Between April 18-20, 2023, Alliance University held the much anticipated and one-of-a-kind annual carnival, Alliance ONE. This extraordinary event was initiated entirely and executed by the students of the University to encapsulate the spirit of India and the country's vision as it assumed the G20 Presidency of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'.

The three-day event was driven by the vision of bringing together students, staff, faculty, and communities from all quarters of the University, within and beyond, and one of the most critical priorities of India’s G20 Presidency – “Accelerating Progress on SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)”. This was aligned with the United Nations' 17 SDGs that formed the core of the presented case studies. The event provided valuable insights into pertinent issues such as, hunger, poverty, education, health, to name a few and stressed upon the importance of encouraging young and innovative minds in progressive institutions like Alliance University to take up the mantle of building a sustainable future.

Alliance ONE was a convergence of the University members from all the academic disciplines in a manner that let them represent an Indian state without necessarily belonging to the one they represented. The event as a University carnival was a culmination of three verticals where teams had to compete under: functional vertical, where participants proposed solutions with perspectives of Liberal Arts, Law, Technology and Business to case studies curated by faculty and students that revolve around the SDGs in states across India; cultural vertical where participants had to perform on stage with themes centric to the states through dance, drama, music and fashion; and physical vertical that let teams compete in different sports tasks.

Dr. Shalini Rajneesh (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Planning, Programme Monitoring & Statistics and Department of Youth Empowerment & Sports, Govt. of Karnataka was the Chief Guest of Alliance ONE who lauded the efforts of the University and its students in creating a unique event that blended classroom learning to the real-world environment. She emphasized the importance of youth becoming the agents of change to achieve solutions to build a sustainable future and planet in her keynote address.

Alliance ONE had functional rounds where teams made case study presentations showcasing innovative solutions to pressing challenges. As India takes on the G20 presidency, the presentations were a testament to the commitment of members of Alliance University towards a sustainable future. The event's overarching theme was the representation of states using the Sustainable Development Goals as laid out by the UN. The students were tasked with creating displays, performances, or exhibits that highlighted the unique cultural, historical, and social aspects of a particular state in India and aligned them with the Sustainable Development Goals for the development of the state. The cultural vertical showcased the artistic talent of team members through skit, music, dance, and fashion, while the physical vertical had members competing in a range of sports activities.

The cultural performances were based on the unique and diverse cultural heritage of the states represented by the teams. The physical activities were equally engaging and sought to bring together students from different regions to compete in various sports activities, promoting unity and camaraderie.

Alliance ONE concluded on a high note with the team representing Karnataka emerging as the overall champions followed by Odisha and Chhattisgarh, while the team representing Goa won the functional round; Uttar Pradesh, the cultural round. Karnataka also won the physical round.

The valedictory had the presence of Dr. Indu K Murthy, Principal Research Scientist and Head of the Climate, Environment, and Sustainability Sector at the Center for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP) as the Guest of Honour who acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the participants and emphasized on the importance of becoming aware of the effort that everyone has to make in protecting the planet. During the valedictory, Mr. Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor, Alliance University commended the efforts of more than 700 students and 50 faculty & staff members across three days to make Alliance ONE an unforgettable event. Dr. Punith Cariappa, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Administration and Affairs) presented the concluding remarks for the event.

Different events of Alliance ONE had accomplished professionals from academia, industry and arts that included: Dr. Gopal Naik, Jal Jeevan Chair Professor, IIM Bangalore; Himanshu B

Founder, Everything Recycles; Nirbhay Lumde, Head - Sustainability & CSR, Asia Pacific SBU, CGI as functional jury members, and Vyjayanthi Kashi, Dancer, Actor & Founder - Shambhavi School of Dance; Krishna Murthy Kavathar, Actor & Theater Artist; Kiran K, Actor & Theater Artist, President of Rangavarna Kala Kendra, Pratibha Saunshimath, Model & Director, Pratis Events; Vamsi Krishna Raavi, Actor, Producer, Model & Entrepreneur, Glamour Freaks Events; Prateeksha Kashi, Dancer & Actor, Shambhavi School of Dance; Suprita Lokesh, Singer; Sandesh JP, Lyricist & Founder Ripple Entertainments; and Suvina Gowda, Model & Fashion Designer as cultural jury members.

Alliance ONE was a resounding success highlighting the spirit of unity and diversity in India at Alliance University, serving as a platform for showcasing and enhancing learning and school spirit, and raising awareness about pertinent topics related to sustainable development. The event generated positivity among the diverse population, fostered a sense of community, encouraged teamwork and collaboration, developed leadership skills, and promoted creativity and innovation, bringing together students from all over the country to represent the Indian culture and be the changemakers in building a sustainable planet. The core committee of the event demonstrated exceptional leadership and decision-making skills, which resulted in a truly remarkable event.

Alliance University has yet again proven its commitment to excellence in education and in developing the next generation of leaders who will make a meaningful impact in the society.