VEDAM 2025

Vedam, KMC Manipal’s intercollegiate Academic Fest was held between 13th and 16th December 2025. Organised by our academic clubs – Cutting Edge, Justitia, Tempus Pretioso, along with the Student Research Forum, IQMU, and Incandescent, the event was filled with quizzes, interesting workshops and exciting events.

INAUGURATION AND KEYNOTE

Held on 13th December 2025, the Vedam 2025 Inauguration Ceremony marked the formal commencement of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal’s annual undergraduate academic fest. The event took place at the TMA Pai Auditorium from 9:00 AM onwards, with an enthusiastic gathering of students, faculty, and distinguished guests, setting an inspiring tone for the festivities that followed.

The ceremony began with a welcome and introduction to the event, followed by an overview of Vedam highlighting its vision as a platform that celebrates academic excellence, research, and intellectual curiosity. An invocation song by Samanvitha Balaji lent a solemn and auspicious start to the proceedings. This was followed by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony and floral tribute to TMA Pai, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Shankar Bakkannavar, Chairperson UG Research Vertical and Vedam, who warmly received the gathering and emphasised the academic spirit and collaborative ethos of Vedam. This was followed by the introduction of the Guest of Honour, Dr. Chythra R. Rao, the Deputy Director Research of Health Sciences.

The Inaugural Address was delivered by the Chief Guest, Dr. Anurag Bharadwaj. His address underscored the importance of research-driven medicine, critical thinking, and global perspectives in shaping future clinicians. A memento was presented by Dr. Ranjitha Shetty, Associate Dean, KMC Manipal, as a token of appreciation.

The audience then heard the address by Dr. Chythra, who spoke on fostering a strong research culture among undergraduates and the role of institutional support in nurturing young investigators. This was followed by the Presidential Address by Dr. Ranjitha Shetty, who highlighted Vedam’s role in integrating academics, research, and innovation. The inaugural segment concluded with a vote of thanks, formally bringing the ceremony to a close.

Following the inauguration, the Keynote Event commenced, transitioning seamlessly into an academic highlight of the morning. After a brief introduction, Dr. Anurag Bharadwaj delivered a 30-minute keynote address, which was met with keen engagement from the audience. His talk provided valuable insights into contemporary medical practice and research, resonating strongly with the undergraduate audience.

The keynote session also served as a platform to introduce the various clubs and committees helping organise Vedam, including SRF, IQMU, Incandescent, Justitia, Tempus, Cutting Edge, and the Finance Committee, familiarising attendees with the diverse academic initiatives under the Vedam umbrella. The session concluded with closing remarks, drawing the inaugural morning to a meaningful end.

Overall, the Vedam 2025 Inauguration Ceremony and Keynote successfully set an academic and inspirational tone for the fest, reflecting the same spirit of enthusiasm and scholarly engagement that characterises Vedam’s events.

CHIRON PRELIMS by IQMU

Held on 13th December 2025, the Chiron Round 2 Prelims saw a delightful crowd gathered in the Anatomy Dissection Hall. 36 teams had qualified after prelims 1 that were held online, out of which 18 qualified to the quarter finals. The event was headed by the scientific team, led by Aaditya Anand, Shivani, and Niharika. Dr. Chandini from the Department of Anatomy served as the quiz master. It was one of the first events on the first morning of Vedam, KMC’s annual undergraduate academic fest, and the excitement was palpable. It wonderfully showcased the never-ending curiosity of the students and the desire to always know more than they did yesterday.

