Fostering Talent: AOTFiesta 2025 Brings Schools and Colleges Together

School Students Engage in STEM and Creative Events at AOTFiesta 2025

The Academy of Technology (AOT) recently hosted AOTFiesta 2025, an engaging event that brought together engineering students, local schools, and the AOT community. The festival, designed to inspire young minds and foster intellectual growth, saw enthusiastic participation across various disciplines, emphasising innovation, creativity, and collaboration. A major highlight of this year’s celebration was the active involvement of school students in four key events: XtraVaganza, a captivating science exhibition showcasing creative experiments and discoveries; QuantQuest, a mathematics competition that challenged analytical skills and problem-solving abilities; Artistix, a painting contest encouraging artistic expression; and XpreXive, an extempore event aimed at refining communication and public speaking skills.

This edition of AOTFiesta was especially significant, as it was held in honour of the late founder and chairman, trustee Jagannath Banerjee. His enduring vision centred around nurturing young minds, inspiring ambitious dreams, and promoting accessible, quality education. His legacy continues to be carried forward by the current chairman trustee, Anindita Banerjee.

In tribute to his vision, the XtraVaganza science exhibition was organised with the theme “Innovation towards achieving zero carbon footprints with applications of science for society.” The exhibition featured innovative solutions from some of the state’s most promising young minds. The first prize was awarded to Team Phoenix from Sri Aurobindo Vidyamandir, Chandannagar, for developing a smart home automation system aimed at reducing energy consumption through intelligent device control.

Team Innovation Igniters from Bholananda National Vidyalaya, Barrackpore, secured the second prize for their smart electric lamppost powered by piezoelectric sensors. Team Eco-Warriors from PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Ishapore, claimed the third prize for their solar-powered automatic indoor cooling system. These projects highlighted AOT's commitment to fostering scientific thinking and sustainability among the youth.

Additionally, students from Mahesh Sri Ramakrishna Ashram in Rishra received special mention for their conceptual model of an ideal carbon-free urban society. Though they narrowly missed securing a spot on the winners’ podium, their project stood out for its depth and vision. Reflecting on the event, Aratrik Bandyopadhyay, a final-year BTech (CSBS) student at the Academy of Technology, Hooghly, emphasised the significance of platforms like AOTFiesta. He noted that such opportunities are crucial in encouraging young minds to believe in their potential and begin their journeys early, reaffirming the importance of nurturing innovation.

In addition to AOTFiesta, AOT also focused on hands-on learning experiences. A three-day workshop on Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technology was conducted from March 21 to 23 at Lahiripur on Satjelia Island in the Sunderbans. Led by Basudeb Bhatta, a renowned figure in India’s geoinformatics education, the workshop aimed to provide practical training in advanced spatial data collection techniques essential for environmental planning and monitoring.

Organised by the Purbasha Eco-Helpline Society, the event was coordinated by Umashankar Mandal, known as the "Mangrove Man," in collaboration with GIS engineer Ayan Ghosh. Participants were trained in collecting high-precision geospatial data under real field conditions. The selection of Lahiripur, an ecologically sensitive area surrounded by mangroves and climate-vulnerable farmland, highlighted the critical role of geospatial technologies in environmental conservation.

Soumyadwip Barman, a first-year MSc Geoinformatics student at Adamas University, Barasat, reflected on the workshop, noting that it provided valuable insights into the practical applications of DGPS. He emphasised how the workshop strengthened participants' understanding of the relevance of DGPS technology in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in the Sunderbans. AOTFiesta 2025 and the DGPS workshop exemplify the academy’s commitment to nurturing young talent, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable solutions. These initiatives provide students with the tools to engage with real-world challenges, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to society’s future.

Editor's Note

AOTFiesta 2025 at the Academy of Technology was a celebration of young talent, innovation, and community collaboration. This year's event stood out not only for its diverse range of activities but also for the tribute it paid to the late Jagannath Banerjee, whose vision of nurturing young minds continues to inspire the institution. From a captivating science exhibition to thought-provoking competitions, the event showcased the creativity and dedication of participants from engineering colleges, local schools, and the AOT community. The recognition of outstanding projects like smart home automation and solar-powered cooling systems highlights the importance of innovation in addressing global challenges, especially environmental sustainability. In addition to the festivities, the three-day workshop on Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) technology in the Sunderbans further exemplifies AOT’s commitment to practical, hands-on learning. With a focus on geospatial technologies and their role in environmental conservation, the workshop provided valuable insights into data collection techniques essential for ecological monitoring.

As per Skoobuzz, both events emphasise the need for nurturing future leaders who are equipped to tackle pressing issues like climate change and sustainability, making this edition of AOTFiesta a significant step forward in fostering innovation and preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.