Annual Day Celebrated at SMVITM Bantakal on 13 March 2026

The Annual Day of Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management (SMVITM), along with Niramaya College of Nursing (NCON) and Niramaya College of Allied Health Sciences (NCAHS), Bantakal, was jointly celebrated on 13 March 2026 at the institute premises with enthusiastic participation from dignitaries, faculty, staff, and students.

His Holiness Shri Akshobhya Ramapriya Theertha Swamiji, Junior Pontiff of Balagaru Akshobhya Theertha Samsthana, Theerthahalli, graced the occasion and delivered his blessings. In his address, Swamiji highlighted that the works of ancient Indian scholars such as Madhwacharya and Vadiraja Tirtha contain deep scientific insights. He noted that spirituality and modern science are interconnected and encouraged researchers to explore traditional knowledge systems including sound-based weather influence, rapid agricultural germination, and ancient metallurgical practices from a scientific perspective to uncover their potential for future technological advancements.

The programme was presided over by Paramapoojya Shri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji, President of Shri Sode Vadiraja Matha Education Trust (SSVMET), Udupi. In his presidential address, Swamiji referred to the moral story of the three fishes to highlight the importance of foresight and proactive thinking. He urged students to develop a visionary outlook and avoid procrastination. Linking this wisdom to the vision of a self-reliant India, he appreciated the contributions of innovators such as Dr. Raghavendra H. S. Rao, who are strengthening the nation through indigenous technological development, and blessed him during the occasion.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Raghavendra H. S. Rao, Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of DCX Systems Ltd., addressed the gathering and encouraged students to take up innovative projects involving automation and emerging technologies. He offered financial assistance for promising student projects, opportunities for industrial visits, and guidance for those interested in entrepreneurship. He also announced a ₹5 lakh scholarship for nursing students and emphasized that discipline and effective time management are essential for success.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including Shri P. Srinivasa Thantry, President, SSVMET; Shri Rathnakumar, Secretary, SSVMET, Sri Harish Belman, Sri Sunder Madakshira, H. V. Gowthama, and Shri Shyam Sunder, members of the Trust and Advisory Board. Also present on the dais were Prof. Dr. Radhakrishna S. Aithal, CEO, Sode Group of Institutions, Dr. Nagaraj Bhat, Principal, SMVITM, Mrs. Roshni Rodrigues, Principal, NCON, Mr. Shivashankar Pai, Principal, NCAHS, Dr. Sudarshan Rao, Dean (Academics), Dr. Sachin S. Bhat, Dean (Research & Consultancy), Dr. Deepika B. V., Overall Coordinator, Mr. Pranith Shetty, President of the Student Council, and Mr. Veerendra Nayari, General Secretary of the Student Council.

The programme began with an invocation by Ms. Sharanya Tantry, a second-year student from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Shri Rathnakumar, Secretary of SSVMET, delivered the welcome address.

The Annual Report for the academic year 2025–26 was presented by Dr. Nagaraj Bhat, Principal of SMVITM, and Mr. Shivashankar Pai, Principal of NCAHS, highlighting the major academic achievements, research contributions, and accomplishments of students and faculty.

Mr. Sachin Prabhu, Assistant Professor (Senior), Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, introduced His Holiness Shri Akshobhya Ramapriya Theertha Swamiji, while Mrs. Roshni Rodrigues introduced the Chief Guest, Dr. Raghavendra H. S. Rao.

During the ceremony, Dr. Raja Yateesh Yadav, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, announced the names of scholarship recipients and PhD awardees, while Dr. Sachin S. Bhat, Dean (Research & Consultancy), announced the Proficiency Awards.

Dr. Sudarshan Rao, Dean (Academics), announced the Best Second Year Student Awards, Best Third Year Student Awards, and the Best Outgoing Student Awards (Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Prashashti).

The Best Outgoing Student Awards were presented to:

Ms. Annapurna Shenoy – Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Ms. Natasha Chrissane Lobo – Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Mr. Nagendra Pai – Department of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Mr. Satvik S. Bhat – Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Ms. Preethi M, Assistant Professor (Senior), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, announced the names of the various sponsors, who were subsequently recognized and felicitated by the CEO and the Principal.

The programme was compered by Mr. Sudhir, Assistant Professor (Selection Grade), Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Ms. Kavyalakshmi, Assistant Professor (Senior), Department of Mathematics.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Deepika B. V., Overall Coordinator, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, organizers, and participants for making the Annual Day celebration a memorable and successful occasion.