DICE AND DISSECT by Cutting Edge

A hands-on graft surgery workshop titled “Dice and Dissect” was conducted under the banner of Vedam at KMC Manipal by the college’s very own surgical society, Cutting Edge, bringing together undergraduate students from colleges around the country. The event aimed to demystify skin flaps and provide a practical understanding of common flap procedures used in plastic surgery. The session began with an explanation of a flap, the differences between grafts and flaps and further explanation on the types of flap advancements like Z-plasty and advancement flaps by the Head of ESR, Mariyah Haji. Students then moved to skill stations where they practised advancement flaps and Z-plasty on simulation models, gaining confidence in these skills. Students were also taught suturing, an additional skill to help with the bridging of the flaps. Boasting participation numbers of over 100, Cutting Edge continues to do justice to the spirit of Vedam. By the end of the session, students walked away with improved technical skills and a deeper understanding of flap advancement, a unique skill for undergraduates to acquire.

INQUESTIGATE by Justitia

‘Inquestigate’, Justitia’s flagship event at KMC’s academic fest Vedam, uniquely blended forensic science with strategic board-game challenges in a thrilling race for justice. Participants were put to the test across five interactive stations, each inspired by a different board game and designed to assess their analytical thinking, deduction skills, and forensic knowledge.

Only the top three teams advanced through the rounds, earning the chance to face off in the final showdown,
where they came face to face with the killer and attempted to crack the case once and for all. Working through each challenge and case, solving every board game, gave the participants a tiny clue as to who the final villain would be, only for the team to realise it had been them all along, aiding the antagonist.

Winners:
🥇Tejas, Atharva
🥈Stuthi, Vanshika
🥉Hari, Sanjana

CHIRON QUARTER FINALS by IQMU

The Chiron Quarter Finals were conducted from 8:00 to 10:00 am on the 14^th of December at Interact Halls. Bringing together some of the sharpest minds who had advanced through the earlier rounds of the competition, the event was marked by intense focus and strategic thinking.

The quizmaster was Dr Arjun from the Department of Biochemistry, and the event was headed by Pratham Shenoy. The quarter finals featured a mental relay. Each team consisted of two members who had to work in perfect coordination. One teammate is responsible for reading and interpreting the examination findings of a given clinical case, while the other selects the appropriate investigations required to arrive at the diagnosis. Every investigation costs points, compelling teams to balance accuracy with the use of resources.

A total of 18 teams participated in the quarterfinals, out of which 12 teams qualified for the semifinals. These teams had earned their place after progressing through a rigorous selection process, with 62 teams competing in Prelims 1 and 36 teams advancing to Prelims 2, before the 18 making it to the quarterfinals.

The Chiron Quarter Finals stood out for their emphasis on clinical reasoning, teamwork, and strategic decision-making, setting a strong foundation for an exciting semi-final round ahead.

CHIRON SEMIFINALS by IQMU

The Chiron Semi-Finals, aptly titled “Step2Step,” were held on 14th December from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm at Interact Halls, marking a crucial stage in the journey toward the finals. The round was designed to closely simulate real-time clinical decision-making, testing participants on speed, accuracy, and application of knowledge. Headed by Aaditya Anand, the semi-finals consisted of six stations, each presenting a distinct clinical case scenario. Adding to the realism of the experience, IQMU crew members acted as patients, providing detailed patient histories that participants had to interpret.

At each station, teams were granted access to relevant investigation findings, including MRI, CT scans, or blood work reports. Using this information, teams were required to arrive at a final diagnosis within a strict five-minute time limit per station. A total of 12 teams had qualified for the semi-finals. After an intense and closely contested round, only 6 teams emerged victorious, earning their place in the finals.

The semi-finals successfully bridged theoretical knowledge with clinical application, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final showdown.

RESEARCH PRESENTATION by Student Research Forum

The research presentation took place on the 14th of December, between 2:30 and 4:30pm in the MMMC lecture halls. Participants eagerly showcased the innovative research they had been working on for months and even years, in the form of posters or oral presentations. From protocols to designs of study and observations, students delved into new explanations, solutions and ideas for a host of topics in the medical field.

The contestants were evaluated by the esteemed panel of judges: Dr. Anuradha Rao and Dr. Sneha Mallya for the oral section, and Dr. Anne D’Souza and Dr. Sushma for the poster.

