Bengaluru's cultural scene was electrified by the colossal success of Yugaantar 2025, a three-day student-led cultural extravaganza hosted by the Scaler School of Technology. The festival witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with participation from students representing more than 800 colleges across India and international attendees from nations like Singapore and Nigeria.
Star-Studded Performances Steal the Show
Over 2,500 attendees gathered across the three days for a packed schedule. The pinnacle was a high-energy live concert by Bollywood playback singer Nikhita Gandhi. She enthralled the crowd with hits like 'Qaafirana', 'Raabta', and 'Tu Jhoom', the latter transforming the venue into a sea of phone flashlights as the audience sang in unison. Day one was set ablaze by stand-up comedian Vivek Samtani, whose relatable jokes about college life and everyday scenarios had the audience in splits.
Beyond the Main Stage: Campus Buzzing with Activity
The energy was not confined to the main arena. The entire campus was alive with diverse performances. Popular creator Iqlipse Nova surprised everyone with a spontaneous jam session. A major highlight was 'Riff Rumble', a fiercely competitive band battle where student groups showcased original compositions and powerful covers, featuring electrifying guitar riffs and soulful vocals that had the crowd roaring.
Tech, Gaming, and Grand Prizes
Complementing the cultural lineup were cutting-edge tech challenges. The event featured drone racing—a crowd favourite that saw participants of all ages, including a remarkable eight-year-old—robo-soccer matches, gaming zones, and a multi-team hackathon. These competitions offered a combined prize pool of ₹7.5 lakh, adding a layer of intense competition to the festive atmosphere.
Reflecting on the event's success, Manmeet Singh Akali, Programme Director of Scaler School of Technology, said, "So proud to see our students organise a festival of this magnitude. It has been an absolute honour to witness their energy, creativity and commitment come to life on such a grand stage."
As the curtains fell, Yugaantar 2025 left behind a legacy of deafening cheers and unforgettable memories, firmly establishing itself as a premier and prominent student-led cultural festival on Bengaluru's annual calendar.