Vortex - The Chemfest
Vortex is an annual chemical engineering and technology festival of Institute of Chemical Technology, ICT, Mumbai. It also refers to a student body that organizes this event along with many other social initiatives, drives and outreach programs. Vortex is popularly known for hosting many events ranging from quizzes and competitions, exhibits and workshops, guest lectures and masterclasses.[1]
| Vortex - The Chemfest | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Non-Profit Student Organization |
| Dates | 4 days |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Venue | Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai |
| Location(s) | Mumbai, India |
| Coordinates | 19°01′26″N 72°51′31″E / 19.02401°N 72.85852°ECoordinates: 19°01′26″N 72°51′31″E / 19.02401°N 72.85852°E ⧼validator-fatal-error⧽ |
| Country | India |
| Years active | 8 years |
| Established | 2013 |
| Organized by | Student Community of Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai |
| Website | https://www.vortexictmumbai.org/ |
Vortex traces back its humble beginnings to the year of 2013. It started as a venture aiming to provide a platform for the community of chemical engineers, technologists and fellow pharmacists to develop and showcase their technical prowess and has now emerged as Asia’s largest ChemFest with a footfall of 7000 in its latest edition. The event is held across a span of four days on the ICT, Mumbai campus and is a global crowd puller with a huge participation from students, academicians, corporates and general public.
History and Growth[edit]
Vortex 2013
The first edition of Vortex started in 2013. The event commenced on 17th October and concluded on 21st October. This year the three premier technical festivals of the Institute of Chemical Technology, ICT; namely, Exergy, YICC (Young Innovators’ Choice Competition) and YRC (Young Researchers’ Conference) had been synergistically amalgamated into one grand event i.e. Vortex: The ChemFest 2013.[2] The theme for the maiden show was “Carbon as we ‘C’ life” which promulgated the concept of universality. Going along with the theme the fest supported the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. With this Vortex re-invented the idea behind university technical fests.
Vortex 2014
Keeping up with the legacy set up by the first edition of the fest, ICT hosted Vortex 2014 with the theme of ‘Frugal Innovention’ which aimed at developing innovative methods in order to redesign our way of life such that we use the resources frugally. The Hariyali drive aimed at afforestation, water conservation and the post plantation care witnessed a large amount of participation and was a huge success.
Vortex 2015
The 3rd edition of the fest kickstarted on 10th October and ended in a gran concluding event on 13th October. The theme for this edition of Vortex was ‘INDIGENESIS’ where Vortex brought out the underlying spirit of India and its diversity, the spirit of its people, their undeniable perseverance and an urge to move to a better, freer and a more independent tomorrow. The fest aimed the highlighting the impact of globalization, offering alternatives for the solutions provided by the west and encouraging indigenous industries by trapping local talent.[3][4]
Vortex 2016
The theme for this edition of Vortex was ‘SiSTEM-atic approach’, which stands for Sustainable innovation through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This edition of Vortex had prizes worth Rs.10 Lakh and helped in developing a more holistic, scientific and moral attitude.[5]
Vortex 2017
Vortex 5.0 set up a benchmark by having a footfall of around 4000 in this edition. The theme of Vortex 2017 was ‘Quadrigy: Automate-Innovate-Revolutionize’, the AIR that we need to, not to survive but to strive. With over 24 events spanned across the dates of 12-15th October this edition of vortex truly brought about a revolution by the young, aspiring minds.[6][7][8]
Vortex 2018
Vortex 6.0 had the theme ‘PRITHWEE’ which is Prioritising, Research, Innovation in Technology towards Harnessing new Ways to Ensure Eco-friendliness, The SOS of Survival. This edition of Vortex gathered enough participation to fill the campus with bustling students over the four days. The events like SCHEMCON, IGNITE, and IDP were a huge success gaining accolades from professionals and academicians alike.[9][10]
Vortex 2019
The 7th edition of Vortex boated of the theme ‘SYNTHON- Rationalise, Reboot, Renovate’ and had a footfall of 7000. This edition of Vortex aimed at striving to to bring about the best scientific minds of the country together to solve real and pertinent problems faced by the world. This event was the most successful edition of the fest and a perfect combination of having fun while learning something new.
Vortex 2020-21
Vortex 8.0 is the latest edition of the ChemFest. This year the fest strives at embracing the new normal and continuing its legacy of excellence via its new endeavours. Vortex has gone global in its latest edition.
