The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies has organized many technical fests including two international conference, one national seminar and a number of fests organized by each faculty

◈ INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES CONGRESS AND EXPO 2024

Theme: Charting Sustainable Horizons: Fisheries, Blue Economy, and the Global Goals

The international fisheries congress and expo 2024 was organized jointly by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and the College of Fisheries Panangad Alumni Association (COFPAA), Panangad, Kochi, Kerala. It was conducted at the headquarters campus of KUFOS in Panangad from January 12 to 14 , 2024. The theme of the congress was “Charting Sustainable Horizons: Fisheries, Blue Economy, and the Global Goals.” The congress was inaugurated by Shri. Saji Cheriyan, the Honourable Minister for Fisheries, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Government of Kerala. The Chief Guest was Dr. J. K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), ICAR, and the Key Note Address was delivered by Dr. V. K. Ramachandran, Vice Chairman, Keral State Planning Board. The meeting was graced by the presence of Shri. Hibi Eden, M.P., Dr. George Ninan, Director CIFT, Shri. S. Sarma, Former Minister and Pro-Chancellor of KUFOS, and Shri. Chandran Pillai, Chairman, GCDA. Book of abstracts and a souvenir with articles were released on the occasion.

There were 16 technical sessions in the congress, arranged under seven themes. There were also four panel discussion sessions to contain the pressing aspirations of the stakeholders. There was also a farmer-fisherman conclave in which fishermen and farmers from five states participated. All the programmes were conducted in four venues inside the campus. There were about 120 invited guests from 36 organisations worldwide. Representatives from 12 countries participated.

Theme 1: Sustainable Ecosystem Conservation to Achieve SDG 14.
Theme 2: Frontier Technologies in the Production, Monitoring, and Management of Aquatic Resources
Theme 3: Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities.
Theme 4: Future-Ready Aquaculture
Theme 5: Post-Harvest Innovations and Global Seafood Trade Aligned with SDG 12
Theme 6: Social and cultural dimensions of fisheries
Theme 7: Strengthening Fisheries Governance and Policies

About 800 delegates participated of which 452 were students from KUFOS. Number of students who presented their research paper were 242. All the technical sessions and panel discussions were brainstorming exposure to the students who participated in it. The main themes in the event were :

Panel Discussions

There were four panel discussions in which several experts from the respective fields actively participated. These include Future Frontiers in Fisheries Education and Capacity Building, Strengthening Farmers-Industry Interaction in Aquaculture, Kerala’s Fisheries Governance: Past, Present, and Future, and Industry Meet: Innovations and Insights in Seafood Export. In the first panel discussion on fisheries education, it was recommended to establish the Fisheries Council of India and a National Fisheries Education Framework (NFEF) to ensure minimum standards in fisheries education, including curriculum, infrastructure, and manpower. With the advent of technology-oriented advances in fisheries, existing courses need to be reformulated with the introduction of new courses such as data science, digital technology, IoT, AI, machine learning, and business management as non-credit or elective courses without sacrificing the core course credits. The second panel recommended that the establishment of in-house seed and feed production can greatly help farmers reduce production costs. To reduce feed prices, the government should implement infrastructure and technologies for converting the by-products of fish or poultry processing centres into fish feed. Implementation of Best Aquatic Practices (BAP) through extension was highlighted. To improve ornamental fish marketing, it is necessary to develop a breeding technology and strategy for ornamental fish farming. In panel 3, which dealt with Kerala Fisheries Governance, technology upgradation for exploiting deep sea resources, modernization of fishing vessels, species-specific catch quota systems, and the making of policies for procurement of farmed fish by the government, ensuring base value to farmers and preventing low-quality fish raised by giving chicken waste from other states. In the industry meeting, it was recommended to explore quick testing methods for instant quality detection to enhance the efficiency of seafood exports. Risk analysis should be made an integral element in the production of fishery products and byproducts. The potential of innovative technologies should be explored while retaining traditional systems to enhance seafood production and export.

