Chennai, January 13, 2026: Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science in association with KCG College of Technology, hosted the Mega Pongal Celebration 2026 at the HITS campus, highlighting Tamil culture, agrarian heritage, and student creativity.
The event was attended by Chief Guest Mr. Rajen Narsinghen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Government of Mauritius. Guests of Honour included Mr. Malaiappan Nagalingam, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Mauritius in Chennai, and Dr. Ben John, Vice President – Microsoft AI, USA. Senior officials present included Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor; Dr. Ashok George Verghese, Pro-Chancellor; Dr. Vikas Misra, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Muthukumar Subramanian, Registrar; and Dr. M. Muthukannan, Principal, KCG College of Technology, along with deans, faculty, staff, and students.
The day-long event highlighted Tamil traditions and agrarian heritage through competitions including Rangoli, Pongal Making, Clay Modelling, Drawing/Sketching/Painting, Solo Folk Dance, Solo Folk Music, Traditional Ramp Walk, Elocution, Patti Mandram, Art Out of Waste, and Pot Painting. Folk performances of Karakattam, Mayilattam & Madattam, and Thapattam, along with bullock cart rides, offered attendees a glimpse of Tamil cultural richness.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Rajen Narsinghen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Government of Mauritius, said, “Pongal is a celebration of the cultural values we share across nations. Festivals like this remind us that education plays a vital role in fostering understanding and harmony worldwide.”
Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science, said, “Cultural festivals like Pongal provide students with more than celebration—they are platforms for experiential learning, connecting tradition, creativity, and community values. At HITS, we believe that honoring our heritage alongside modern education shapes socially responsible global citizens.”
The winners of the morning competitions were honoured during the prize distribution ceremony, acknowledging student excellence in cultural, artistic, and intellectual pursuits. The Mega Pongal Celebration 2026 reinforced HITS’ commitment to cultural preservation, student engagement, and holistic education, reflecting the institution’s focus on shaping socially responsible and culturally grounded global citizens.
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