Patronages, Awards and Recognitions[edit]
Vortex is among the very few students led organizations to receive many prestigious recognitions. Among its few accomplishments, the prominent ones are listed below:
- UNESCO patronage in the 2018 edition.[11][12]
- UNESCO patronage in the 2015 edition.
- Best Student Chapter Award from the IIChE.[10]
- Recognition and support from the Royal Society of Chemistry.[12][4]
Events[edit]
Creating a broad spectrum and combining a wide array of field such as chemical engineering. polymers and coatings, fibres and textiles, food technology and processing, dyes and intermediates, oils and oleochemicals, pharmacy and pharmaceutical technology, biotechnology and biological sciences, business, management, advertising along with some out of the box fun events, Vortex is unique in its scope and ideas, redefining the concept for technical fests. The Fest aims at providing a plethora of knowledge through viable alternative means to the regular classroom education. It focusses on hands on learning experiences, interactive sessions and workshops. [1]
The events are broadly classified under three sub categories, namely the Prodigy Series, the Pharma series and the General series of events.
The Prodigy Series[edit]
This comprises Events like Chemical Engineer Of The Year (CEOTY) and Chemical Technologist of the Year (CTOTY) which test the subject knowledge of the participants and leaves them with a hunger to learn more; Papyrus: the paper presentation competition and Manifesto: the poster presentation competition, which fuels the creativity in the participants. Vortex 2021 has seen the addition of events like ChemCodes: exclusive coding event for coding geeks and ChemQuotient: event testing the engineering and technological skills.[6][13]
Industry Defined Problems (IDP)[edit]
An integral part of the Fest consists of Industry Defined Problems which include actual problems faced by various chemical and pharmaceutical companies. Major industries provide us with problem statements relevant to their own R&D work. This event aims at stimulating young mind to channelize their knowledge and skills towards developing innovations and trouble shooting methods applicable to the industries today. It also encourages them to develop environment friendly, green solutions for the same.[8]
The Pharma Series[edit]
These are the events specifically designed for the pharmacy people. It includes Apotheke, an event related to the pharma shop management; Cosmecure, wherein you can learn all about cosmetics; Immunisia, Quizocopeia and Quantity Sufficient which are a combination of quizzes and interesting activities and the Moot Court, which brings out the SUITS in you. Vortex 2021 introduced new events like Blueprint, Analyze and an event based on social problems faced to provide a fruitful solution: Social Defined Problem (Pharma).[12]
The General Series[edit]
These events cater to the non-technical side of the participants and are very well received. It includes events like The Corporate Tycoon and The Entrepreneurs Blueprint; The Ultimate Detectives which makes you run all over the city for clues; Ad Mad and Phineas and Ferb Backyard which is the real life version of the popular show wherein the participants indulge in making stuff from whatever is being provided to them. Besides these, it also includes Social Defined Problem (General) and IGNITE: an event wherein participants have to enlighten the audience with a crisp presentation.
Masterclass[edit]
In the Masterclass series, extraordinary personalities enlighten the crowd with their extensive knowledge, skills and experiences in their respective fields.[14] This provides an opportunity for the participants to interact with the speakers, exchange thoughts, learn, improve, stretch and implement new innovative ideas in science, research and technology and also develops their personalities. This event is a crowd puller with many famous people on board with team Vortex.[4]
The event commences with a grand opening ceremony. There is a cultural night organized by the students with stellar performances by various clubs and other participants as well. The fest concludes with an equally stunning closing ceremony and prize distribution event for the participants.