◈ BOOK FEST

The Book Fest held from April 23 to April 24, 2024, was a vibrant celebration of literature and culture, attracting book lovers, authors, and publishers from around the world. The event featured an array of activities, including book signings, author readings, panel discussions, and workshops. Renowned writers shared their insights on contemporary literary trends, while emerging authors had the opportunity to showcase their work. The festival also included a diverse marketplace with stalls selling a wide range of books, from bestsellers to rare finds. Enthusiasts of all ages enjoyed interactive storytelling sessions, making the Book Fest a memorable gathering for the literary community.

 

◈ FISH FEST

Fish fest was organized by the students in association with IFCE 2024. Several value added products, their preparation were demonstrated. An ornamental fish stall was also set up, which exhibited both indigenous and exotic ornamental fishes.

◈ EVOQUE

For the past four years, the Department of Business Administration and Management at KUFOS has held a two-day Technical Fest “Evoque” on March 9 and 10 2021, April 11 and 12, 2022, March 30 and 31, 2023, and March 6 and 7, 2024. In lieu of the tech fest, a flash mob was staged in front of KUFOS Portico’s academic building one week prior to the event to inform the public and students about it.

EVOQUE 2021

EVOQUE 2021, our institution’s highly anticipated management fest, concluded with a blend of intellectual rigor and creative flair, leaving participants and attendees inspired. The event was coordinated by Dr. Anoop K.K along with the dedicated student leaders Mohammed Sikkander and Ami Liyana. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Devika Pillai, the Director of Research at KUFOS. The fest featured a diverse range of events that challenged and showcased participants’ talents. NORMA RAE (BEST MANAGER) tested leadership and strategic thinking through rigorous managerial tasks. TUXEDO (MARKETING EVENT) saw participants crafting and presenting innovative marketing campaigns, blending creativity with strategic acumen. In CUI BONO? (FINANCE EVENT), students tackled complex financial scenarios, enhancing their decision-making skills. HOMINUM (HR EVENT) focused on efficient human resource management, while SCRUPLE (JAM) demanded spontaneous, clear, and precise speaking. SCHEINSPRESSE (MOCK PRESS) simulated a press conference, testing participants’ ability to handle media interactions. Adding vibrancy to the fest, GAMBOL (SPOT DANCE) showcased impromptu dance skills, and MAGNUM OPUS (MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY) allowed budding photographers to capture creative images. BRAINIAC (BUSINESS QUIZ) challenged participants’ knowledge of the corporate world and current affairs. VINTAGE (POSTER DESIGNING) merged creativity with business messaging, while ENIGMA (TREASURE HUNT) offered a thrilling, strategic adventure. Each event fostered teamwork, quick thinking, and strategic planning. In total, more than 150 students were participated in the event.

EVOQUE 2022

EVOQUE 2022, our institution’s celebrated management fest, concluded with resounding success, highlighting the innovative spirit and competitive zeal of its participants. The event was coordinated by Dr Anoop K.K along with the dedicated student leaders Abraham Alexander and Varsha Prasad P. The fest was inaugurated by Dr.Devika Pillai, the Director of Research at KUFOS. The fest featured a diverse array of events, each designed to challenge and highlight the talents of the students. Tuxedo – Marketing Game allowed participants to demonstrate their marketing prowess through creative and strategic campaign designs. Scruple – Just A Minute tested students’ spontaneity and eloquence, requiring them to speak flawlessly on given topics. In Cui Bono – Finance Game, participants showcased their financial acumen by navigating complex financial scenarios and presenting sound solutions. Brainiac – Business Quiz was a fierce competition that tested the depth of students’ knowledge in the corporate world and current affairs. Hominum – HR Game focused on human resource management, evaluating participants’ skills in handling HR challenges effectively. Magnum Opus – Mobile Photography provided a platform for budding photographers to capture and present their creative visions through mobile lenses. Gambol – Spot Dance brought energy and excitement, showcasing participants’ impromptu dance abilities. Enigma – Treasure Hunt offered a thrilling adventure, combining strategy and teamwork to solve clues and find hidden treasures. Adding to the fest’s diversity, Smashit – Badminton introduced a competitive sports element, where participants displayed athleticism and sportsmanship. Juliste – Poster Making merged artistic creativity with thematic expression, resulting in visually impactful posters.

