Elevate 2024: A Festival of Innovation and Learning at Vijaybhoomi University

Bhargavaram Krishnapur, BTech Computer Science and Engineering 

Elevate 2024, organized by the Vijaybhoomi School of Science and Technology in collaboration with E-Cell IIT Bombay, was a scintillating event that showcased excitement, innovation, and the diverse talents of students. This national-level hackathon and festival featured an array of competitions, workshops, and sessions designed to inspire creativity and foster professional growth.

One of the key highlights was Neural Nexus—an AI/ML hackathon that brought together brilliant minds from across the country to solve real-world problems through data science, coding challenges, and AI-based solutions. Participants demonstrated remarkable innovation, tackling challenges that pushed the boundaries of technology and problem-solving.

In addition to Neural Nexus, the event offered industry-focused programs such as FutureWorks and FutureConnect. These sessions provided invaluable insights from industry experts and opened doors to internship opportunities, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. Students explored career paths in fields such as engineering, business, and design, making the most of this opportunity to connect with professionals and enhance their understanding of industry dynamics.

With its perfect blend of technical innovation, professional development, and industry engagement, Elevate 2024 was a transformative experience. The event not only celebrated creativity and learning but also empowered participants to take meaningful steps toward their future careers, making it an unforgettable milestone in their academic journey.

Winter Wonderland at Vijaybhoomi University

Elizabeth John, BPA (Mus), Contemporary Performance

As the year comes to an end, Vijaybhoomi University students came together to celebrate Christmas in style with Winter Wonderland on the 14th of December. The venue was adorned with Christmas-themed decorations and fairy-white lighting, creating a cozy and festive ambiance throughout the campus. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree added to the charm of the evening.

The celebration featured a series of spectacular performances by Vijaybhoomi University students. The evening began with the University choir ensemble, led by TSM Vocal Faculty Prof. Caterina Chierico, performing Lean On Me and Someday at Christmas. Om Rawas then captivated the audience with his solo renditions of Malhari and Vinchu Chawala. Adding to the Christmas spirit, Asmi Battoo and Elizabeth John delivered a delightful duet of the song Santa Baby.

The festivities continued with Adhyatm Deriya’s melodious rendition of Yeh Shaam Mastani on the Melodica, showcasing his exceptional talent. Rajdeep brought a different vibe to the stage with his impressive cover of the rap song Ek Tarfa. The showcase concluded on an energetic note with a power-packed dance performance by Aditya and Preeyas, leaving the audience cheering for more.

The celebrations also delighted everyone with delicious treats, including pizzas from Domino’s, shawarmas from Shawarmaz, and a variety of yummy pastries. The night wrapped up with a DJ Night, where students danced their hearts out, making the event a truly unforgettable experience.

Promoting Menstrual Hygiene and Awareness Through the Kanyathon Initiative

What are the long-term benefits of regular physical activity, and how can students incorporate it into their busy academic schedules? 

Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, enhances mood, boosts energy, and reduces stress. Students can incorporate fitness by setting a consistent schedule, such as 30-minute sessions a few times a week. Simple activities like walking, cycling, or quick workout routines can easily fit into a hectic lifestyle while improving overall well-being. 

What are some common misconceptions students have about physical fitness or physical education, and how can they be corrected?

One misconception is that physical education is only about intense exercise or sports. In reality, it’s about overall wellness, which includes flexibility, strength, and mental well-being. Another misconception is that fitness requires hours at the gym. In fact, short, consistent workouts can bring significant benefits if done properly. 

How does physical education contribute to mental health, and what advice do you have for students who experience stress or anxiety?

Physical education helps manage stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. Regular physical activity improves sleep and cognitive function. My advice would be to incorporate simple activities like walking, stretching, or yoga into daily routines, which can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity.  

What is your perspective on the growing interest in alternative fitness activities, like yoga and mindfulness, and how can they complement traditional physical education?

Alternative fitness activities like yoga and mindfulness provide a balanced approach to health, promoting flexibility, mental clarity, and relaxation. These activities complement traditional physical education by addressing the mind-body connection. Incorporating both types of exercise creates a holistic wellness routine that enhances both physical strength and mental peace. 

How do you think physical education can be more integrated into the overall curriculum to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle among students?

Physical education can be integrated into the curriculum by emphasizing the importance of daily movement in class schedules, encouraging active breaks, and incorporating wellness modules in other subjects. Other colleges can conduct Personality Enhancement Program similar to ours, making it better for overall development of students. 

As a co-founder of Directi alongside his brother, Bhavin Turakhia, Divyank quickly recognized the untapped potential in digital advertising. This led to the creation of Media.net, a revolutionary ad-tech platform that redefined online advertising with its focus on innovation and precision. Under his leadership, Media.net grew rapidly, serving major publishers globally. In 2016, he sold the company for $900 million, marking one of the largest ad-tech exits in history. 

Despite shifting his focus from coding to entrepreneurship, Divyank’s ability to adapt and take risks cemented his position as a visionary leader. His story stands as proof that a change in career path, when approached with dedication and strategy, can lead to unparalleled success. 

"If you keep solving problems, creating value, and stay passionate, success will always follow." – Divyank Turakhia

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