Winners:

All in all, the Vedam research presentation was a great opportunity for students to gain exposure and meet like-minded peers in the field of research.

TREASURE HUNT by Cutting Edge

Held on 14th December 2025, the Treasure Hunt saw excited young minds gather at the Interact Lecture Halls in the evening. It was part of Vedam, the annual undergraduate academic fest of KMC, Manipal. The event was headed by Anushka Srivatsan and Advika Ragagopal. A total of 39 teams participated, each with 2 members. 

Winners:
🥇Sanjana Mehta, Hari Mahabal
🥈Tejas Golasangi, Atharva Usgaonkar
🥉Sai Sriya, Tanvi Achanti

CASE PRESENTATION 1 by Student Research Forum

Held on 15th December 2025, Day 1 of the Case Presentation event at Vedam 2025 served as a wonderful platform for students to showcase clinical acumen, analytical thinking, and presentation skills through both oral and poster presentations.

The sessions were conducted under two broad categories – Medicine and Allied, and Surgery and Allied, each featuring a competitive yet enriching exchange of ideas and clinical perspectives.

Medicine and Allied Subjects Winners:

Surgery and Allied Subjects Winners:

Day 1 of the Case Presentation event successfully highlighted the depth of clinical knowledge and enthusiasm for academic medicine among the participants. The event concluded, having set high expectations for the subsequent days of Vedam 2025.

RHYTHM AND RESONANCE by Tempus Pretioso

Tempus Pretioso hosted a successful workshop with over 100 participants from across the country for Vedam 2025. The workshop was conducted in the simulation lab on December 15, 2025. The workshop focused on giving hands-on experience with real world emergency situations and management.

The workshop focused on POCUS (Point of care ultrasound) and how it can play a pivotal role in making life-saving decisions in an ER. The participants had hands on experience on a POCUS dummy and learnt the techniques as well as differences in pathologies. The workshop further delved into cardiac rhythms, teaching how to differentiate between shockable and non-shockable rhythms, while also providing practical insights on synchronised cardioversion.

The session aimed at preparing the participants for real life code blue scenarios and how teamwork impacts patient care in ER. The workshop saw widespread participation and was a successful event.

CHIRON FINALS by IQMU

On 15th December 2025, IQMU organised the finals of Chiron quiz as a part of Vedam 2025 at TMA Pai 3 hall between 2-5 pm.

The event began with a welcoming speech from the Organising Chairpersons, Anwesha and Pavan. Dr. Akshay from the ENT department of KMC was the Quizmaster for the final round.
The final quiz consisted of four rounds: MedicoGenesis (managed by Saad), Rapid Fire (managed by Daksha), Buzzer (managed by Kanika), and finally, Spin the Wheel (managed by Saad). The quiz was overall headed by Aditya Anand, the Scientific Head.

A total of six teams participated in the finals, each team consisting of two participants.

Winners:
🥇 Dr. Sai Sriya Yadavalli and Lalit Rithvik
🥈 Dr. Anirudh Rao and Sujal
🥉 Vaibhav Gowda and Rakshith G.

In between rounds Dr. Akshay also held Mazedoc rounds on the Mazedoc App where both the audience and participants were welcome to join and solve case-based problems and the winners were given gift hampers. The event concluded with a closing speech by Shivani Gupta. Heartiest congratulations to all the winners and participants.

EUREKA 3.0 by Incandescent

Eureka 3.0, the third edition of the flagship event organized by Incandescent, the Innovation
Club, was successfully conducted on 15th December 2025 at TMA Pai 1 Halls from 5:00 to 7:00
PM, as a prominent event under VEDAM, the academic fest of KMC Manipal. Bringing together
bright minds and bold ideas, the event saw participation from 17 dynamic teams, ranging from
solo innovators to groups of four, each presenting solutions rooted in creativity, critical thinking,
and real world relevance. The evening was marked by an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and healthy competition, with participants showcasing innovative concepts spanning healthcare, technology, and social impact.
The diversity of ideas and confident pitches made the judging process both engaging and
challenging. Eureka 3.0 concluded on an inspiring note, reaffirming the spirit of innovation and collaboration at KMC.

