IIT-M to reschedule tech, cultural festivals

Updated on: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Continuing its reforms to help first year students excel well in examinations Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has decided to reschedule Shaastra, IITM’s annual technical festival and Saarang, institute’s annual cultural extravaganza to August and January first week respectively.

Prof. L.S. Ganesh, dean (students), IIT Madras, told Deccan Chronicle that Saarang is an annual cultural festival that is organised by the students of IIT Madras during the last week of January every year. He said that Shaastra, which the students organise in October every year, showcases technology not only from IIT but also from other colleges.

He pointed out that several faculty had raised their concern about academic scheduled getting affected and diverts students attention from academics to event management as more than 500 students get involved in organising the event.

“Next year we have planned to conduct Saarang from January 18 to 22 and in the subsequent years it will take place in the first week of January,” he said.

“The administration is also thinking of conducting Shaastra during August instead of October, as it will help students to concentrate both in studies and co-curricular activities,” he said.

Saarang, the weeklong festival has events such as music shows, quizzes, lectures and fashion shows. Students from various colleges in the city and other parts of the country participate in the festival.

Shaastra this year took place from September 28 to October 2. Shaastra focused on the theme of inspiring the future by showcasing the spirit of engineering projects.

IIT-M to reschedule tech, cultural festivals

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