Celebrate inner strength, innovation: Ajay Thakur

“Celebrate inner strength and convert your creativity into innovation,” said Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Kabaddi player Ajay Thakur, while inaugurating ‘NIMBUS-2025’, the annual youth tech festival at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur, on Friday.

Addressing students, Thakur stated every individual is born with a unique talent and it is the role of teachers to identify and nurture that potential. He praised NIT Hamirpur as one of the country’s leading technology institutes, noting its alumni are now contributing to global companies and bringing pride to the state and district.

Speaking on the occasion, the director In-charge, Dr Anoop Kumar, described ‘NIMBUS’ as a blend of knowledge and innovation, where “learning meets application and imagination meets possibility.” He said the event offers students a platform to go beyond the classroom and explore the future.

The faculty in-charge of technical activities, Dr Rakesh Sharma, highlighted the growing scale and impact of ‘NIMBUS’ over the years. “Each event is designed to challenge, inspire and empower young minds to build solutions for tomorrow,” he said, adding that the festival showcases the technical brilliance and creative spirit of NIT students.

The dean of student welfare, Dr Ashok Kumar, emphasised the importance of holistic development, remarking ‘NIMBUS’ is not just a celebration of technology, but also a training ground for leadership, communication and life skills essential for shaping responsible professionals.

Registrar Archna Nanoty echoed similar sentiments, stating festivals such as ‘NIMBUS’ reflect the vibrant intellectual culture of NIT Hamirpur. She lauded the students for their dedication, teamwork and talent on display.

An open exhibition was one of the major highlights of the festival, featuring student-led projects such as the ‘automatic waste segregator’ by Team Vibhav, ‘virtual scalpel’ and a ‘portable power generator’ by Team Ojas, among others. These innovative prototypes drew attention from visitors and underscored the festival’s theme of creativity in action.