The only way I can describe it is that the campus came to life. For those like me who hadn’t the faintest idea what to expect, the buzz began with the fairy lights all over campus. They’re the benchmark now- anytime there’s fairy lights going up, something exciting’s following. And exciting it was.
On day 1 of Tech Tava, MIT woke up to a new and upgraded campus. The student plaza was dressed up, with hand painted posters all around and hanging décor that fandoms would gush over. For Potterheads (like me), it was a dream come true, with a life sized harry potter figurine putting Kinder Joy’s to shame and MIT’s very own Hogwarts Express at the doors of AB3. One could feel the buzz in the air.
That afternoon, everyone skipped their naps (you know you take them). Lunch was at the food stalls- ranging from desi chaats to Boba tea, one had to try them all. The usual classrooms turned into arenas of fun and madness with the countless events taking place.
People running around wouldn’t be considered absurd, it’s a campus-wide treasure hunt. Friends splashing each other with water isn’t crazy, it’s a ping pong loser’s penance.
With face and hand painting stands, photobooths and hand wrestling matches, in tandem with a plethora of other games organized, the academic blocks were unrecognizable.
Image by Gyan for MTTN
Every corner of the campus was bustling with activities. Each person on campus excited to join in. Tech Tatva makes one feel like a part of something bigger, whether it’s competing in events, helping organize them or simply joining spontaneous dance sessions. The day ended with excitement- for the following days of Tech Tatva to come, for the electrifying events coming up and for the memories of a lifetime one would make in this fest.
Day 2 began with steadier steps. It began with a mental checklist of the competitions to conquer, opponents to dominate and the memories to make. The nervous energy of the first day settled into focused determination, and the stakes rose higher. Soon after lunch, the students who would drag themselves to class on any other day, rushed to the academic blocks carried by a current of excitement. Participants, eager to experience the thrill of rivalry, vowed to outperform their day-old selves. Outside the classrooms, friends dragged friends to Tech Formals. Some vowed to win this time after a very “wet” loss the day before while others wanted to try out games they’d missed. The stalls were bustling, with people looking for the perfect poster to make their room feel like home or grabby hands excitedly sifting through stickers searching for the fandoms they follow. The photobooth was busy facilitating insta stories and memories that will replay forever.
The evening rolled in with the much-awaited games lighting up the Student Plaza. Each round of Capture the Flag, musical chairs and beer pong was a throwback to our childhoods, to the time when we’d run around in absolute chaos, be it school playgrounds or the society’s parking lot. What started as friendly face-offs and competing for food coupons turned into a wave of nostalgia to the time when life was simpler.
It’s difficult to choose a single highlight of the day, but the Robo Wars would definitely be a contender. A thrilling showdown between engineering marvels, each strike, each bang had the audience on the edge of their seats. It was a display of genius innovation and rugged craftsmanship coming together and drawing cheers from the audience.
Exceeding expectations and promising much more, day 2 of Tech Tatva wrapped up on a high note.
Image by Paarth for MTTN
Day 3 was powered by momentum. With early rounds left behind, teams entered the battlefield-the finals. The stakes were higher than ever with the prize in sight, just a few rounds out of reach. People gathered in classrooms to support their peers. The participants, with their laptops in hand and furrows in their brows, gave their all. It was as if a cloud of anticipation settled heavy into the rooms. The day was intense and why wouldn’t it be? It was a culmination of the hardwork and the long sleepless nights of the participants and the organizers alike.
As the sun dipped low, another delight was revealed at the student plaza- MIT’s very own glowing and life-sized snakes and ladders. It was the finale of Sleuths and Ladders and oh what a showdown! As the tiles of the board glowed bright and beautiful, it drew a crowd to witness the absolute craftsmanship that went into making it. The mob came for the board, and stayed for the thrill of the game. With music playing in the background, an exciting game and Manipal’s never-disappointing sunsets, what an end to day 3!
You know the nostalgic feel on the last day of a trip, when you know you’re going to miss the memories you made the past days and you’re absolutely certain you’re going to be gushing about it for weeks to come? That’s what day 4 was all about. Competitions and events came to an end. Winners took home a heart full of joy and pride, while those who just missed the mark went back with determination to outperform themselves the next time.
But Tech Tatva wasn’t over just yet. One of the most awaited segments was to be held on the last evening of these absolutely amazing four days-the Conclave. It featured exciting speakers such as Neeraj Walia aka Ez Snippet, Ganesh Prasad, founder of Think School and Ashish Solanki, a beloved stand up comedian. The air in the quadrangle had a buzz to it like no other. The audience was captivated by the speakers, as they dove into their respective fields and shared snippets from their lives. The lively segments the interviewers had prepared for the speakers went on to add to the charm of the evening. And it all came to a close in the most hilarious way possible- stand up comedy. From the Marena to Koodiyans, MIT had it’s very own performance that left the audience clutching their bellies with laughter.
As Tech Tatva came to an end, there was a soft, quiet energy in the sky-one that follows four days of unbridled energy and innovation. In it’s wake, it left behind so much for us- the lessons learned, the memories forged, the fun that was had. Most important of all, it left behind a hope and an anticipation. Hope to better ourselves for the next technical fest and anticipation to what next year would bring.