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Arts & Culture

The Golden Threads of Time: IITD’s Rendezvous ’25

By DU Beat September 30, 2025

Golden Threads of Time: IIT Delhi’s Rendezvous ‘25 ended officially on 30th September. The fest saw energetic and soulful dance performances and glimpses of some of the iconic influencer’s lives, alongside a concert courtesy

The final day of the Rendezvous’25 (RDV’25) at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi had arrived on 30th September. However the day started off with heavy rain, but despite the rainy blues threatening to dampen the crowd, there was still an outpour of attendants which made their way to RDV’25. The ramp up to the fest was slow and bumpy but the enthusiasm of the attendees never wavered. People were seen sharing an umbrella or using their friend’s dupatta to shield themselves from the rain.

The day kicked off with Synerz, a dance event featuring duo and solo performances, in the Lecture Hall. The duo performances ranged from energetic bhangra which made everyone cheer loudly to mesmerizing kathak dance performance paying a tribute to deities. The solos were just as mesmerizing, a dancer’s ribbon routine inspired emotions of serenity and calmness, while another heartfelt piece contrasted the curated perfection on social media with the raw, unfiltered reality of everyday existence. The competition ranged on as each participant poured their heart and soul into their performance, leaving the audience captivated with every move, gesture, and expression.

The audience saw their beloved influencers gracing the stage of Dogra Hall in IIT Delhi, having only met them on their Instagram feeds. ‘Influencers United’ first half saw the faces of Devishi Maadan, Mahir Mulhotra and Bhavika Mothwani, known for their funny short-form videos and lifestyle content. They answered all questions with enthusiasm. However, that wasn’t all: the interviews were followed by a rapid-fire round, featuring questions like, “Which internet slang has stuck with you?” or “Have you ever posted a video hoping a crush would notice?”

The second half of the ‘Influencers United’ introduced Mitali Sharma and Satshya who are known for their relatable lifestyle content. The host asked Mitali about her transition from NEET related content to her lifestyle content, while Satshya reflected how she had come full circle from her content about her parents ever since she became a parent herself. The conversation was lively with callbacks to their previous content. Both halves of the event had ended on a high note with pictures being clicked by all die-hard fans.

Despite the heavy and unpredicted rain that had occurred in the morning, stalls had opened for all looking to eat and play games. Major brands like ‘Belgian Waffles’ had opened up to satiate everyone’s sweet tooth alongside the stalls were challenge games like eating 8 parle biscuits in a minute or hanging challenge. In the evening where energy was at an all time high, the iconic and most awaited concert which happened at 8pm featuring Ankit Tiwari and Shah Mal. As the rain gave way to music and cheers, RDV’25 closed not with a whisper, but with a roar.

Image Credits: Manan for DU Beat

Reva Rawat
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Arts & Culture

IIT Delhi Rendezvous’25 Day 2: Music, Culture & Buzz

By DU Beat September 29, 2025

Day 2 of Rendezvous’25 at IIT Delhi lit up with Shalmali Kholgade’s Pronite, soulful Qawwali Night, and vibrant cultural showcases. From case competitions and debates to comedy, art, and carnival games, the campus buzzed with innovation, performance, and celebration, embodying the fest’s theme—Golden Threads of Time.

The campus buzzed from morning to midnight as IIT Delhi continued with Rendezvous’25 with the same spark and energy. With the theme “Golden Threads of Time” every corner of the campus came alive with a blend of competitions, performances, innovation, and pure cultural joy. By the evening the campus was filled with students waiting for the pronite to begin!

The most anticipated events were undoubtedly the flagships. Beginning with Pronite: Shalmali Kholgade—a musical storm that had the audience on their feet, the evening was later lit up with Qawwali Night at Dogra Hall. The Nizami brothers who performed there are regarded as cultural ambassadors of traditional Sufi music, blending age-old Gayaki (vocal tradition) with modern sensibilities. It painted a soulful contrast as voices rose in harmony, mixed with the claps and cheers of the dancing crowd—the hall subdued in a truly timeless performance. For those who preferred daytime festivities, the Live Stage ensured there was never a dull moment. The Lifestyle Show in the evening added a glamorous edge, with fashion and creativity weaving seamlessly into the festival fabric.

