The air on campus had already begun to buzz with anticipation even before HRIDAYA 2026 officially kicked off. The pre-inaugural evening, hosted by ASTRAEA - the organizing batch of 2022, set the stage in the most captivating way possible. The batch offered a glimpse of what was to come by performing previews of each Tier 1 event themselves, accompanied by the ceremonial unveiling of the coveted trophies. It was a moment that instantly ignited the competitive spirit across all three participating batches and made one thing abundantly clear - this was going to be something special.
Gallery: Pre Inaugural ceremony of HRIDAYA 2026
What followed was four days of relentless energy, colour, and creativity. Approximately 350 students from the batches of 2023, 2024, and 2025 poured nearly a month of preparation into their performances, with rehearsals and countless hours of practice going on behind the scenes long before the festival began. That dedication was palpable on stage. The Tier 1 events - live orchestra, western dance, Live Portfolio fashion show, a variety show, and a grand Indian dance finale - each brought their own distinct flavor, judged by esteemed guests including Dr. Anusha N, MBBS (Batch of 2000, PSG IMSR) and an accomplished ophthalmologist, whose presence added both prestige and inspiration to the occasion.
Gallery above: Day 1 of HRIDAYA 2026 - The Orchestra
Gallery above: Western Dance (Day 2 Tier 1 event) - HRIDAYA 2026
Gallery above: Live Portfolio (Day 3 Tier 1 event) - HRIDAYA 2026
Gallery above: Variety Show (Day 3 Tier 1 event) - HRIDAYA 2026
Gallery above: Indian Dance (Closing Tier 1 event) - HRIDAYA 2026
Beyond the main stage, the Tier 2 and Tier 3 events formed the vibrant backbone of HRIDAYA, drawing in participants across a diverse spectrum of creative and performing disciplines. These competitions ensured that the festival truly belonged to everyone, giving students with varying talents an equal opportunity to shine and contribute to their batch's overall tally. The enthusiasm and participation seen across these events were a testament to the breadth of talent within PSG IMSR.
Adding a cinematic dimension to the festivities was the Short Film Contest, one of the most keenly anticipated competitions of HRIDAYA 2026. Recognizing excellence across six categories - Best Story, Best Actor, Best Script, Best Music, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing- the contest celebrated the full spectrum of filmmaking craft and showcased a remarkable depth of creative vision among the student community.
Gallery above: Pictures from the Rangoli competition and Tamil Drama (Ramayana)
When the final scores were tallied across all tiers and events, it was the batch of 2023 that emerged as the overall champions of HRIDAYA 2026, clinching the title with a well-rounded and commanding performance throughout the festival. Their victory was met with thunderous applause and stood as a moment of immense pride for the entire batch.
HRIDAYA 2026 will be remembered as a festival that went beyond competition - it was a celebration of unity, creativity, and the vibrant spirit that defines PSG IMSR. ASTRAEA's seamless organization ensured that every moment, from the pre-inaugural to the final curtain, was one to cherish.
