Pleiades-26, the annual National-Level Techno-Cultural Festival of KLE Technological University (KLETU), began on a colourful note on the BVB Campus in Hubballi on Friday with hundreds of students from various technical institutions enthusiastically participating in it.

The festival also coincides with the 141st birth anniversary of the institution’s visionary founder  B.V. Bhoomaraddi.

Leadership coach, army veteran and storytelling specialist Col. Rajiv Bhargava formally launched the tech fest by unveiling the festival banner and releasing balloons bearing the Pleiades plaque into the air in the presence of KLETU Vice-Chancellor Prakash Tewari, Registrar Basavaraj Anami, executive dean B.L. Desai, Dean (student welfare) Sanjay Kotabagi and a host of faculty members.

On the inaugural day, various competitions, workshops were conducted simultaneously at different venues. Threadscape , an immersive textile art installation on the campus attracted many passers-by.

Co-founder of boAt and OffBeat Studios Aman Gupta delivered the first Spotlight Talk at the Dr. Prabhakar Kore Sports Arena narrating his entrepreneurship journey, his struggle and subsequent success.

Mr. Aman Gupta candidly acknowledged that he often overlooked crucial aspects by solely focusing on launching ventures and that there exists a delicate balance between self-assurance and excessive confidence.

He spoke openly about brand building, the importance of customer connect and why dreaming big must always be matched with disciplined execution.

In the afternoon, Col. Bhargava conducted a deeply engaging sprint session titled “Storytelling: Crafting Ideas that Inspire, Influence & Impact”.

Through powerful anecdotes, practical frameworks and interactive exercises, he guided students on the art and science of impactful communication — how a well-told story can move minds, shape opinions and drive meaningful action.

In the evening, various teams put up a spirited and colourful performance highlighting the rich cultural heritage. The festival will conclude on the evening of Sunday.