Bodh Gaya: IIM Bodh Gaya marked a decade since its establishment with a three-day celebration that combined culture, sport, social responsibility and national pride, drawing students, faculty and participants from institutions across the country. The anniversary edition of its annual management, sports and cultural festival, Elegante X, turned the campus into a hub of performances, competitions and community events aimed at showcasing collaboration and creativity.
The festivities began on an auspicious note with Basant Panchami celebrations and prayers to Maa Saraswati, followed by an inauguration attended by the district magistrate of Gaya, Shashank Shubhankar Singh. Addressing students, Singh stressed the importance of institutional partnerships and relationship-building among future leaders, calling such interactions crucial for shaping responsible professionals.
A key highlight was AAYURUN 2026, a health-focused marathon organised by the institute’s CSR committee, Pragati. Held on 24 January under the theme “Run Long, Live Strong”, the event brought together more than 800 participants, including students, faculty and representatives from non-governmental organisations. Flagged off by Sushil Kumar, the senior superintendent of police in Gaya, the 8.5 km route began and ended at the campus, underlining the institute’s emphasis on preventive health and well-being. Organisers said the run built on earlier initiatives such as Greenathon, Riverathon and EduRUN to connect individual fitness with broader social development.
Inter-college participation remained strong throughout the festival, with teams from IIM Ranchi, NIT Patna, IMI Kolkata, St Xavier’s College and NSIT Patna among those competing. Sporting fixtures, management contests and cultural performances unfolded across the three days, while visiting artists added to the celebratory atmosphere and drew large crowds.
The programme concluded with Republic Day observances, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to constitutional values and civic responsibility. Vinita S Sahay, director of IIM Bodh Gaya, hoisted the national flag and urged students to cultivate ethical leadership, clear vision and a sense of legacy. Together, the events presented what the institute described as a holistic model of management education – one that balances academic rigour with cultural engagement, physical fitness and social awareness.