EVOQUE 2023

In the Year 2023 Evoque was conducted in a more elaborate manner on 30/3/2023 to 31/3/2023 with a total of 226 students from seven colleges participating the event. The colleges include School of Management Studies – CUSAT, Marian Institute of Management Kuttikanam, SCMS School of Technology and Management, St Alberts College, School of Management and Business Studies, Mg University Kottayam, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala University of Fisheries & Ocean Studies. The events include managements events and non-management events as elaborated below.

♦ MANAGEMENT EVENTS

FINANCE GAME – CUI BONO

The Finance game event at the EVOQUE Management Fest 2023 was helped to assess the knowledge, skill and creativity in various finance related activities. The event aimed to test the ability to engage in portfolio management activities where they make investment decisions, risk management, task management in a simulated portfolio. Also analyse the creativity through Fin- tech app development.

BEST MANAGER – NORMA RAE

The Best Manager game event at the Evoque Management Fest 2023 has helped to identify the student with the traits of good manager and how he demonstrates the skills, knowledge, talents of good manager. The Business Quiz event at the Evoque Management Fest 2023 was an intellectually stimulating competition that brought together bright minds from various business schools and institutions. The event aimed to test the participants’ knowledge of business concepts, current affairs, and strategic thinking, providing a platform for showcasing their overall knowledge in the corporate world.

HR GAME – HOMINUM

The Human Resource game event at the Evoque Management Fest 2023 was helped to assess the communication and leadership skills of students from various business schools and institutions. The event aimed to test the participants’ knowledge, skills, leadership qualities, communication, problem solving, and attitude.

MARKETING GAME -TUXEDO

The marketing game event at the evoque management fest 2023 was helped to asses leadership, communication, and performance. The event aimed to test the knowledge, creativity, innovation, of students from various institutions.The preliminary round acted as filter to shortlist the top performance team for the subsequent rounds.it consist of GK questions, identified the person, tagline identification.

♦ NON-MANAGEMENT EVENT

MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY -MAGNUMOPUS

The Mobile photography event at the Evoque Management Fest 2023 proved to be an intellectually stimulating competition, uniting brilliant minds from diverse business schools and institutions.

SPOT DANCE-GAMBOL

The event is an individual. The event will only have 1 round. Contestants are taken numbers from bowl and song provided on the bases of number. 3 minutes are allowed for each contestant. Songs are played on spot. 3 songs of different genre will be play and participants have to perform without stopping.

MUHAMMED SHIHAS MEMORIAL 3’S FOOTBALL

The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from faculty coordinator Dr.Anoop K K.

TREASURE HUNT (ENIGMA)

The Treasure Hunt game event (ENIGMA) at the EVOQUE Management fest 2023 is like a real-life adventure where you have to use your problem-solving skills and teamwork to uncover the hidden treasure. The thrill of the hunt and the anticipation of discovering something valuable make it an exciting experience.

EVOQUE 2024

In the Year 2024 Evoque was conducted in a more elaborate manner 06/03/2024 to 07/03/2024 with a total of 260 students from 25 colleges participating the event. The colleges. Include Dreamzone School Of Creative Studies, Mg Road Kochi, Kerala University of Fisheries & Ocean Studies, Kochin Business School, Kakkanad, Amrita School of Business Kochi, School of Management Studies – CUSAT, Marian Institute of Management Kuttikanam , Scms School of Technology And Management., Depaul Institute of Science And Technology Angamaly , St Alberts College , Majlis Arts And Science College, Rajagiri College of Management And Applied Science, Depaul Institute of Science And Technology Angamaly , School of Management And Business Studies, Mg University Kottayam, Bharat Mata College, School of Management Studies, Union Christian College, Aluva, Albertian Institute Of Management, KMEA College of Arts And Science, Toc-H, Rajagiri College of Management, Sahrdaya College of Advanced Studies, KMM College of Arts And Science, Trikkakkara, Sree Sankara Vidyapeetom College, Govt .Law College Ernakulam, St. Pauls College, Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth etc. The events include managements events and non-management events as elaborated below.

