Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology & Management (SMVITM), Bantakal, under the aegis of community orientation club, organized Avishkar2K15 – the second edition of the annual intercollegiate science model exhibition-cum-competition for PUC students of the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts – at the institute premises on 31st October 2015. 116 students constituting 41 teams representing 23 PU colleges in the districts participated in the event.
The chief guest on the occasion, Dr. M. Thirumaleshwar, a former scientist with Baba Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, referring to Dr. A. P.J. Abdul Kalam’s idea of igniting the minds, said that the youth were like dynamites with tremendous energy contained in them. The enthusiasm they would feel about their work and goal and the support of the parents and teachers were the spark that would unleash the energy within them. He also briefly outlined the methodology of scientific research, starting from identifying an area of research to getting the results published and emphasized the importance of proper documentation of one’s research findings.
The inaugural function was presided over by H. H. Shri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji, President, Shri Sode Vadiraja Mutt Education Trust (SSVMET), Udupi, Prof. Dr. Thirumaleshwara Bhat, Principal, SMVITM and Coordinator of Avishkar 2K15 gave a prelude to the event and welcomed the gathering. Prof. Ganapati Bhat, former professor, NITK, Surathkal and Sri P. Shrinivasa Tantry, Vice President, SSVMET were guests of honour on the occasion. Mr. Arun Upadhyaya, coordinator of the exhibition proposed a vote of thanks. Sri Raghavendra Tantry, management representative; Prof. Harish D., Technical Advisor to SMVITM; Prof. Dr. Radhakrishna S. Aithal and Prof. Dr. A. Ganesha, Director and Dean (Academics) of SMVITM respectively were present.
Speaking as the chief guest at the prize distribution function organized in the afternoon, Dr. P. V. Bhandary, Director, Dr. A. V. Baliga Group of Institutions said that it was a tragedy that many parents considered their children’s participating in co-curricular and extracurricular activities a waste of time. Citing incidents from his own life, he exemplified how belief in oneself and confidence would make one successful. The 5D’s of success were dream, discipline, determination, dedication and divine intervention, according to him.
H. H. Shri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji, President, SSVMET presided over the function. He, along with Dr. P. V. Bhandary and Sri P. Shrinivasa Tantry gave away the prizes to the winners in the inter-collegiate competition. Prizes to winners in an in-house science model making competition, which had been held on 30 October 2015 as part of Avishkar2k15 for the students of SMVITM, were also distributed on the occasion.
In the inter-collegiate category, Mr. Gururaj, Mr. Chandhan Saicharan and Mr. Vinayprasad of Government PU College, Kundapura bagged the first prize and the cash award for their model Automatic Pump Set. Mr. Niranjan, Mr. Rakshith G. Kanchan and Mr. P. Prakhyath Shetty of Excellent PU College, Sunnari were awarded the second prize and cash award for the model Alternative Source of Energy. Mr. Mackvin Menezes, Mr. Alwyn Johnson and Ms. Renita of St. Lawrence PU College, Moodubelle secured the third prize and cash award for their model Multipurpose War Tanker. In the in-house competition, the team of Mr. Namdev Nayak, Mr. Narendra Kini and Ms. Chaitra Bangera won first prize for their model Smart Parking Automation. The model Ring made by Mr. Pradeep Nayak, Ms. Namritha M.S. and Ms. Deeksha D. bagged the second prize and the team consisted of Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Denald and Mr. Gautham secured the third prize for their model Piezo Electric Charger.
Ms. Laxmi Shetty, Asst. Professor at the Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering presented a brief report of the exhibition. Prof. Dr. A. Ganesha delivered the welcome address Coordinator, Avishkar2k15 proposed the vote of thanks.