Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya (IIMBG) hosted its annual cultural and sports fest, ELEGANTE 7.0, from January 26 to 28, 2024. The three-day event witnessed the participation of various institutes from across the country, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm in various competitions and activities.
The fest commenced on January 26, coinciding with the Republic Day celebration. The national flag was hoisted and the national anthem was sung with pride and respect. The newly built sports stadium was inaugurated by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, the Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, who also addressed the audience and stressed the importance of leadership skills and values.
The Hon’ble Chief Guest, Lieutenant PS Minhas, Commandant, OTA, Bodh Gaya, graced the occasion with his presence and shared his insights and experiences with the students. He also declared the annual fest open and wished everyone a great time. The first day of the fest was filled with cultural events and performances, including a friendly cricket match between the faculty and students of IIM Bodh Gaya and the team from OTA, led by Lt Minhas.
The match was a display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, and ended with a bonfire and a jamming session in the evening. The second day of the fest was dedicated to sports events, which started in the morning and continued till late evening. The events included cricket, football, basketball, table tennis, badminton, chess, and volleyball.
The sports committee, chaired by Dr. Amresh Kumar, and the student affairs committee, chaired by Dr. Sreelekha Mishra, were the main organizers of the events. The highlight of the day was the NAVYATA fashion show, where the students of Indian Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), Muzaffarpur, Bihar, and IIM Bodh Gaya walked the ramp in their stunning outfits.
The show was followed by a musical night, where the students enjoyed the live performances of Aseem Sharma, a singer and songwriter, and Tattva, a musical band based in Delhi. The second day of the fest also marked the launch of ‘Happy Periods’, a social initiative by IIM Bodh Gaya to promote menstrual hygiene and awareness. The CSR committee, Pragati, led by Dr. Johnson Abhishek Minz and Dr. Suman Choudhary, visited Kendriya Vidyalaya OTA and D.A.V. Public School and distributed free sanitary pads sponsored by Niine.
The team also educated the students about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene. The initiative was a reflection of IIM Bodh Gaya’s commitment to social welfare and empowerment. The third and final day of the fest saw the continuation of cultural events, such as a quiz, a solo singing competition, and a solo dance competition.
The students of Creative Dance Academy, Patna, Bihar, and IIM Bodh Gaya impressed the audience with their solo and group dance performances. The fest concluded with the prize distribution ceremony, where the Hon’ble Director and the guests felicitated the winners and the participants of the various events.
ELEGANTE 7.0 was a grand success, thanks to the efforts and enthusiasm of the students, faculty, staff, and sponsors of IIM Bodh Gaya. The fest also witnessed the participation of several reputed institutes, such as NIT Patna, IIM Ranchi, St. Xavier’s, Patna, AIMK, Kolkata, IDT, Muzaffarpur, and NSIT. The fest was a platform for cultural exchange and sporting spirit, and exemplified the essence of a diverse and inclusive celebration.