Kanpur, December 27, 2025: The Inter IIT Cultural Meet 8.0 (IICM 8.0) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur unfolded as a grand celebration of creativity, expression, and unity, bringing together contingents from 23 IITs across the country. The cultural festival officially commenced on December 23 with an elegant inaugural ceremony that set the tone for five vibrant days of competition, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

The opening ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, symbolising an auspicious start to the festival. The occasion was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. Soma Ghosh (Padma Shri awardee and renowned Hindustani classical vocalist), along with the Guest of Honor, Prof. Manindra Agrawal (Director, IIT Kanpur). Institute officials, including Prof. Braj Bhushan (Deputy Director), Prof. Pratik Sen (Dean of Students’ Affairs) and Prof. Sagar Chakraborty (Chairman, CMAC, IIT Kanpur), also addressed the gathering, underscoring the role of cultural platforms in nurturing empathy, creativity, and well-rounded leadership among students. A captivating Kathak performance by Ms. Kratika Singh and Ms. Priyanka added grace and artistic brilliance to the evening.

Over the next few days, the IIT Kanpur campus transformed into a dynamic cultural arena. Days 2 and 3 witnessed an explosion of talent across the Performing Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Literary and Speaking Arts, Fine Arts, Quizzing, and Culinary Arts. From stage and street plays, short film screenings, story writing, Just-A-Minute (JAM) sessions, live sketching, canvas painting, to intense Sci-Biz-Tech and MELA quizzes, each event reflected the diversity and depth of artistic expression within the IIT community. Live performances, including an energetic set by Raahi The Band, brought participants together in moments of shared celebration and joy.

Day 4 continued the momentum with a rich mix of classical music, theatre, quizzes, wordplay, and digital creativity. Highlights included classical vocal solo performances in the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions judged by Dr. Ganesh Shankar, alongside stage play and mime competitions evaluated by Mr. Shekhar Kanwat, Mr. Shiv Prateek, Mr. V. Anantharaman, and Mr. Avijit Some. Speaking Arts events, such as JAM and Hindi Slam Poetry was judged by Ms. Arjitha Parthasarathy and Mr. Sandeep Dwivedi, strategic Quiz Arts contests conducted by Major Chandrakant Nair, Scrabble judged by Mr. Harvinderjit Singh Bhatia and Ms. Gurmeet Kaur, and the Photoshop Battle was evaluated by Ms. Kirti Vardhan Rathore. These events showcased both intellect and imagination,. The day culminated in a relaxed and informal night featuring a live performance by Kunj Sings.

Day 5 emerged as the most electrifying and high-energy finale of Inter IIT Cultural Meet 8.0, seamlessly blending rhythm, words, strategy, and large-scale entertainment. The Music Arts Cup – Solo Singing, judged by Ms. Natasha Cleophas, highlighted vocal finesse and musicality, while the Dance Arts Cup – Street Battle, judged by Mr. Rahul Singh with live beats by DJ Puppeteer, brought raw freestyle energy to the floor. The Speaking Arts Cup – English Poetry Slam, judged by Ms. Arjitha Parthasarathy, celebrated originality and powerful performance, while the Literary Arts Cup – Cryptic Crossword, considered by Mr. T. Shrikanth, tested linguistic precision and analytical depth.

The festival reached its crescendo at the Pro-Nite, where DJ Paranonx ignited the evening, followed by a headline performance by Olly Esse, delivering a high-octane close that left the audience exhilarated and united in celebration.

With its seamless blend of competition, learning, and cultural camaraderie, Inter IIT Cultural Meet 8.0 at IIT Kanpur stood as a testament to the vibrant artistic spirit of the IIT fraternity—concluding not just as a festival, but as a shared national celebration of creativity, collaboration, and youthful expression.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programs, and three specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 570 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur remains a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigour.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in