Solan: The School of Media and Communications, Shoolini University, hosted the 3rd Marvel Media Fest 2025, a two-day celebration of creativity, innovation, and media excellence. The fest saw enthusiastic participation from several universities and colleges across the region, along with students from different departments of Shoolini University also showcased their talent in diverse competitions such as photography, short films, RJ-ing, news anchoring, declamation, and social media content creation.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Chief Guest Prof. P.K. Khosla, who warmly greeted the participants and judges from different institutions. He urged students to uphold ethics while writing for the masses. The Guest of honour was Pro Chancellor Mr Vishal Anand while veteran photographer Swadesh Talwar was the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour was Mr. Hardeep Chandpuri at the valedictory function. The judges included Senior Journalist Mr. Aswani Sharma and Model Actor Mr. Dushyant Prashar.
A special highlight of the fest was the International Quiz, conducted exclusively for Shoolini University’s international students, reflecting the university’s global outlook. After a series of exciting competitions, Chitkara University, Rajpura, lifted the overall trophy, making the event a memorable platform for learning and exchange.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vishal Anand, Pro-Chancellor of Shoolini University, encouraged students to think innovatively and said, “I am open to supporting start-up ideas in media and other emerging categories. At Shoolini, we believe in fostering entrepreneurship and creative thought among our youth.”
Mr. Vipin Pubby, Director, School of Media and Communications, highlighted the importance of the event, remarking, “Media fests like these provide students with valuable exposure and a platform to stay updated with the latest trends and practices in the industry.”
The competitions showcased exceptional talent from across institutions. In the RJing competition, Ayush Gupta from Shoolini University impressed the judges with his spontaneity and engaging style, securing the first prize, while Deepika Kataria from Chitkara University, Rajpura, won the second prize. The Declamation contest was won by Meghna from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), and Jhanvi Dhar from Shoolini University finished as the runner-up. In the Short Film category, Neeraj Sharma from HPU bagged the first prize, while Mahesh Rana from Shoolini University secured the second position. The Caption the Photo contest was won by Sameer from HPU, with Megha Koy taking the second spot.
The Insta Reels contest was secured by Prince, Pragya, and Ishika from Chitkara University, Rajpura, while Anshul Thakur from SILB won the second prize. In the Photography competition, Shadab Khan from Sharda University stood first, and Asha from SILB won the second prize. The News Anchoring award was clinched by Ritika from Chitkara University, Rajpura, with Devaanshi from Shoolini University as the runner-up.
Although Shoolini University students excelled in many categories, medals were not awarded to them in order to maintain fairness in the competitions. During the valedictory session, Guest of Honour Mr. Hardeep Chandpuri advised students, “Do not waste your time endlessly scrolling reels. Instead, channel your energy into creativity. Stay honest to yourself, to your institution, and to your nation.”
Chief Guest Mr. Swadesh Talwar shared his perspective, saying, “It is easy to reach the top, but difficult to stay there. Media and times are constantly changing, but for passionate journalists, the future is always bright.”
The event concluded with the prize distribution ceremony for winners, participants, and volunteers. In her closing remarks, Ms. Nishtha Anand, Trustee and Director of Shoolini University, appreciated the efforts of the students and faculty, stating, “Our students have put in brilliant efforts to make this fest a success. As media landscapes evolve, our approach to education and creativity must also keep pace.”