The day was filled with intellectual chatter to accompany the festive spirit. Empowering Encounters with Shri Anurag Thakur brought a thoughtful pause amid the chaos, as students engaged with the former Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, in an enriching dialogue. The Faces of Rendezvous turned into a spotlight for raw campus talent, paired with the Flavour Fest, where flavors from around the world delighted tired yet eager attendees. Social media culture found its own arena in Influencer United, featuring Nishant Chahar and Neha Agrawal, bridging the gap between digital fandom and on-ground festivity. Meanwhile, laughter echoed through the Comedy Hunt with Naman Jain as the judge for the event. Though, rules had to be altered to remind the contestants of propriety, amid the common theme of semi-dark humor and unbecoming comments. It set the stage for raw talent and real humor with the cohort ranging from 18-35 years in age and just starting their standup journey as recently as just 6 months. The entry to the grand lecture hall building was lined up with the Auto Expo, where car enthusiasts marvelled at the fresh addition to this year’s lineup.

The lecture halls were each a different world, ranging from casecomps to slam poetry. From cracking numbers in the Guesstimate League to pitching ideas at the Startup Expo, innovation was on full display. Students dived deep into global problem-solving with Ecostrat: Global Policy Simulation, debated business models in the BloodConnect Case Comp and Enactus Case Comp, and coded for glory at the Krafton Hackathon.Writers and poets spun words at Word Weave and My Jottings, while quizzers battled over cricket scores and trivia in the Sports Quiz and SBT Quiz. The creatives were on display in the Art Gallery and Natika Vatika, while performers set the stage ablaze in the Street Battle.

Step outside the lecture hall building and Day 2 felt like a carnival. Students queued up for Ice Breaker Games, dove into immersive worlds at Virtual Reality Entertainment, and battled it out in Laser Tag. The Hanging Challenge continued until dawn with every corner of Informals offering some light-hearted fun. By evening, the entire campus was glowing—food stalls served late into the night, pop-up merchandise flew off shelves, and groups of students sprawled across lawns, catching their breath between events. The crescendo of the day built toward the Pronite, where Shalmali Kholgade gave a performance that left the audience buzzing long after. The night closed on a soulful note with Qawwali, making Day 2 a perfect balance of intellect, art, fun, and culture.

Image Credits: Ayushmaan Patwa for DU Beat

Shreya Bhushan

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Arts & Culture

Rendezvous 2025: Creativity, Culture, and Conversations Mark Day 1

By DU Beat September 28, 2025

The 50th edition of IIT Delhi’s Rendezvous kicked off with vibrant competitions, inspiring conversations, and cultural showcases, setting the tone for the next days of creativity, glamour, and student-led celebration.

The 50th edition of IIT Delhi’s annual cultural festival, Rendezvous, opened on September 28th with a burst of colour, food, and ideas. Day 1 brought together competitions, conversations, and performances that reflected the festival’s legacy as one of the largest student-run cultural gatherings in the country.

The day began behind Bharati Building with ‘Alchemy’, the festival’s street art segment. Mural-making/road-painting competitions transformed blank roads into canvases, with teams given five and a half hours to work on the theme ‘Golden Threads of Time’. The idea of an “eternal journey” was interpreted in multiple ways; some focused on cycles of growth and decay, while others played with the image of time as woven strands connecting past, present, and future. Paints were provided, but many participants arrived with their own supplies, adding individuality to the collective burst of colour that quickly became a talking point for students passing by.