♦ MANAGEMENT EVENTS

FINANCE GAME – CUI BONO

The Finance game event at the EVOQUE Management Fest 2024 was helped to assess the knowledge, skill and creativity in various finance related activities. The event aimed to test the ability to engage in portfolio management activities where they make investment decisions, risk management, task management in a simulated portfolio. Also analyse the creativity through Fin- tech app development. Prizes and Recognition: The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeep Kumar in the validatory function. First prize: Maria Davis, Devi Kannan, Swetha Biju, Aflah Ahammed P F from SCMS College Kalamassery awarded with Rs.5000 and certificate. Second prize: Abin Jose, Dani Emmanuvel, Abhishek V M, Bijith Biju from Marian College Kuttikanam awarded with Rs.3000 and certificate.

BEST MANAGER – NORMA RAE

The Best Manager game event at the Evoque Management Fest 2024 has helped to identify the student with the traits of good manager and how he demonstrates the skills, knowledge, talents of good manager. Prizes and Recognition: The winner of Best manager was awarded a cash prize of Rs8000 and certificates from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr Pradeepkumar in the valedictory function. Winner- Athul Rag, School of Management Studies, CUSAT.

BUSINESS QUIZ – BRAINAC

The Business Quiz event at the Evoque Management Fest 2024 was an intellectually stimulating competition that brought together bright minds from various business schools and institutions. The event aimed to test the participants’ knowledge of business concepts, current affairs, and strategic thinking, providing a platform for showcasing their overall knowledge in the corporate world. Prizes and Recognition: The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeepkumar in the validatory function. First prize: Christo Lona & Shadual Prabha from Sahardhaya College of Advanced Studies, Trissur awarded Rs.5000 and certificate. Second prize: Milan C Varghese & Premith C Menon from Government Law College Ernakulam awarded Rs3000 and certificate.

HR GAME – HOMINUM

The Human Resource game event at the Evoque Management Fest 2024 was helped to assess the communication and leadership skills of students from various business schools and institutions. Prizes and Recognition: The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeep Kumar in the validatory function. First prize: Malavika Chumane, Ameliya Venoy, Shreya Aji & Alan Mijo from Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences, Kochi awarded Rs.5000 and certificate. Second prize: Anusree K S, Varsha Vijay, Krishnapriya K &Adhithya R Krishna from Union Christian college, Aluva awarded Rs3000 and certificate.

MARKETINGGAME -TUXEDO

The marketing game event at the evoque management fest 2024 was helped to assess leadership, communication, and performance. Prizes and Recognition The winning teams were awarded cash prize and certificate from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeep Kumar in the validatory function. First prize: PK Fathima Bayan, Sadiya TK, Arpitha joy, Aparna M, school of management studies Kochi, awarded 5000 cash prize and certificate. Second prize: Muhammad ansal P. A, K. R Nandana, Midhuna K. B, Avanthika Babu, Albertian institute of Management, awarded 3000 cash prize and certificate.

♦ NON-MANAGEMENT EVENT

MAGNUMOPUS

The reel-making event at the Evoque Management Fest 2024 proved to be an intellectually stimulating competition, uniting brilliant minds from diverse business schools and institutions. Designed to assess participants’ content creation and videography skills, the event centered around the promotion of “Skei Ice-cream.” Prizes and Recognition: The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from honourable vice-chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeep Kumar in the validatory function. First prize: Rohan Mathew &Nivya A Rajeevan from SCMS cochin school of business, awarded Rs.2000 and certificate.

SPOT DANCE-GAMBOL

Prizes and Recognition: The winner was awarded cash prizes and certificates from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeep Kumar in the validatory function. First prize: Aparna MP MSC marine microbiology KUFOS Kochi awarded Rs.2000 and certificate.

