Kochi: Christ College, Irinjalakuda, was crowned the overall champion of Splendore 2024, an international graduate fest organised by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences (Autonomous), Kalamassery, which concluded on Friday. Sacred Heart College, Thevara, claimed the runner-up position in the event, which featured a prize pool exceeding Rs3 lakh.

Held from December 11 to 13 and themed “A Decade of Splendour,” the current edition of the fest celebrated the 10-year journey of creativity, competition, and social consciousness. The event drew participation from 73 institutions and over 900 participants.
The fest opened on December 11 with competitions exclusively for higher secondary students, transitioning to vibrant collegiate contests the following day. The grand finale on December 13 was dedicated to performances by Rajagiri’s undergraduate students, with over 1,500 attendees marking the concluding day.

Rev. Fr. Benny Nalkara CMI, Provincial of Sacred Heart Province and Manager of Rajagiri College inaugurated the event. Rev. Fr. Rintle Mathew CMI, Administrator of Rajagiri College, delivered the felicitation address. Dr. Ann Baby, Dean of Student Affairs, and Fr. Dr. Shinto Joseph, CMI, Assistant Director, were also present.

This year’s theme, “A Decade of Splendour,” reflected on the milestones of the past nine editions, each focusing on critical global issues such as sustainability, diversity, and mental health. Iconic past themes like “Go Green, Be Clean” (2015) and “Harmony Beyond Horizons” (2023) were revisited, reinforcing a sense of continuity and shared purpose.

A diverse array of events marked the fest’s itinerary, including ramp walks, debates, musical performances, and drawing contests. This year, the Circuit of Titans was a standout addition, an obstacle course designed to test physical endurance and mental acuity. Comprising 12 challenges, including the Mowgli Swing, Commando Crawl, and Shuttle Runs, the course was praised for its innovative design and immersive experience.

Adding to the excitement, pre-fest activities such as a food festival, open mic sessions, and an art installation reveal were held from November 11. Social media promotions played a crucial role in generating buzz and engaging audiences.