In Dogra Hall, the spotlight shifted to ‘Empowering Encounters’, a Q&A session with Samar Sighla, the founder of ‘Jugnoo’, and ‘Chaayos’ founder Raghav Verma. Speaking to a packed hall with over a hundred registrations, they shared stories of their IIT years, skipped lectures, late-night brainstorms, and the early struggles of entrepreneurship. Their advice was rooted in personal experience: take risks, embrace failures, chase passions and remember that campus life is about experimenting, not perfection. The candid tone of the session resonated strongly with students in the audience, who laughed knowingly, relating to the stories of missed classes and deadlines.

Fashion and flair came alive at the ‘Lifestyle Competition’, judged by author and lifestyle influencer Devanshi Sharma. With the theme ‘Gravity to Glamoraty’, the competition tested style, stage presence, and performance. After an initial online round of submissions, the top five teams made it to the prelims, performing six-to-eight-minute sequences that blended modelling with storytelling. The round ended in a rare tie for the first position between ‘Envoke and Slayers Club, with four teams now heading into the finals instead of three. The excitement in the crowd matched the confidence on stage, proving once again that Rendezvous is as much about spectacle as it is about skill.

All day long, the live setup hosted artists from across the country, selected through Google Forms and outreach by the IIT Delhi team. Musicians and performers brought their own flavours to the festival, ensuring there was always something happening no matter where you turned. The open-air performances kept the campus alive with sound and movement, adding to the buzz of competitions.

Day 1 of Rendezvous 2025 balanced artistry with entrepreneurship and glamour with grit. From roads splashed with colour to plates filled with inventive flavours, from candid entrepreneurial lessons to stage performances that tied gravity with glamour, the golden jubilee edition opened with a celebration of creativity that both looked back at fifty years and forward to the journeys yet to come.

Image Credit: Mahin for DU Beat

Anjali Kumari Jha
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Arts & Culture

IIT Delhi’s Rendezvous ’25 is On!

By DU Beat September 28, 2025

Golden Threads of Time: IIT Delhi’s Rendezvous ‘25 officially starts on 27th September 2025. This year’s fest reached the country with nationwide elimination and tons of competitions and activities on day 0 itself.

The buzz was real at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi on September 27th as they officially kicked off Rendezvous’25 (RDV’25), their huge annual cultural fest. With the theme ‘Golden Threads of Time’, this year’s edition is a landmark celebration, commemorating the golden jubilee of IIT Delhi’s iconic fest. Day Zero started a bit slow, but it totally caught fire later on. From serious competitions to wild fun, the whole campus was alive by evening.

The whole thing began with the grand opening ceremony, ‘Udgam’ (which means ‘The Beginning’), held in the Seminar Hall. It was a beautiful tribute to how Rendezvous started, and the stage was graced by some true legends of IIT Delhi. The event was honored by the Chief Guest, Prof. R.C. Malhotra, the retired professor known as the Founding Father of Rendezvous, alongside other incredible figures like Prof. S.C. Datta Roy, Prof. S.S. Jamuar, Prof. Prem Vrat, and a distinguished alumnus, Mr. Raghu Hari Dalmia.

After the ceremony, the schedule filled up fast, and the entire lecture hall was vibing in the competitive spirit. The day saw plenty of brainpower in action with the formal sessions of the Model United Nations (MUN) and Debutant (Asian Parliamentary Debate) starting up. Business students tackled real-world problems in the Startup Expo Case Comps and the Mystery Business Challenge, while tech enthusiasts jumped into the intense coding battles of the Eightfold Hackathon and Aries Hackathon. If you liked trivia, there was a Crimes and Controversies Quiz and a Universal Challenge Quiz to test your knowledge. Creative and performance arts were everywhere too, with poets and speakers showing off their skills in Sam Blues (Poetry competition), Kavi Sammelan (Poet’s Meet) and JAM (Just-A-Minute), and dance groups putting on their best moves for the Western Group Dance Prelims.

