Ranchi, September 04, 2026: Technology and student innovation took centre stage at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, as the institute opened its annual technical festival PANTHEON 26 at the GP Birla Auditorium on Friday.
The festival was inaugurated in the presence of students and institute officials, with the opening session placing emphasis on the skills students need beyond the classroom, particularly technical capability, creativity, innovation and leadership.
Nancy Sahay, Director of Urban Administration in the Urban Development Department, was the chief guest at the inaugural programme. Addressing students, she encouraged them to approach their academic and professional journeys with confidence, responsibility and leadership.
Four qualities highlighted for personality development
Sahay highlighted four qualities she described as important for personality development – curiosity, creativity, courage and character.
The institute’s leadership also urged students to continue developing their technical abilities and use creativity and innovation to explore new ideas.
The opening ceremony also highlighted BIT Mesra’s work and achievements in the aerospace sector, including the contribution of its alumni to rocket launch activities involving Skyroot Aerospace.
Cultural performances add to festival opening
The technical focus of the inaugural programme was followed by a cultural segment featuring performances by Cultural Fusion, a tribal dance presentation and the Ehsas Dramatics Society.
A performance by an external artist further added to the energy of the opening ceremony, giving students and guests a mix of technical and cultural experiences as PANTHEON 26 got underway.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Indranil Manna, Registrar Dr Rajesh Jain, Faculty Coordinator Dr Chanchal Kumar Mishra and Faculty Co-Coordinator Dr Paritosh Mehta were among those present at the inauguration. Dean of Student Affairs Dr Praveen Srivastava also addressed the students during the programme.
