TATHVA ’26, the Silver Jubilee edition of the annual techno-management festival of the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut), was inaugurated on the institute’s campus today. Recognised as South India’s biggest techno-management fest, the three-day festival is being held from October 9 to 11, 2026, marking 25 years of innovation, creativity and technological excellence.

Mr. Charles Godwin, HR Leader at Zoho, inaugurated the festival and attended the function as the Chief Guest. Mr. Prashanth Pillai, Secretary of the RECCAA Charitable Society, was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director, NIT Calicut, presided over the function.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Charles Godwin, Chief Guest, said, “Technology is most powerful when young minds use it to question, experiment and create solutions that make a difference. Platforms like TATHVA encourage students to move beyond the classroom, explore emerging possibilities, collaborate across disciplines and transform their ideas into meaningful innovations. The Silver Jubilee edition is a celebration of this spirit of curiosity, creativity and entrepreneurship.”

Celebrating its 25th edition, TATHVA ’26 is expected to attract more than 80,000 students and visitors over the three days. The festival brings together technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, management, entertainment and youth culture on one of the region’s largest student platforms.

The Silver Jubilee edition is centred on the theme “Asteria”, which lends the festival a distinctive celestial and futuristic identity. “Cosmo Polo”, the fictional mascot of TATHVA ’26, forms an integral part of the festival’s visual identity and narrative, reflecting the spirit of exploration and imagination associated with this year’s theme.

The three-day festival features a diverse line-up of technical and managerial competitions, innovation-focused activities, interactive sessions and entertainment programmes, providing participants with opportunities to learn, compete, collaborate and showcase their talents.

The opening day featured Robo War, offering an exciting platform for robotics enthusiasts to demonstrate engineering skills, strategic thinking and innovation. A talk by Joseph Annamkutty Jose was another key attraction, engaging participants through his ideas and perspectives. Several other technical, competitive and cultural events are also being organised as part of the festival.

With its Silver Jubilee edition, TATHVA ’26 celebrates a quarter-century of fostering technological curiosity, managerial capabilities and entrepreneurial thinking among young people. The festival continues to serve as a platform for students from across the country to connect, exchange ideas and experience the intersection of technology, creativity and culture.