A fusion of talent, ideas and all-pervasive energy was clearly visible as the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT’s) cultural fest, ‘Riviera 2024’, which commenced at the college campus on Thursday, February 29, 2024.
With over 40,000 students from 135 universities and colleges in the country, and 25 other countries in Asia, Europe and Africa, participated at the four-day fest, which will include rollicking events, skill-based competitions and entertainment shows.
“Students should focus on their dreams. Hard work and dedication to achieve their dreams should be the ideals of students during their academic years. In that sense, VIT provides an ambience for such focussed effort of students,” said cricketer Shivam Dube, who inaugurated the festival as the chief guest.
Amid thundering applause, Mr. Dube shared his thoughts on cricket, long drive and books. “If I had not been a cricketer, I would have become an actor. Years spent by me to become a successful cricketer are my best memories,” the cricketer said when a student asked him to share unforgettable memories.
In his presidential address, G. Viswanathan, founder-chancellor, VIT, said that the Centre and State governments should take concrete steps to improve sports in the country by allocating adequate funds, infrastructure and right ambiance for sportspersons.
He said that the festival was launched, a year after the institution became a universityin 2001, at a total budget of ₹10 lakh. Since then, the festival has been growing in terms of participation and fund allocation. For Riviera 2024, the total budget allocation was ₹4 crore, Mr. Viswanathan said.
On Thursday, over 2,000 students participated in the 5-km marathon titled ‘Beat the Heat,’ which began kicked off from VIT campus, highlighting the importance of saving the environment. The VIT’s vice president G.V. Selvam was present at the inaugural event of the festival.
As part of the pro-shows of Riviera 2024, on Day 1 (February 29) renowned singers Shankar Mahadevan and Vijay Prakash will perform; music director G.V. Prakash and fusion band-Pineapple Express will perform the following day; Agam band will perform on the third day of the fest; DJ Zen and DJ Paroma will present the evening performance on the concluding day of the fest on March 3 (Sunday).