CORPORATE WALK- SILHOUTTE

The Corporate Walk event at the Evoque Management Fest 2024 was an stimulating competition that brought together bright models from various business schools and institutions. The event aimed to test the participants’ knowledge of fashion concepts, confidence while ramping, and personality thinking, providing a platform for showcasing their overall individuality in the corporate world. Prizes and Recognition: The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeep Kumar in the validatory function. First prize: (Group Event) Team Chilamb, Anju antony, Anjali s. Pillai, Shalima Shaji, Muhsina K.Y, Gayathri Nair, Amritha Mahesh, Amritha Krishna, Linta Varghese, Anuja A, Raheela Kelage, Anju Sajeevan, Vineesha Vishambaran, Shilpa Mathew, Aldreena Sunil, Aparna Rajesh, KJ Radhika Dream Zone School of Creative Students, M.G Road Kochin awarded Rs.10000 and certificate. First prize:(Individual )Bijo George KUFOS Panangad awarded Rs.2000 and certificate.

MUHAMMED SHIHAS MEMORIAL 3’S FOOTBALL

Prizes and Recognition: The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from faculty coordinator Dr. Anoop K K. First prize: Muhammed Dilshad, Muhammed Ilyas, Amal Raj K J & Sachu Sasikumar from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies awarded Rs.3000 and certificate. Second prize: Junais K R, Misabh Yaseen & Nisham M P from Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies awarded Rs.2000 and certificate.

TREASURE HUNT (ENIGMA)

The Treasure Hunt game event (ENIGMA) at the EVOQUE Management fest 2024 is like a real-life adventure where you have to use your problem-solving skills and teamwork to uncover the hidden treasure. The thrill of the hunt and the anticipation of discovering something valuable make it an exciting experience. PRIZE AND RECOGNITION The winning teams were awarded cash prizes and certificates from honourable vice chancellor of the university Dr. Pradeep Kumar in the validatory function. FIRST PRIZE: Anita Rose, Niya Fathima P N, Gautham Gopan, Rohan M R from Chinmaya Vishwavidya peeth , awarded Rs.6000 and certificate.

◈ FOOD ENTREPRENEURS’ CONCLAVE 2.0 (FECO) 30th November 2023

To mark the decennial year of the Association of Food Scientists and Technologist (India) Cochin Chapter (AFST(I)), a conference was held at Kochi. Food Entrepreneurs‟ Conclave 2.0 was an exciting event hosted by Association of Food Scientist and Technologist (India) Cochin Chapter (AFST(I)) in collaboration with the Department of Food science and technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) at Cochin on 30th November 2023. This conclave was a prime gathering that brings together Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Industry Experts and Students in the dynamic field of food entrepreneurship. FECO provided a unique platform to learn connected and be inspired by the brightest minds in the Food Industry. The highlights of FECO were panel discussion, networking opportunities, innovation showcase, startup pitching and food expo. The event was attended by more than 250 delegates. All the students of MSc Food Science and B.Tech food technology participated (About 200 students).

◈ National seminar: Reorienting the strategies towards sustainable aquaculture and fisheries January 6-7-2022

The national seminar was organised by the University in association with Department of Fisheries Government of Kerala. The seminar was inaugurated by Shri Saji Cherian Honourable Minister for Fisheries. There were 5 sessions such as Problem Solutions in Aquaculture, Coastal zone management and its social perspective, Environmental and health concerns in fisheries and aquaculture, Aquatic biodiversity and conservation and Socio Economics. All the students participated in the event and 115 students presented their research paper.

◈ AQUABE 2019: International Conference on Aquatic Resources and Blue economy -28th November 2019

The International Conference organized by KUFOS was inaugurated by Smt. J. Mercy Kutty Amma Honourable Minister for Fisheries Government of Kerala at Hotel Le Meridian Kochi in the presence of Hon. Vice Chancellor Dr. A. Ramachandran and Registrar Dr. B. Manoj Kumar. The distinguished guests of honour were Dr. Nomvuyo Nokwe Secretary General Indian Ocean Rim Association, Shri. K. S. Srinivas IAS, Chairman, MPEDA, Shri. Vikram K. Doraiswami IFS, Joint Secretary Ministry of External Affairs Government of India. Scientists from several countries participated in the conference. About 25 students from KUFOS presented their paper in the event.