Beyond the official schedule, the campus grounds transformed into a massive carnival. The air was thick with the smells from the food stalls and pop-ups. Major brands set up interactive stalls, often featuring fun games, giving away the best freebies—branded merchandise, discount coupons. The Biotech Lawn was booming with energy all day long, hosting the stage for Mimansa (The street play competition) along with games like Laser Tag, Virtual Reality, and Adventure Games. The day’s energy peaked with two huge evening events: the colorful, traditional Dandiya Night at the SAC Lawns, and an energetic Silent Disco at the Red Square.

Importantly, Rendezvous’25 isn’t just an IIT Delhi event anymore. They’ve launched Nationwide Eliminations so students from all over can qualify for the finals without even coming to Delhi first! With rounds held in Jaipur, Bangalore, and Pune, RDV’25 is truly sharing its golden celebration across the country. With such a strong, meaningful start, the stage is perfectly set for an epic few days.

Picture Caption: Stage set at Mimansa: The street play competition at IITD Rendezvous ‘25

Picture Credit: Aastha Bishnoi for DU Beat

Juhi Bansal

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Events

RendezvousX: A Contemporary Fantasia The Awaited Moment Arrives

By Media Partnerships October 5, 2023

As the calendar turns to October, the enchantment of Rendezvous, IIT Delhi’s annual cultural fest, once again sweeps through Delhi-NCR. This year, Rendezvous is all set to happen from the 5th to the 8th of October 2023. What began in 1978 as a humble gathering of talents has blossomed into Asia’s most prominent college festival, a beacon of creativity, unity, and artistic excellence. Over 160,000 attendees from more than 1,000 colleges flocked to Rendezvous last time, making it a resounding success. This festival is renowned for its cultural and musical performances, and Pronites where acclaimed national artists such as Nucleya, The Local Train, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have graced the stage. Our illustrious history also includes hosting distinguished speakers like Aman Gupta and Ashneer Grover, adding intellectual vibrance to its celebration of creativity and talent.

RDV’23 is wrapped up, and RDV’24 is on the horizon for next year. In the middle of this, the IIT Delhi team wanted to embrace a new, evolved identity while returning to their old normal – honouring the cherished Rendezvous legacy. Hence, this year it was christened RendezvousX! Talk about truly bringing the X Factor?

As RendezvousX takes the stage, they would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of their sponsors. This year, they are proud to have Phillips and Coca-Cola as their prominent sponsors. The commitment of the sponsors to nurturing creativity and fostering cultural enrichment has been instrumental in making RendezvousX a reality.

Philips, a global leader in health technology, brings innovation and creativity to the forefront. Their partnership with RendezvousX underscores their dedication to promoting artistic excellence and technological advancement. Coca-Cola, a household name and a symbol of celebration, adds the fizz to the festivities. Their association with RendezvousX is a testament to their belief in the power of cultural unity and the joy of shared experiences. With these sponsors, RendezvousX promises to be an unforgettable celebration of talent, creativity, and cultural diversity.

This year, the Rendezvous team presents to you the theme of ‘Contemporary Fantasia’. Fantasia, a melange of different forms and styles, a symphony of art, music, and boundless imagination that transcends boundaries. With Contemporary Fantasia, they embark on an odyssey that fuses modern creativity with the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage. Anticipate immersive art, electrifying musical performances, and a celebration of diverse cultures that defies expectations. It’s an invitation to traverse the frontiers of imagination and immerse yourself in a world where art knows no bounds.

Now let’s come to the events at Rendezvous which are the heartbeat of the festival, pulsating with creativity and talent, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of unforgettable moments. They are the essence of RDV, igniting passions, and creating cherished memories. RendezvousX proudly showcases a remarkable lineup of flagship events that truly encapsulate the essence and spirit of the festival. These events go beyond being mere showcases; they promise immersive experiences that will leave every participant and spectator spellbound.

