R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JAN 14
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS), in association with KCG College of Technology, hosted a vibrant and culturally immersive Mega Pongal Celebration 2026 at the HITS campus, reaffirming its commitment to preserving Tamil heritage while nurturing student creativity and global perspectives.
The day-long celebration was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Rajen Narsinghen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Government of Mauritius, underscoring the growing cultural and educational ties between India and Mauritius. Guests of Honour included Mr. Malaiappan Nagalingam, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mauritius in Chennai, and Dr. Ben John, Vice President – Microsoft AI, USA. The event also witnessed the presence of senior leadership from HITS and KCG College of Technology, including Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor; Dr. Ashok George Verghese, Pro-Chancellor; Dr. Vikas Misra, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Muthukumar Subramanian, Registrar; and Dr. M. Muthukannan, Principal, KCG College of Technology, along with deans, faculty members, staff, and a large number of students.
Rooted in Tamil agrarian traditions, the celebrations unfolded through a rich array of student-centric competitions such as Rangoli, Pongal Making, Clay Modelling, Drawing, Sketching and Painting, Solo Folk Dance, Solo Folk Music, Traditional Ramp Walk, Elocution, Patti Mandram, Art Out of Waste, and Pot Painting. Adding to the festive fervour were captivating folk performances including Karakattam, Mayilattam, Madattam, and Thapattam, while bullock cart rides transported attendees into the heart of rural Tamil Nadu.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Rajen Narsinghen said, “Pongal is a celebration of the cultural values we share across nations. Festivals like this remind us that education plays a vital role in fostering understanding and harmony worldwide.”
Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science, said, “Cultural festivals like Pongal provide students with more than celebration—they are platforms for experiential learning, connecting tradition, creativity, and community values. At HITS, we believe that honoring our heritage alongside modern education shapes socially responsible global citizens.”
The winners of the morning competitions were honoured during a special prize distribution ceremony, celebrating student excellence across cultural, artistic, and intellectual domains. The Mega Pongal Celebration 2026 stood as a powerful testament to HITS’ vision of holistic education—blending tradition with innovation, local heritage with global engagement, and academic learning with cultural consciousness.
