Built on the premise that engineering is not merely about textbook applications of theories, the eighth edition of the techno-management fest of the National Institute of Technology-Tiruchi, ‘Pragyan 2012' calls future engineers to add imagination to logic and blend creativity with common sense to churn out futuristic solutions. The festival packed with guest lectures, workshops and contests is an invitation to eat, sleep and celebrate technology on the campus from February 23 to 26.
The ball was set rolling in Chennai in the guise of Pragyan Open Quiz that doubled up as a trailer for the main show. From Pragyan Premier League, the new kid on the block, to Pengufest a regular hackathon, there's plenty for Internet and technology junkies in the form of virtual, backyard and on-stage contests. While ‘Jagriti' calls for engineering with a social perspective, ‘Big Ideas' requires burning of green cells to come up with alternative eco-friendly solutions for everyday products. For patrons of the bull and bear is ‘Dalal Street' that promises the rush of stock trading; ‘topogrypha' is a treasure hunt guided by surveying instruments and ‘Junkyard Wars' is for would-be alchemists who can make mechanical wonders from waste. The signature event ‘Crossfire' would have an eclectic panel including stand-up comedian Vipul Goyal, wildlife photographer Amogavarsha, marketing expert Jessie Paul, and business honcho AN Chnadramouli debating on ‘It's not about the degree, it's about the passion'.
Workshops on light painting, cyber forensics, bipedal robots, IC engine assembling and fundas of stock investment are designed to enrich student's repertoire. Lectures on diverse subjects from rationalism and Kundankulam to astronomy and finite element analysis by eminent speakers including Mike Brown, the man behind Pluto' s loss of planetary status, television presenter and robotic sculptor Jeff Lieberman, rationalist and miracle debunker Narendra Nayak make for a melting pot of ideas. For details, log on to www.pragyanorg.com