Social Initiatives[edit]
Every Year Vortex undertakes social initiatives based on relevant issues in the society. Vortex having a diverse crowd and a large outreach is an ideal platform for promoting social causes. Over the years, different teams have conducted various campaigns and sought to bring about change through Vortex. In order to make contribution to the society various social drives are conducted as a part of a social cause named ‘Yatn’, with these events spread around the calendar. Platelet awareness drives, plantation drives, waste separation drives are a few of our humble efforts to do our bit for the society. The ‘Joy of Giving’ is an activity aimed at collecting our unused stuff and donating it to the NGOs around. These events witness ample participation and are a huge success.[citation needed][15]
Structure and Organization[edit]
Vortex is an entirely student-organized body. The core committee consists of a crew: 2 Club Secretaries at the helm and heads who overlook all the aspects and activities of Vortex. Each Head has a portfolio assigned to her/him which can be broadly categorized into two sections - administration and events. The administrative portfolios primarily include tasks like accounts, infrastructure, marketing, hospitality, publicity and media along with helping with the events. The events portfolios include responsibility for each of the numerous happenings and initiatives taken by Vortex each year. A team of Coordinators and Volunteers and College ambassadors works in sync with the heads to execute and implement the activities of the festival. Each head has her/his own team of coordinators and volunteers. The coordinators and volunteers help the heads look into the finer details of the specific departments and ensure that ideas of the team are executed smoothly which leads to the overall smooth functioning of the event.[16]
Associates and Sponsors[edit]
Vortex receives extensive coverage in media, be it print, television, digital as well as online media. Vortex has had Maharashtra Times as its media partner and Sunjeet Communications Pvt. Ltd. as its advertising partner with extensive coverage of the Fest and keeping the audience updated about the happenings of the events. In terms of industrial and corporate associations, Vortex has received sponsorship from a wide range of sectors and has the Adroit, Brassica Pharma, Aarvi, LifeSurge, Sunrise CSP and many more such sponsors in its previous editions. Organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry (Knowledge Partner) and IMS (Education Partner) have also partnered with Vortex for the promotion of Science and Technology, education and cultural exchange. Vortex also had Gharda Chemicals Limited as its Title Sponsor, Aditya Birla Grasim as its Associate Sponsor and Aarti Industries Limited, Alkyl Amines Chemicals and Amaterasu Lifesciences LLP as its co-sponsors. Companies like Monster Energy (Energy Partner), Brijeel Aqua (Hydration Partner), Gelato, London Bubble Co., Wow Momo, Oasis, Goli Vada Pav, Eat and Run (Food and Beverages Partner) placing their baits on the ChemFest. Along with these companies Vortex also receives support from organizations like the UAA (The UDCT Alumni Association) and TEQIP in all its endeavours. With a diverse participation, Vortex is a very good place for engaging and interacting with the youth of the country. With increased number of participants and industries which it is associated with, Vortex has created a formidable reputation of delivering on every promise made to the sponsors and participants alike. It has been Praised by the Veterans and enjoyed thoroughly by the participants alike over the years.[17][18][19]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Technological Association: Student Activities" (PDF). ICT Mumbai. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Professor G.D. Yadav Elite Status and Centre of Excellence". Bombay Technologist. 23 September 2013. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Vortex 2015 - ICT Mumbai". 2 February 2014. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Vortex MasterClass sponsored by RSC-WIS at ICT, Mumbai" (PDF). Royal Society of Chemistry. 29 February 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2015. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Reporter, Staff (18 October 2016). "ICT's Vortex 4.0 fest to begin from October 20". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 December 2016. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 6.0 6.1 Correspondent, DNA (10 October 2017). "ICT Mumbai to hold Chemfest from October 12". DNA India. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Vortex 2017". Vortex ICT Mumbai. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Nano Medicine Research Group: ICT Mumbai; Sr. IDP". nano-medicine.co.in. October 2017. Retrieved 5 December 2020. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Vortex 2018". Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 10.0 10.1 "SCHEMCON 2018; IIChE Patronage". ICT Mumbai. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Under the patronage of the Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO: Vortex 2018". Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 11 November 2018. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 "NMIMS Pharmacy on Vortex 2018" (PDF). pharmacy.nmims.edu. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2018. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Prodigy: Vortex 2021". Vortex ICT Mumbai. Retrieved 7 February 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Sakpal, Dipali. "Vortex Festival at ICT" "समाजोपयोगी संशोधन करा!" [Do socially useful research!]. Maharashtra Times. Retrieved 25 October 2016. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Yatn: Vortex". Vortex ICT Mumbai. Retrieved 7 February 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Team Structure". Vortex ICT Mumbai. Retrieved 4 February 2021. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Sponsors: Vortex 2017". Vortex ICT Mumbai. Retrieved 31 October 2017. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Sponsors: Vortex 2018". Vortex ICT Mumbai. Retrieved 31 October 2018. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ "Sponsors: Vortex 2019". Vortex ICT Mumbai. Retrieved 31 October 2019. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help)
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