Bengaluru, October 3, 2026: Proving that top business schools in Bengaluru focus on more than just academics, the International Institute of Business Studies (IIBS) recently hosted SURFACE 2026, an energetic talent exhibition and cultural fest. Held at the historic Puttanashetty Town Hall, the event brought together students, faculty, and industry dignitaries to celebrate creativity, cultural diversity, and holistic student development.
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A Grand Inauguration
The cultural extravaganza kicked off with a dynamic digital presentation of SURFACE 2026, followed by a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.
Leadership at IIBS highlighted the crucial role extracurricular activities play in shaping well-rounded PGDM and MBA professionals:
- Dr. M. Ketan (Principal – PGDM) welcomed the attendees and set a vibrant tone for the day.
- Dr. Tripuraneni Jaggaiah (Academic Director) emphasized how cultural fests provide essential platforms for students to discover talents outside the classroom.
- Dr. Jay Prakash (Chairman, IIBS) delivered an inspiring Presidential Address.
- Amarjeet Sir (Admission Director) and Mr. Vivek Chandrashekhar (Placement Head) were also in attendance, actively cheering on the participants.
The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Mr. K. S. Pavan Sai, Founder and CEO of Busstand.com.
Showcasing Talent: Management Competitions and Cultural Arts
SURFACE 2026 was packed with high-energy cultural performances and management student competitions designed to test creativity, rapid problem-solving, and managerial acumen. Students from various programs captivated the audience with music, dance, theatre, poetry, and comedy.
To encourage innovation and communication skills, IIBS hosted a diverse lineup of competitions:
- Business and Strategy: Best Manager Final Round, Business Plan, and Debate.
- Creative Arts and Design: Adomania, Wealth out of Waste, Backdrop Design, Collage, Nail Art, Face Painting, Mehendi, Pencil Sketch, and Painting.
- Digital and Media: Reel Making and Short Film.
- Public Speaking: Pick and Speak.
The crowd-favorite Retro Walk brought a wave of nostalgia to the stage, while the Ethnic Walk proudly displayed traditional attire, celebrating India's rich cultural heritage. Both fashion showcases challenged students to step out of their comfort zones, boosting their presentation skills and stage confidence.
Crowning the Champions of SURFACE 2026
A major highlight of the B-school cultural fest was the highly anticipated awards ceremony, recognizing students who demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and charisma:
- Miss IIBS: Mansi Bennur
- Mr. IIBS: Mohit Gowda
- Best Manager: Hritika Varma (awarded for her outstanding performance in the Best Manager competition)
Additional winners and runners-up were celebrated across all major competition categories, rewarding their hard work and artistic flair.
The Team Behind the Success
Executing one of the most engaging B-school events in Bengaluru requires exceptional teamwork. The mega-event was spearheaded by Prof. Shivakashi Sharma (Cultural Head), with extensive support from Prof. Mangala Reddy and Dr. Arun Kumar.
Student coordinators Nishant Kumar, Mohit Gowda, DhivyaSri, and Aditya Tripathi alongside a dedicated team of student volunteers, managed the intricate scheduling and participant coordination. This hands-on involvement provided these future business leaders with invaluable real-world experience in event management, cross-functional leadership, and teamwork.
SURFACE 2026 concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks. The successful celebration reinforced IIBS's commitment to nurturing confident, creative, and collaborative professionals ready to take on the corporate world.