First on the list is Faces of Rendezvous, a platform for individuals to shine bright with their charisma and wit. Next, picture this: the electrifying cheers of the crowd amplifying the rhythm of your music, adrenaline surging through your veins as you stand under the spotlight, heart pounding, and the crowd’s chants echoing in your ears. This is what Blitzkrieg is all about—an ultimate Western Battle of the Bands competition. It’s your moment to shine and mesmerise the audience with your musical prowess.

And then there’s Lifestyle, an event that takes you into the world where fashion reigns supreme. RendezvousX proudly presents Lifestyle as its flagship fashion event, where clothing transcends its utilitarian purpose and becomes a canvas for art. There’s also the Kavi Sammelan and Qawwali to watch out for!

In addition to the flagship events, RendezvousX is proud to host a multitude of activities and competitions organised by their various clubs, catering to diverse interests and talents.

For the dance enthusiasts, there are electrifying dance-offs and workshops, providing the perfect stage to showcase your moves and learn from the best. Drama aficionados can immerse themselves in the world of theatre with captivating plays and dramatic performances in Natika Vatika. Literary enthusiasts can indulge in wordplay and creativity with slam poetry, writing and debating events. Quizzing enthusiasts will find their haven with mind-boggling quizzes with the great waves of quizzes.

These events add an extra layer of depth and diversity to RendezvousX, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy and participate in. It’s a celebration of talent in all its myriad forms, making RendezvousX a true extravaganza of creativity and culture.

Though these events form the core of the Rendezvous, it is still incomplete without our live stage and pronite performances. Rendezvous Live Stage events serve as the vibrant heart of the festival, consistently enchanting audiences with mind blowing performances by a diverse array of incredible artists. What makes these events truly special is their dynamic nature, unfolding throughout the day and offering a platform for numerous talented individuals and groups to showcase their skills and entertain the audience.

From morning to night, the Live Stage is a hub of cultural exploration, taking attendees on an immersive journey through the electrifying realms of music, dance, and entertainment. Emerging artists and local talents kickstart the day with their raw passion and creativity, setting the tone for what’s to come. The stage continues to be a bustling epicentre of activity, featuring a rich tapestry of performances, ranging from soulful acoustic sets to high-energy dance routines.

Rendezvous Pronites are more than just events; they are monumental experiences that leave an indelible mark on those who attend, creating lifelong memories to be cherished forever. These nights offer a holistic and captivating experience that engages all the senses.

From the moment you step into Pronites, you are transported into a world of pure musical enchantment. The stage comes alive with captivating performances that not only entertain but enrapture your senses. The artists who grace these events, like Nucleya, Sunidhi Chauhan, Benny Dayal, and Shankar Ehsaan Loy, bring a unique blend of talent and charisma, making every Pronite a star-studded spectacle that ignites the atmosphere.

Each year, the organisers commit to raising the bar even higher, promising attendees an experience like no other. Expect to be serenaded by soulful voices that touch the deepest corners of your heart, moved by powerful beats that make you dance with abandon, and transported to a world of pure musical euphoria that transcends the ordinary.

Get ready to dance, laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime, all within the enchanting realm of RendezvousX-Contemporary Fantasia. RendezvousX promises to be an unforgettable cultural extravaganza. Join in this celebration of art, music, and imagination, and let RendezvousX leave an indelible mark on your heart.

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Campus Central

Display of Entrepreneurial Innovation at Enactus Nationals 2019

By Kartik Chauhan July 13, 2019

The young visionaries from across the nation showcased their innovative endeavours in the field of social entrepreneurship at Enactus National Symposium and Competition 2019.

