India’s premier technological festival, Techfest 2013 organised by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) this time round, will have magicians, jugglers, illusionists and performers regaling the visitors during the three-day technological extravaganza.
According to the organisers, the initiative is targeted at the 30,000-odd floating crowd that usually accompanies the technology enthusiasts, but are not much inclined towards it themselves.
Speaking about this first-of-its kind initiative, Shrey Singh, manager Techfest 2013, said, “The festival is aimed at giving visitors a one-of-its-kind experience and it has been our effort to always give them the best,” Mr Singh said.
He added that the decision to have professional entertainers was also part of the same effort.
“We have invited performers from across the world and have ensured that they are the best in their field. While it will have an effect on the budgeting of the festival, sufficient provisions have been made for it,” he said.
The floating crowd includes families with children, students from nearby schools and even those from colleges of non-engineering backgrounds.
“This crowd usually is interested in seeing the various field events rather than seeing technological advancements taking place around the world. Hence, rather than having them loitering around on the campus, we decided to provide them with entertainment,” Mr Singh said.
Some of the entertainers who can be looked forward to at Techfest is magician Zlwin Chew from Malaysia who said, “I am really excited to be coming for such a huge event to India. IIT-Bombay Techefst has done some great things over the years, and I hope I’ll add myself to that list!” (sic).