Mangaluru: St Aloysius Pre-University College, Mangaluru, concluded its much-awaited inter-class fests Genesis 2026 for Science students and Emporia 2026 for Commerce and Arts students, bringing together academic knowledge, creativity, innovation and practical learning.
Conducted over two weeks, the fests provided students with platforms to demonstrate their knowledge, practical abilities, entrepreneurial skills, creativity and innovative thinking. The events were designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications while encouraging students to explore ideas, solve problems and discover their potential.
Genesis and Emporia inaugurated
The fests were inaugurated on August 9, 2026, by Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, Principal, St Aloysius PU College, who unveiled the official logos and formally declared the events open.
Addressing the students, Fr Clifford emphasised the importance of extending learning beyond the classroom and preparing young people for a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive world.
He highlighted the need to develop innovation, critical thinking, creativity and interpersonal skills, while encouraging students to participate actively and make the most of the opportunities provided through the fests.
Genesis 2026 showcases scientific innovation
Genesis 2026, the annual Science Fest, focused on scientific curiosity, innovation and creativity. The fest encouraged students to explore, experiment and develop solutions through research, teamwork and problem-solving.
The competitions were conducted under two major segments — Interdisciplinary Competitions and the Category-Based Science Project Competition and Exhibition.
The interdisciplinary competitions included Digimind Talk, Re-Tech Creation, Bio Lens, Campus Quest, ChemCanvas, PhysTeach, EcoCraft Innovations, MathQuest and Campus Insights.
These activities encouraged students to approach scientific concepts from different perspectives while strengthening their research, communication, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
A major attraction was the Science Project Competition and Exhibition, which featured approximately 130 science models presented by nearly 700 students.
The projects addressed a wide range of contemporary challenges. Among the notable exhibits were Stratos Sovereign Engine, a model aimed at helping prospective investors make informed decisions about long-term stock investments; a sensor-operated clinical dustbin; a hydraulic robotic arm; Code in the Sole, an assistive smart shoe for people with visual impairment; and Trauma Seal, a six-layer emergency patch designed to seal wounds and support blood clotting.
Other projects focused on hydroponic farming, smart roof gardens, smart eco-villages, Li-Fi technology, footstep-based power generation using piezoelectric discs, waste heat-to-electricity conversion and smart classroom energy generation systems.
Through model-making, presentations, seminars, photography, poster design, data visualisation and exhibitions, Genesis encouraged students to combine scientific knowledge with creativity and practical innovation.
Emporia 2026 promotes business and creative skills
Emporia 2026, the annual inter-class Commerce and Arts Fest, was conducted under the theme “Explore, Engage and Empower.”
The fest provided students with opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, communication skills, creativity, managerial abilities and critical-thinking skills through a variety of competitions.
The events included Hard Sell, Quiz, Startup Poster, Battle of Brands, The Best Manager, The Mystery Box Challenge, News Anchor, Legal Advocacy, In Short News, Mock Press and Walk with a Cause.
The competitions enabled students to apply classroom concepts to practical situations while developing skills in communication, entrepreneurship, marketing, leadership, decision-making, reasoning and social awareness.
The participation of students across classes created an atmosphere of healthy competition, teamwork and shared learning.
Valedictory ceremony marks conclusion
The combined valedictory ceremony of Genesis and Emporia 2026 was held on August 22, marking the conclusion of the two-week celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ emphasised that hard work needs to be accompanied by continuous learning and skill development.
Using the example of a woodcutter who continues working without sharpening his axe, he explained that effort alone is not sufficient for lasting success. He stressed the importance of regularly upgrading skills and adapting to changing circumstances.
The Principal encouraged students to embrace lifelong learning and prepare themselves for a future in which existing careers may evolve and new opportunities may emerge. He urged them to look beyond simply securing employment and instead focus on creating value and solving problems through their chosen professions.
He also congratulated the students who participated in the Science Model Exhibition for developing projects that demonstrated creativity, innovation and an interest in solving real-life challenges.
Fr Clifford expressed appreciation to the teachers, staff convenors, student coordinators and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the successful conduct of the fests.
Winners of Genesis and Emporia 2026
The winners were honoured by Rev. Fr Clifford Sequeira SJ, Principal; Mr Muralikrishna G. M., Vice Principal of Science; and Deans Mrs Kiran Shetty and Mr Inas Dias.
Genesis – I PUC
| Position | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Champions | Batch 2 |
| First Runners-Up | Batch 3 |
| Second Runners-Up | Batch 5 |
Genesis – II PUC
| Position | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Champions | Batch 6 |
| First Runners-Up | Batch 10 |
| Second Runners-Up | Batch 12 |
Emporia – I PUC
| Position | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Champions | Batch 31 |
| First Runners-Up | Batches 20 and 21 |
| Second Runners-Up | Batch 23 |
Emporia – II PUC
| Position | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Champions | Batch 21 |
| First Runners-Up | Batch 22 |
| Second Runners-Up | Batch 32 |
Teachers and students coordinate the fests
The Genesis teacher coordinators were Mr Arun D’Souza, Ms Dulcin Sequeira, Ms Anusha K. and Ms Vinitha D’Silva.
Emporia was coordinated by Ms Deepti Rani, Ms Chitra S., Ms Debasmitha Mukherjee and Mr Sheldon Andrade.
The Genesis student coordinators were Aarush, Ankith, Aryan, Avin, Cheyenna, Prishel, Sahithya, Shanel Monterio, Shashank, Shawn, Skanda and Vedanth Bhat.
The Emporia student coordinators were Roydon Misquith, Keagan Dsouza, Lishitha K. J., Shrama Pavoor, Esther Fernandes, Anoushka B. and Sanvi K. S.
Genesis and Emporia 2026 concluded as a celebration of knowledge, creativity, teamwork and healthy competition. Beyond the awards, the two fests provided students with opportunities to build confidence, strengthen leadership abilities and apply their classroom learning to meaningful and practical situations.