GUWAHATI, Aug 21 � Several eminent academics, engineers and other achievers would be interacting with students and youth in the 2010 edition of Techniche to be held from September 2 to 5 at IIT Guwahati. Foremost among them is Ferid Murad, the American physician and pharmacologist, co-winner of the 1998 Nobel Prize for Medicine.
In a press conference held at the Guwahati Press Club, the organizers of Techniche, IIT Guwahati�s techno fest, said that it would be a memorable occasion to have the presence of a Nobel laureate. On earlier occasions, Nobel winners have communicated with Techniche participants, but through video-conferencing.
Other speakers who have confirmed their attendance at the event include Richard M Stallman, founder of Free Software Foundation and Nathan Schulhof, father of the MP 3 industry. Another invitee is Suhas Gopinath, known as the world�s youngest CEO.
One of the attractions of this year�s Techniche would be several long distance runs, which would involve professional athletes, amateurs as well as students. All the runs, including a half marathon, will start from Guwahati�s Sonaram High School playground on August 29 at 6 am. Apart from the half marathon, there will be a �Dream Run� of 6 km, a �Creative Run� for school children, and a cycle race of 21 km. Prizes worth Rs 2 lakh would be on offer for the winners in various categories.
According to the organizers, the races would have a social message � spreading awareness about saving the environment and creating a sustainable future.
The races have been promoted at the national and international level, and cricket star Akash Chopra is an ambassador for the event. An international flavour to the happening will be brought by Mark Toorock from the stunt group American Parkour.
One of the highlights of Techniche would be Technothlon, the National School Championships for students of Class IX to XII. The programme provides an opportunity to young minds to engage with the best of their counterparts from various corners of the country.
Speaking in a press meet, veteran sports personality Tayabun Nesa appreciated the Techniche team for conceiving the half marathon and other races. �Today such an event gives ample opportunity to youths from rural areas to show their talents and earn recognition�some even secure jobs because of their physical fitness,� she said and promised all possible help to make the event a great success.
Leading Assamese actress, Nishita Goswami, who is also promoting the athletic events, hoped the event would be a resounding success. She regretted that she would not be there due to prior commitments, but was confident that there will be an encouraging turnout of participants.
