IIM Bodh Gaya Celebrates 10 Years with Elegante X Fest, AAYURUN Health Run, and Flag-Hoisting Ceremony
Bodh Gaya, Bihar – IIM Bodh Gaya recently marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 10th anniversary with a three-day event that highlighted the institution’s commitment to holistic education. The celebration featured a blend of cultural activities, sporting events, social responsibility initiatives, and a display of national pride.
Overview of the Celebrations
The festivities commenced on January 24, 2026, and included the annual management, sports, and cultural festival known as Elegante X. This year’s edition transformed the campus into a vibrant hub of performances, competitions, and community engagement, showcasing the creativity and collaboration among students and faculty.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inaugural event was graced by the district magistrate of Gaya, Shashank Shubhankar Singh. During his address, Singh emphasized the importance of building institutional partnerships and fostering relationships among future leaders. He highlighted that such interactions are crucial for shaping responsible professionals who can contribute positively to society.
AAYURUN Health Run
A key highlight of the anniversary celebrations was the AAYURUN 2026, a health-focused marathon organized by the institute’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee, Pragati. The event took place on January 24, 2026, under the theme “Run Long, Live Strong.”
Event Details
- Participants: Over 800 individuals, including students, faculty, and representatives from various non-governmental organizations.
- Route: An 8.5 km course that began and ended at the IIM Bodh Gaya campus.
- Flag-off: The marathon was flagged off by Sushil Kumar, the senior superintendent of police in Gaya.
The AAYURUN event aimed to promote preventive health and well-being, building on previous initiatives such as Greenathon, Riverathon, and EduRUN. It connected individual fitness with broader social development goals.
Inter-College Participation
The festival saw strong participation from various colleges and institutions across the country. Teams from IIM Ranchi, NIT Patna, IMI Kolkata, St. Xavier’s College, and NSIT Patna were among the competitors. The three-day event featured a variety of sporting fixtures, management contests, and cultural performances, creating an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie.
Artistic Contributions
Visiting artists contributed to the celebratory ambiance, drawing large crowds and enhancing the overall experience of the festival. Their performances added a rich cultural layer to the event, making it a memorable occasion for all attendees.
Republic Day Observance
The celebration culminated with Republic Day observances on January 26, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to constitutional values and civic responsibility. Vinita S Sahay, the director of IIM Bodh Gaya, hoisted the national flag during the ceremony.
Message to Students
In her address, Sahay urged students to cultivate ethical leadership, maintain a clear vision, and develop a sense of legacy. She emphasized the importance of balancing academic rigor with cultural engagement, physical fitness, and social awareness, presenting a holistic model of management education.
Conclusion
The 10th anniversary celebrations of IIM Bodh Gaya not only commemorated a decade of educational excellence but also highlighted the institution’s dedication to fostering a well-rounded approach to education. Through events like Elegante X and AAYURUN, IIM Bodh Gaya continues to inspire its students to become responsible leaders who are aware of their social responsibilities.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the events and activities conducted during the 10th anniversary celebrations of IIM Bodh Gaya in January 2026.
