Date: 29 April 2025
Venue: Sri Manakular Vinayagar Engineering College (SMVEC)
Sri Manakular Vinayagar Engineering College came alive with color, rhythm, and joy during CELESTIA ’25, a grand two-day cultural fest that showcased a vibrant tapestry of talent, unity, and creativity. Held on April 29 and 30, 2025, this landmark celebration marked 25 years of SMVEC’s legacy with a spectacular array of events, performances, and memorable moments.
Day 01: Creativity Unleashed
The festivities kicked off with a dynamic lineup of competitions designed to celebrate student talent across a range of artistic and cultural domains. With faculty ensuring seamless coordination and special judges lending their expertise, the atmosphere was one of healthy competition and camaraderie.
Event Highlights:
- Scrap Art – Innovative masterpieces crafted from waste materials.
- Solo Dance & Adaptune – Showcasing rhythm and spontaneity.
- Trashion – Fashion with a purpose, using recyclable materials.
- Sharp Your Pencil – Artistic finesse through drawing and sketching.
- Acting Max – Captivating performances in dramatic arts.
- Lamp Designing, Photography, Museum Models, and Clay Modeling – Hands-on creativity celebrated through unique displays.
- Variety Solo/Group, Classical Solo/Group – A blend of traditional and modern expressions.
- Solo & Group Singing, Instrumental Play, Group Dance – A musical medley that echoed across the campus.
Off-stage Fun:
- Greeting Card Making, Anthakshari, Connection Quiz, Sell Me This Pen, Concept Editing – Promoting creativity, quick thinking, and communication skills.
Participants received certificates, acknowledging their enthusiasm and artistic spirit.The first day not only celebrated talent but also set an uplifting tone for the rest of the fest.
In the evening, the cultural fervor soared as students and staff gathered for the formal inauguration. The program began with a traditional Bharatanatyam performance, followed by an invocation and the SMVEC video song. Dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing wisdom and a bright future.
Inspirational Addresses:
The cultural celebrations began on a warm and gracious note with an inspiring welcome address by Dr. V.S.K. Venkatachalapathy, the Director-cum-Principal of SMVEC. Addressing the gathering of dignitaries, guests, faculty members, students, and participants, Dr. Venkatachalapathy not only extended his heartfelt welcome but also took the opportunity to reflect on the institution’s incredible 25-year journey.
In his address, he highlighted the consistent growth of SMVEC across key domains including academics, research, infrastructure, and student development. He emphasized how thecollege has evolved into a center of excellence, producing well-rounded graduates who make meaningful contributions to society. His speech resonated with pride and optimism, setting an inspiring tone for the rest of the event.
Presidential Address delivered by Shri. M. Dhanasekaran, Chairman and Managing Director of the SMV Trust. In his speech, He brought attention to an important observation regarding the cultural celebrations — the limited participation of students in certain events.
Rather than merely pointing out the issue, he transformed it into an opportunity to encourage and uplift the student community. He urged students to step out of their comfort zones and take more active roles in upcoming events, highlighting how participation in cultural activities extends far beyond recreation.
Also, He emphasized that such activities play a critical role in shaping confident, team-oriented, and capable individuals. They foster essential life skills such as leadership, communication, and creative expression. His address served as a reminder that education at SMVEC goes beyond textbooks, embracing holistic development that prepares students for real-world success.
Shri D. Rajarajan, Treasurer of the SMVEC Trust, delivered a heartfelt felicitation address during a recent cultural event, commending the organizers and participants for orchestrating a vibrant celebration that enriched the student experience. He emphasized the importance of such programs in fostering holistic development and announced an innovative initiative to involve students more actively in decision-making: a Google Form-based voting process to select the Chief Guest for the event. This participatory approach was lauded as a means to enhance student engagement and instill a sense of ownership in institutional activities. His words served as an encouragement for students to step forward, explore their potential, and make the most of the diverse opportunities provided by the institution.
An Evening of Laughter and Dance
The evening was filled with laughter and entertainment, thanks to the renowned hosts KPY Azhar and VJ Narmadha Subramanian. KPY Azhar’s impeccable mimicry and humor had the audience in splits, creating a lighthearted and joyful atmosphere.
- Student Dance Performances
The student dance performances were a highlight of the evening, showcasing a diverse range of styles, from classical to contemporary and fusion. The students’ energy and passion were palpable, and their performances drew cheers and admiration from the audience.
- A Celebration of Talent
The evening was a celebration of talent, creativity, and enthusiasm. The hosts and students came together to create an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, music, and dance. The event was a testament to the power of arts and culture to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Day 1 of our college cultural fest unfolded as a vibrant celebration of talent, unity, and sheer joy. The campus buzzed with energy as students showcased their creativity through captivating performances, from soulful music and electrifying dance routines to engaging theatrical acts. The enthusiasm was palpable, with every corner echoing laughter and applause, reflecting the collective spirit of our student community. As the sun set, the excitement didn’t wane; instead, it set the stage for what’s to come. With Day 2 on the horizon, attendees can look forward to an array of surprises and exhilarating events designed to elevate the festive spirit even further. This cultural fest not only highlights the diverse talents of our students but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and pride within our institution.
