New Horizon College of Engineering (NHCE) inaugurated Sargam 2026, its student-run national-level inter-collegiate cultural festival, at New Horizon Knowledge Park on October 30. The two-day festival, scheduled for October 30 and 31, brings together students from across the country on a common platform to showcase their artistic talent, cultural expressions and creative abilities. 

Themed ‘Mahadevi: The Cosmic Symphony’, this year’s festival draws inspiration from the divine feminine, exploring the themes of strength, wisdom, prosperity and transformation through the various manifestations of the Goddess. The theme seeks to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage by bringing traditional art forms into dialogue with contemporary creative expression. 

The inauguration was attended by Chief Guest Roopa Iyer Srivastava, film director and actor, along with Dr. Mohan Manghnani, Chairman, New Horizon Educational Institution; Ms. Renuka Manghnani, Vice Chairperson, New Horizon Educational Institution; Mr. Dhermesh Manghnani, President, New Horizon Educational Institution; and Ms. Sargam Manghnani, Vice Chairperson, New Horizon Institution and New Horizon Gurukul. 

Also present were Dr. Manjunatha, Principal, New Horizon College of Engineering; Mr. Bodhisatvan, Principal, New Horizon College, Marathahalli; and Dr. Baswaraj, Principal, New Horizon, Kasturinagar, along with the Vice Principals, Executive Directors, Senior Executive Directors, Controller of Examinations, Heads of Departments, and members of the teaching and non-teaching staff. 

The inaugural ceremony commenced with a traditional dance performance offered to Lord Ganesha, setting a cultural and devotional tone for the celebrations. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, symbolising the auspicious beginning of the festival. 

Chairman Dr. Mohan Manghnani formally declared Sargam 2026 open, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha and Mahadevi. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah. With the blessings of Ganesha and Mahadevi, I declare Sargam Two-Zero-Two-Six – Open.” His announcement was welcomed by enthusiastic applause from the student audience. 

The festival sets the stage for two days of cultural competitions, artistic performances and creative engagements, bringing together student communities from different institutions to celebrate talent, diversity and the spirit of inter-collegiate participation.