In the annals of maritime traditions, few celebrations command the prestige and excitement that Tempest 25 does. This year, as it marked its golden jubilee, the prestigious festival—meticulously orchestrated by the cadets of IMU Kolkata (formerly DMET/MERI Kolkata)—stood as a beacon of enduring legacy and innovative spirit.
Renowned as Asia’s premier marine festival, Tempest 25 once again captivated audiences in February 2025, blending fierce sporting competitions, technical ingenuity, and vibrant cultural performances. Drawing collegiate participants from across the country, it was a celebration of excellence in every sense.
A Multifaceted Extravaganza
At its core, Tempest 25 was a grand confluence of talent, intellect, and athleticism, segmented into four distinct yet interwoven arenas of competition and creativity:
Chakravyuh: The Sporting Arena
Embodying the vigor and discipline of maritime life, Chakravyuh served as the festival’s sporting segment, a battleground where athletic prowess was put to the ultimate test. Cadets and students from various prestigious institutions engaged in high-intensity tournaments across multiple sports, including:
Football
Cricket
Hockey
Volleyball
Kabaddi
Table Tennis
Badminton
Chess
Swimming
Basketball
Chakravyuh not only celebrated competitive sportsmanship but also fostered camaraderie among participants, reinforcing the ethos of teamwork and resilience that define maritime professionals.
Propulsion: The Technical Vanguard
For those with a penchant for innovation and problem-solving, Propulsion served as the festival’s intellectual and technical core. This segment showcased engineering brilliance through a variety of stimulating competitions:
BotBall: A thrilling robotic football match where custom-built robots battled it out on the field.
Beat The Trail: A high-speed time-trial event that tested the agility and efficiency of robot designs.
Dare to Sail: A riveting race featuring boats crafted entirely from scratch.
La Marina: A maritime quiz designed to challenge even the most seasoned enthusiasts with its depth of nautical knowledge.
Talk A Tech: A platform where innovative technical papers pushed the boundaries of maritime engineering and technology.
Sell It: An entrepreneurial challenge inviting participants to market and pitch groundbreaking ideas.
Drone Voyage: An exhilarating drone obstacle course that tested participants’ skill and precision in unmanned aerial navigation.
With every event, Propulsion stood as a testament to the ingenuity and forward-thinking mindset of the cadets, reaffirming IMU Kolkata’s commitment to maritime excellence.
Cacophony: The Cultural Spectacle
Beyond sports and technology, Tempest 25 was also a pulsating hub of artistic and cultural expression. Cacophony, the festival’s cultural segment, offered a diverse array of events that brought the stage to life:
Kolkata’s Got Talent: A dazzling exhibition of unique talents, leaving audiences spellbound.
RazzMatazz: A fashion runway event that showcased flair and panache.
Flashmob & Face Painting: Spontaneous performances and artistic displays capturing the essence of creativity.
Campus Queen: A coveted runway title, judged this year by none other than Miss Universe Rhea Singha.
Groove It & Hoedown: Electrifying dance competitions ranging from group choreography to one-on-one battles.
Bandsedgy: A high-energy band showdown featuring fierce musical rivalries.
Lumina: A short film-making contest that provided a platform for cinematic storytelling.
Celebrity Night: The grand crescendo of Tempest 25, featuring a powerhouse performance by Uttar Pradesh’s rap sensation, Panther, alongside the band Riddles, culminating in a DJ night that had the entire campus on its feet.
Through these cultural spectacles, Cacophony brought to light the creative pulse of the cadets and their ability to command the stage as effortlessly as they navigate the seas.
Behind the Scenes: Orchestrating a Masterpiece
The seamless execution of Tempest 25 was owed to the tireless dedication of its organizing committee. This year’s edition was masterfully steered by a group of visionary cadets, each playing a pivotal role in the event’s planning, marketing, finance, and logistics:
Cadet Rahul Kumar Singh (Roll No. 9449) – Marketing, Planning, Hospitality, and Maintenance
Cadet Sachin Bharadwaj (Roll No. 9468) – Marketing, Planning, Hospitality, and Maintenance
Cadet Priyanshu Raj (Roll No. 9444) – Finance and Planning
Cadet Raghav Dhaka (Roll No. 9446) – Finance and Planning
Cadet Ajay Raj Sharma (Roll No. 9389) – Finance and Planning
Their commitment was particularly evident post the December 2024 end-semester examinations, as Cadets Rahul Kumar Singh and Sachin Bharadwaj embarked on an arduous sponsorship drive, engaging maritime companies both locally and in Mumbai. Their relentless efforts ensured that Tempest 25 was not only well-funded but also exceeded all expectations in grandeur and execution.
Moreover, their outreach to alumni saw a remarkable increase in participation—from 35 attendees in previous years to over 100 alumni at this year’s Alumni Night.
This incredible 300% growth is a testament to their ability to foster connections and reinvigorate the alumni network. Alongside them, Cadets Priyanshu Raj, Raghav Dhaka, and Ajay Raj Sharma worked meticulously to ensure that every financial and logistical detail was flawlessly executed.
The guiding forces behind the festival were three esteemed Engineering Officers—Atul Kumar Sir, Gaurav Beniwal Sir, and Anand Kumar Sir—all from the Class of 2004. Their invaluable mentorship provided the organising team with the leadership and strategic insights necessary to execute an event of this magnitude with unparalleled precision.
A Lasting Legacy
Tempest 25 was far more than just a festival—it was an enduring celebration of maritime heritage, technical ingenuity, and cultural vibrancy. As we reflect on fifty years of this iconic event, we not only honor its storied past but also embrace a future brimming with innovation and unity. Through the collective efforts of dedicated cadets and the wisdom of experienced mentors, Tempest 25 continues to be a symbol of academic, athletic, and artistic excellence—a legacy that will inspire generations of mariners to come.
With each passing year, Tempest reaffirms its position as a cornerstone of maritime education, proving that IMU Kolkata is not just shaping future seafarers but also nurturing leaders, innovators, and visionaries who will steer the maritime industry to greater horizons. Here’s to fifty years of excellence—and to many more ahead!