ceremony. The Director and Kumar Anurag, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Gaya recognized the achievements of students in various sports such as cricket, football, basketball, table tennis, throwball, badminton, chess, and volleyball, followed by the cultural prize distribution. A lively DJ night and dance performances in the evening concluded the festivities.
With over 35 events held, ELEGANTE 8.0 served as a platform for cultural exchange and sporting spirit.
