Faridabad-based Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) marked its Founder’s Day in memory of Dr. O.P. Bhalla, celebrating 30 years of excellence. The occasion coincided with the 9th edition of its annual technical fest, INNOSKILL 2026, and the launch of a commemorative series of initiatives planned MREI remembers its founder Dr OP Bhalla alongside holding its tech fest INNOSKILL 2026 & other initiatives throughout the year.
Held on April 3 and 4, INNOSKILL 2026 brought together around 4000 students from Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), Manav Rachna University (MRU), Manav Rachna International Schools (MRIS), and 13 other universities and institutions, through competitions, exhibitions and project showcases focused on solving real-world challenges across healthcare, water, sustainability, agriculture and rural technology.
The inaugural session was addressed by Mr. Ajesh Kapoor, Head, L&T Semiconductor Technologies, who highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in driving innovation, and Mr. Saket Bhatia, Chairman, CII Haryana and Managing Director, Bony Polymers Pvt. Ltd., who spoke about the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in shaping future-ready talent.
A key highlight was the technical exhibition and project showcases, where students presented working models and prototypes across disciplines. Among the projects were a portable ECG device aimed at improving access to basic cardiac monitoring, Airmouse Pro, a touchless interface enabling system control through voice and gesture inputs, Phytopurifier, a plant biomass-based water purification system, HealCore, a cementless wall plaster solution developed with sustainability considerations, and an abrasive jet machining setup demonstrating manufacturing applications.
The fest featured 39 competitions across eight verticals, including Engineering, Business and Management, Healthcare, Sustainability, Culinary and Hospitality, Law, Media and Literary, and Design, creating a multidisciplinary platform that integrates technical knowledge with creativity, critical thinking and real-world application.
The projects presented were aligned with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including clean water and sanitation, good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, and climate action. Several of these ideas are expected to be taken forward through incubation and further support mechanisms.
The technical exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Nirmal Kumar Minda, Chairman, UNO Minda Group, and President, ASSOCHAM, who encouraged students to remain curious, question existing systems, and build solutions grounded in real-world needs through collaboration and continuous learning.
The event was generously sponsored by Microworld Infosol, Weather Comfort Engineers, NHPC, Upskill Nexus, Thore Network, UnsaidTalks Education, Dell Technologies and Uno Minda, who were involved in evaluating projects and engaging with students.
Building on this momentum, the launch of a special edition “30 Years to Infinity” logo marked the beginning of Manav Rachna’s 30th year, reflecting a journey shaped by innovation, academic depth and industry engagement, with initiatives planned across the year.
Founder’s Day continues to serve as a moment to reflect on the institution’s founding vision, centred on building an ecosystem where education goes beyond classrooms into application, innovation and real-world relevance. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Prashant Bhalla, President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, said, “Founder’s Day is a reminder of that intent, and of the responsibility to continue shaping individuals who can contribute with both competence and character.”
Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, added, “Going forward, the emphasis is on strengthening how students engage with learning by bringing together disciplines, deepening industry connect, and creating more opportunities for hands-on problem solving. The aim is to ensure that students are able to move from ideas to execution, and develop solutions that are relevant in a rapidly evolving world.”
