Don Bosco College, Panjim, once again ignited the spirit of competition, creativity and camaraderie with its flagship event, Meteora 2025. This year, the 15th edition of the much-anticipated intercollegiate festival, themed 'The World of Video Games and Pixels’, took the excitement to a whole new level. Aptly titled Meteora Protocol XV: Power Up and Play, the two-day extravaganza was held on February 14 and 15 at the Oratory.
The festival commenced with an electrifying opening ceremony, setting the stage for two days of thrilling competitions and entertainment. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including College Director, Rev Fr Joaquim Lobo; College Principal, Dr Cedric Silveira, Faculty incharge, Agnelo D’Souza and Meteora 2025 core team: Shania D’Costa (General Secretary), Lenin Rodrigues (Cultural Secretary), Varun Thanki (Meteora Chairman), and Ethan Faria (Vice Meteora Chairman). The esteemed presence of the chief guest, Honourable MLA of Aldona, Advocate Carlos Alvares Ferreira, elevated the prestige of the occasion.
After lighting the ceremonial lamp, Fr Joaquim Lobo and Dr Cedric Silveira shared inspiring words, motivating participants to embrace the competitive spirit and push their boundaries. Adv Carlos Alvares Ferreira inspired the audience with a profound message, sharing a poem by Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran. He encouraged students to overcome their fears and seize opportunities, reminding them that while the past cannot be changed, today holds the power to shape a brighter future.
Meteora 2025 featured an impressive lineup of 27 sub-events, meticulously curated to align with the gaming theme. These were divided into Pre-Events, On-Stage Events, Off-Stage Events and Sports Events, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for all participants. The on-stage events were an exhilarating showcase of talent and performance, including Clash of Chords (Battle of Bands), Lance, Vance, Dance (Group Dance Competition), V-Sync for You (Lip-Sync Battle), Resident Comedian (Stand-Up Comedy Showdown), Piano Tiles Remix (DJ Battle), New Skin Unlocked (Fashion Show), and Mr & Miss Meteora. For those who thrive in intellectual and strategic challenges, the off-stage events featured College Feud (Game Show Trivia), Live Among Us , Splatoon Contest (Keyboard Painting), Debate Within (Illogical Debate Competition), and Create-A-Character (Character Design Challenge). To keep the adrenaline rushing, sports events infused physical activity with gaming elements, such as Dodge or Be Devoured (Dodgeball with a Twist), Squid Game 2.0 (Recreation of the Popular Game Show), Tic, Tac, Tekken (Fusion of Board Game & Fighting Game), Man of Steel (Test of Physical fitness), God of War (Tug of War), and Pokemon Go (Treasure Hunt).
Seven colleges locked horns for the ultimate title, with each team bringing their best strategies and talents to the table, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with fierce competition and sportsmanship. The participating teams included Team Faze from St Xavier’s College, Mapusa; Team Cloud 9 from Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Cujira; Team Gambit from Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar; Team Rogue from Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Naveli; Team Vitality from Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Verna; Team Sentinels from Fr Agnel College, Pilar; and Team Astralis from Nirmala Institute of Education, Altinho.
The first day witnessed back-to-back action, from breathtaking performances in the on-stage events to nail-biting challenges in the off-stage and sports arenas. The Stumble Guys Showcase kicked off the day with high-energy gameplay, followed by the V-Sync for You dance competition, where teams synchronized their moves to perfection. Off-stage, College Feud and Among Us tested participants’ wit and deception, while the Splatoon Contest and Create a Character brought creativity to the forefront. The Good Mocktail, Great Mocktail event challenged contestants to craft refreshing beverages, adding a flavorful twist to the competition. The sports arena was nothing short of intense, with Dodge or Be Devoured keeping players on their toes, while Squid Game 2.0 had everyone on edge. The gaming zone saw adrenaline-pumping battles in Tic-Tac-Tekken, where precision and strategy reigned supreme. As the afternoon unfolded, the stage came alive once again with Pace Man’s Powerwalk, a test of endurance and style, followed by the electrifying Clash of Chords, where musicians battled it out in a symphony of skill and sound.
The second day kicked off with Resident Comedian, filling the hall with laughter, followed by Guess Who’s Hiring, where participants showcased their quick wit and persuasive skills. Off-stage, Takeshi’s Front Lawn and Snakes and Ladders Remastered tested strategy and luck, while Card.io and Debate Within engaged minds in creativity, intense discussions and problem-solving. Meanwhile, the sports arena witnessed a fierce battle in God of War, while Man of Steel put competitors’ endurance and strength to the test.
As the day progressed, the afternoon featured the highly anticipated Lance Vance Dance, turning the stage into a dynamic spectacle. The excitement peaked with Player X and Player V, leading into the dazzling New Skin Unlocked (Fashion Show), where participants stunned the audience with their creativity and confidence. Piano Tiles Remix added a musical twist, while off-stage, Pokémon Go brought an adventurous edge to the competition.The festival concluded on a euphoric note with an electrifying Guest DJ Performance by DJ Reonn, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration. The valedictory ceremony marked a moment of triumph and joy, bringing Meteora 2025 to a grand close. Assistant professor Agnelo D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the organisers, participants, faculty, and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event. The titles of Mr. & Miss Meteora were awarded to Chanel Crizzel and Razil Shaikh of St Xavier’s College, Mapusa. The overall runners-up were Team Gambit from Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar. The ultimate champions of Meteora 2025, Team Faze from St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, were crowned, solidifying their legacy in the competition.