"Aaruush-2008" Tech-fest all set to hog limelight

Chennai, Sep 11 (UNI) ''Aaruush-2008'', the second edition of the biggest National level Tech-fest, organised by the SRM University, got off to a colourful start here today.

More than 3,000 students from 300 engineering colleges spread over 26 states from across the country descended on the University campus at suburban Kattankulathur for the three-day festival.

A total of 40 events, spread over nine categories would be held till September 13 with the winner and runner-up in each event getting a cash award and a merit certificate.

In all, a total prize money of Rs 25 lakhs were up for grabs.

Talking to reporters after the launch, SRM University Vice-Chancellor Prof P Sathyanarayanan said the fact that the students from 26 states have registered their participation for the event showed that it was a truly national-level festival.

Into its second year, the event generated tremendous enthusiasm from the students' community as the participants grew from 2,000-odd last year to 3,000 this year.

The added significance to the event was that the winners of this festival would get a berth in the finals of the Kshitij-2008'', a tech-festival organised by the IIT, Kharagpur.

''We have entered into an agreement with IIT, Kharagpur for this purpose. In return, SRM University will honour the winners of the event'', Prof Sathyanarayanan added.

He said all the events of Aaruush-2008 were the brainchild of the students. The University management only played the role of a facilitator.

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