Winners:
🥇Team Saltsense – Vaishnavi Krishna
🥈Team CognicCoders – Swayam Adappa, Ankitha Ganesh
🥉Team Matrix Inc. – Adarsh Kumar

GALA NIGHT

Vedam, along with KMC’s Cultural Committee organised a Gala Night, with a nostalgic Retro theme. The event was held in the Manipal Amphitheatre and saw performances from KMC’s Eastern Dance Club – Cygnus, and our Music Club – Cadenza. Along with these acts, there was an impromptu open mic for everyone in the audience to display their talents. The night gave all the participants a chance to have fun, get to know each other, while enjoying some live entertainment.

CASE PRESENTATION 2 by Student Research Forum

Day 2 of the Vedam Case Presentation kicked off with a record number of participants showcasing their work, delving into the unique aspects, uncommon symptoms and innovative management plans of the cases they had come across in their time in medical school.

Presentations, either in the form of posters or oral, were articulate and piqued the audience’s interest. They were tested on the scope of their understanding of the case by a panel of experienced judges, who also opened their eyes to new ways of thinking. In the pre/para clinical category, Dr. Barnini, Dr. Rohini, and Dr. Kanthilatha Pai were judges for oral, while Dr. Chethana, Dr. Lydia and Dr. Sadhana judged the poster section; for the ENT/ Ophthalmology category, Dr. Sulatha, Dr. Neetu and Dr. Poorvi judged the oral, while Dr. Sneha, Dr. Neetha and Dr. Shailaja judged the posters.

Pre/Para Clinical Winners:

OBG and Paediatrics Winners:

Opthalmology and ENT Winners:

ANATOMY OF A CRIME SCENE by Justitia

‘Anatomy of a Crime Scene’ was an engaging workshop by Justitia, serving as a concise crash course in forensic science for the participants of Vedam 2025. The session offered insights into crime scene investigation, from bloodstain pattern analysis to the basics of ballistics, highlighting how scientific evidence helps reconstruct events.

With practical examples and clear explanations, the workshop underscored the vital role of forensics in uncovering the truth. Through interactive explanations and practical insights, the workshop not only deepened participants’ appreciation for the science behind solving crimes but also showcased the importance of forensic skills in the administration of justice.

CRISIS CAPITALIST by Tempus Pretioso

Tempus Pretioso conducted an emergency medicine-focused game for the participants on the 16th of December 2025.

Crisis Capitalist transformed emergency medicine into an intense, strategy-driven board game experience. Inspired by Monopoly-style gameplay, participants were tasked with building and managing their own emergency rooms while tackling simulated emergency cases under strict time constraints.

The event consisted of 3 rounds, with increasing intensity progressively. The participants were asked to triage and manage cases of various scenarios and were running against the clock. With side quests, rival competition, and high-stakes scenarios, the event tested not just medical knowledge but also leadership, adaptability, and decision-making under stress.

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Writers: Krish Shanbagh, Manaswita Mahayana, Chandini KM, Vaidicka Tiwari, Suhani Thaly, Ananya Karthik, Pragna Ameya Kona, Ayeshani Mishra, Sanshrita Khamesra, The Editorial Board KMC

Photographers: Aditya Zutshi, Ishita Chaudhary, Devanshi Sharma, Siddharth Garg, Shivansh Singh, Arnav Agarwal, Khyati Yadav, Anshika Ballani, Arshiya Sachdev, Nupur Gautam Tanvee Meher, Aditi Abburu, Pranav Bansal, Mahjoub Haris, Pranav Shenoy, The Editorial Board KMC

Uploaded by: Tarunya Sashikanth, Medha Chatterjee, The Editorial Board KMC

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