The 3-day extravaganza, the technical and cultural fest of the Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University) - PECFEST: An Indian Odyssey commenced on Friday with great zeal and enthusiasm among the students. The fest began with an inaugural ceremony held in the main arena on 17th November 2023. Prof. Baldev Setia, Director PEC was the Chief guest of the inauguration ceremony. Registrar Col RM Joshi (Veteran), Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. D.R. Prajapati, Associate Dean of Students Affairs Dr. Puneet Chawla graced the occasion with their presence and support.
The fest began with the roadshow on 16th November, 2023. This was ceremoniously flagged off by esteemed Director Prof. Baldev Setia of Punjab Engineering College. The vibrant prelude marked the beginning of the countdown to the main event from November 17th to 19th, a promising dynamic mix of cultural and technical brilliance.
On 17th November, 2023, the Inaugural ceremony began with a floral welcome of Chief Guest Prof. Baldev Setia by Director PEC by Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. D.R. Prajapati followed by lamp lighting by all the esteemed guests.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. D.R. Prajapati addressed the gathering and extended a warm welcome to all the esteemed guests, sponsors and participating teams. He appreciated the PEC Students for their hard work to put up the best show. He said that PECFEST is an accomplishment for us. He said, ''this year's theme, ''Maritime in Masquerade'', reflects the dynamic nature of our institute and community. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of our various disciplines and collaborative efforts that fuels innovation and shared dreams that binds us together."
Prof. Baldev Setia in his address, expressed his gratitude to be part of PECFEST and congratulated the organisers for planning and organising such a grand event. He also expressed his pride in speaking from a place which had been collectively shared by our great alumnus, Padam Bhushan Sh. Jaspal Bhatti, Aditya Partap Singh popularly known as Badshah. He appreciated the students and volunteers for playing a crucial role in putting up this fest and wished success of PECFEST 2023, along with a successful year for all the students.
The fest was further graced by the folk performances presented by the Punjabi Editorial Board with an enthusiastic Bhangra performance by the students of PEC. The energetic troupe of seasoned bhangra dancers mesmerized the audience with their magnetic performance.
Dr. Puneet Chawla, ADSA gave a vote of thanks. While concluding the inaugural ceremony she appreciated and acknowledged the hard work of the students for setting up such a grand event and wished them best of luck for the three-day extravagant festival with a variety of events and an amazing star night on 18th Nov.
PEC students worked day and night to bring marketing deals with the zeal to organize one of the best fest in college history. The sponsors for this fest are as follows. Powered by - CP 67 Homeland, Co - Powered by - Hero, Associate Sponsor - ALC, Crimsoune Club, Driven By - Sparxx. Some food sponsors - Theka Coffee, Domino’s, Fresh from factory, Bonbon Bakery, Verka, and Markfed are the main event sponsors respectively for the fest.
PECFEST is known for organizing competitions which cover interests of a wide spectrum of students. Student Counselling Cell is an all-time achiever of bringing smiles on the faces of participants by organizing witty and exciting contests. This time a participation of 6 teams from across the country for Robowars (international stand and technical event), 3 teams for Glitterati, 5 teams for Grooves, 5 teams for Bhangra Theque, 8 teams for Rockathon, 50 teams each for Rap battle and Bhangra War respectively. Extensive participation was observed from colleges like IIT Mandi, IIT Delhi, IIT Dehradun, IIT Ropar, IIT Roorkee, IIT Jammu, UIET PU, UPES Dehradun, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Hamirpur and NIT Jalandhar.
"Rang Punjab De" event was organized by the Punjabi Editorial Board of College in which there were performances which included Bhangra and Malwayi Gidha. The astounding performances vividly demonstrated one of the most expressive cultures from our nation. It showed us the various ways we can experience life in Punjab in the most exhilarating ways.
Besides these events there were also numerous competitions organized by different clubs and societies of the institute. Netagiri, Wordict, Variety of quizzes, Technical competitions, Bazm-E-Shayari, Monologue, Meme Making, PR writing are the various events that gathered attraction from various colleges and schools within the tri-city and outside as well.
Day 1 witnessed an exemplary footfall of participants from colleges of entire tricity and outside as well. PECFEST coordinated with various schools from Chandigarh. School students were accompanied by teachers and took part in various competitions. This fest gave them an opportunity to experience activities outside their academics. A collaboration was done with major food joints from and around the Chandigarh region and 20 food stalls, along with 15 corporate stalls and special stalls for top sponsors were Also set up in the arena.
Attendees can look forward to captivating performances, exciting cultural and technical competitions, and a thrilling finale by Sunidhi Chauhan.