The Enactus National Symposium and Competition 2019 was held at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi on 13th July. From a number of active Enactus chapters across the country, around 70 colleges applied for the championship out of which 30 colleges had the opportunity to compete and present their projects as contenders for the prestigious Enactus National Cup.
Enactus is a worldwide platform that facilitates an exchange between students and business leaders with an aim to create sustainable leadership for the future. Student groups in colleges are encouraged to work towards problems affecting the communities around them by the means of social entrepreneurship. Enactus opened its Indian chapter in 2008 and has since made headway into 108 institutions across the country. Every year these teams compete for the opportunity to represent India in the Enactus World Championship held in September.
The preliminary round of the competition saw the 30 teams being allotted to five different leagues. Presentations were held simultaneously at five halls. These halls were completely packed throughout as competitors and observing teams were earnestly listening to the presentations. Each team was permitted to present two of their successful projects to the judges; this was quickly followed by a thorough question and answer session.
The range of issues tackled by the participating teams was incredibly impressive. Going well beyond basic research, the teams sought to create projects which benefitted communities who are often overlooked. One such example was Project Oorja undertaken by Hindu College. The idea was to provide a sustainable and affordable source of electricity to street vendors who normally spend atleast INR 25 per day on electricity. The solution was solar powered lamps which was a one-time investment and promised durability for at least a period of five years. A lot of the projects displayed were also aimed at reusing the enormous amounts of waste that the consuming class generates. Projects that used waste tires as a sole for footwear and plastic waste as a filler component in pillows were also presented.

The final round of the competition kicked off with Mr Arun M Kumar, Chairman, Enactus India National Advisory Council and Chairman and CEO, KPMG India, addressing the competitors and emphasising that more and more young people are now thinking about making a difference through entrepreneurial action. Mr Devdip Purkayastha, President and Chief training officer of Enactus India commented on the importance of the Symposium as “a platform to reach out to leaders to maximise the power of an individual.”

The five finalists in each league category were:

League 1- Shri Ram College of Commerce

League 2- Shri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce

League 3- Delhi College of Arts and Commerce

League 4- Ramjas College

League 5- IIT Delhi

The judges’ oath was sworn in by Mr Arun Kumar, post which each team got 12 minutes to present their story of innovation and social change.

Ramjas college presented their Projects Aarogya and TeleSwasthya based on affordable and accessible primary healthcare for the people who cannot afford the heavy expenditure on health facilities. The projects based in Hapur and Naggi district have impacted several beneficiaries by making affordable healthcare available to 70% of the target population. Today, the project runs 24 health centres in Delhi-NCR and has seen a path-breaking success to empower the lives of many.

The second finalist to present their project was Delhi College of Arts and Commerce who presented their flagship projects Taleem and Sahas. Working for the education of the refugees in Shaheen Bagh and Shram Vihar, project Taleem aimed at solving the primary education crisis through their Taleem Centres. Project Sahas helps breast cancer survivors regain confidence post mastectomy by the use of cotton based breast prosthesis- “Canfe” developed by the team, and underprivileged women. It has developed an online platform where one can purchase mastectomy bras.

Shri Ram College of Commerce presented their projects Viraasat and Asbah. The former project helped the Thateras of Jhandiala Guru to improve the out-dated designs of their local craft and the latter brought in a water revolution in Haryana and Muzzafarnagar through the community filtration plant.

Shri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce showcased their e-commerce platform BOOK A PLANT which brought in an innovative idea to make a positive impact on the environment. The other project Kasthi was based on the idea to convert a “Gaon” into a smart village.

The last finalist to present their project was IIT Delhi, who presented their first project Nirmalaya based on special pots for vermicomposting, which were further categorized as Sugriha and Ruchitra. Their second project Arth presented the idea of redefining rituals by manufacturing cowdung based logs for burning the funeral pyre.

Finally the nervous air entered the hall as the results made their way. Enactus Ramjas and Enactus LSR won the 77-seconds video-making challenge.

After a fierce and edgy competition of entrepreneurial action between the finalists, the results of the top three winners were announced. The home team, Enactus IIT Delhi lifted the prestigious National Champion trophy. The team would represent India for the Enactus World Cup at San Jose, California this September. Enactus Shri Ram College of Commerce and Enactus Ramjas College won the second and third position respectively.

Feature Image Credits: Gauri Ramachandra for DU Beat.

Sriya Rane

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Pragati Thapa

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