New Delhi: The 12th edition of ATMoS, or Assimilation of Technically Motivated Souls, hosted by BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus from 8 to 10 November, celebrated the 60th anniversary of BITS Pilani. The event brought together attendees from across the nation, offering an unforgettable blend of cutting-edge technology, visionary ideas, and entertainment. The tech fest also included thought-provoking keynotes, competitions and performances.
Day 0
The festivities commenced on 7 November, a day before the official start, with a grand inaugural ceremony. The event was graced by P.J. Narayanan, Director of IIIT Hyderabad, who delivered the keynote address. His speech emphasised the critical role of innovation and technology in shaping the future, setting an inspiring tone for the days ahead.
Day 1
The first official day of ATMoS, 8 November, began with a keynote session by A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Sharing stories from his time leading the Chandrayaan-1 mission, he gave the audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into India’s space achievements, inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists. This was followed by a talk by M. Sankaran, Director of U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), whose talk on interdisciplinary technological innovations helped expand the audience’s understanding of how cutting-edge research is reshaping industries and society.
Prashanth Chandrasekar, CEO of Stack Overflow, delved into how community-driven platforms are transforming knowledge-sharing in the tech world. His insights on leveraging collaborative environments sparked thought-provoking conversations among the attendees.
The Tech Expo was also held on day 1, transforming futuristic ideas into tangible experiences. Attendees explored interactive exhibits showcasing advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other emerging fields. The hands-on nature of the expo made it a hub of learning and curiosity, embodying ATMoS’s spirit of fostering innovation.
The day concluded on a lighter note with Madhur Virli, IIT Delhi alumni-turned-comedian’s witty takes on campus life, engineering struggles, and cultural quirks—a perfect counterbalance to the day’s intellectual rigor.
Day 2
The second day opened with a keynote address by Ashneer Grover, the entrepreneur known for his bold strategies and transformative impact on India’s start-up ecosystem. Sharing his journey of resilience, innovation, and lessons learned, Grover encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and think fearlessly.
The afternoon saw the ATV Showdown, where participants showcased their technical and driving skills on challenging courses. The roar of engines, precision maneuvers, and engineering ingenuity kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Later, Vishwak Sen, a popular Telugu actor, engaged with fans in a lively session, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and connecting with the audience through humour and candid anecdotes.
The evening transitioned into a high-energy musical celebration, beginning with a performance by Nakash Aziz, whose chart-topping hits turned the venue into a dance floor. This was followed by an electrifying set by Lost Stories, the renowned DJ duo, who blended EDM and popular tracks to a stunning light show.
The day also saw workshops, coding challenges, and panel discussions on entrepreneurship and tech innovation.
Day 3
The final day, 10 November, was all about high-stakes competitions and displays of technical brilliance. The Robowars Finals brought together teams with custom-built robots in an intense battle of engineering skill and strategic planning.
Equally captivating was the finale of the Indian Drone Racing League (IDRL), where skilled drone pilots navigate challenging courses at breakneck speeds. The event demonstrated not just technical expertise but also the pilots’ precision and control.
Beyond the highlights
ATMoS 2024 wasn’t just about marquee events. It also provided a platform for hands-on learning and collaboration. Workshops on emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and coding allowed participants to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications. Panel discussions featuring industry leaders and innovators sparked meaningful dialogue, offering attendees valuable insights into the evolving tech landscape.
This year’s edition not only celebrated technology but also fostered a sense of community, with attendees from diverse backgrounds coming together to share ideas, build connections, and experience the joy of learning.
ThePrint is the official media partner for ATMoS (Assimilation of Technically Motivated Souls) techno-management festival 2024, hosted by BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus.
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