Polaris 2026 returned to Wilson College on 31st July and 1st August with two days of creativity, competition, and collaboration, bringing together students from colleges across Mumbai for one of the city’s most anticipated media festivals. Guided by the theme “Build Different,” this year’s edition challenged participants to rethink branding, storytelling, and innovation through a series of events spanning journalism, advertising, filmmaking, photography, performance, and digital media. Every contingent was assigned a product category and tasked with building a unique brand identity, encouraging participants to blend creativity with strategy across every competition. Even as relentless monsoon showers continued to drench the city, Polaris remained a vibrant celebration of fresh ideas, proving that creativity can flourish under any circumstance.
The festival commenced with its inauguration ceremony, setting the tone for two days packed with competitions and engaging activities. While the celebrations unfolded inside the campus, heavy rainfall and a high tide had left the entrance to Wilson College heavily waterlogged. Instead of allowing the weather to disrupt months of preparation, the Polaris organising committee stepped into action. Volunteers, Heads of Departments, and members of the Core Committee worked together to clear the accumulated water, ensuring that participants and guests could safely enter the venue. Their teamwork became one of the defining moments of the festival, reflecting the determination and collective spirit that Polaris stands for.
With the challenges addressed, the spotlight shifted to an exciting lineup of competitions that brought the festival to life. Day One featured events including Digital Art, Short Film, Teleprompter, Mono Acting, Concert Photography, Television Commercial (TVC), and Performance Videography. Each competition celebrated a different aspect of media and communication, allowing participants to demonstrate technical expertise, originality, and storytelling. Across the campus, every venue buzzed with enthusiasm as contingents supported one another and audiences witnessed ideas come to life through creativity and collaboration.
One of the biggest highlights of the opening day was the presence of Adnan Khan, Jay Bhanushali, and Dhanashree Yadav, who served as judges for the Performance Videography competition. They remained on campus to welcome Shantanu Maheshwari and Shruti Sinha, who visited Polaris to promote their series Campus Beats. Their arrival brought an undeniable energy to Wilson College as students gathered in large numbers to meet them. What followed was an unforgettable celebration filled with music, dance, laughter, and constant cheers. Their warmth, charm, and lively interaction with the audience transformed the College Hall into an electrifying space, making it one of the most memorable moments of Polaris 2026.
If you thought a Saturday morning was for sleeping in, think again. Day 2 was not here to play safe; it highlighted the dimensions of the media industry. The podcast explored the growing influence of audio storytelling, while Creative Reporting and Gala Reporting challenged participants to think like journalists by balancing speed, creativity, and accuracy. Debate encouraged students to present informed perspectives on contemporary issues, and Brand Disruptors tested their ability to develop innovative branding and marketing strategies. The festival’s final competitive event, Music Production, brought together technical precision and artistic expression, concluding the competitions on a high note.
The festival concluded with the Closing Ceremony, where participants were recognised for their outstanding performances across all competitions. The Best College Trophy was awarded to Team EKA, whose consistent excellence throughout the festival earned them the highest honour of Polaris 2026. As winners walked onto the stage to receive their trophies, the ceremony celebrated not only achievement but also the creativity, dedication, and sportsmanship displayed by every participant over the course of two memorable days.
Polaris 2026 ultimately became more than a media festival. It was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the power of collaboration. The rain may have slowed the city, but it could not dampen the spirit of the students who came together to create, compete, and learn from one another. Staying true to its theme, “Build Different,” Polaris demonstrated that meaningful ideas are built through determination, teamwork, and the courage to think beyond. As another successful edition came to a close, the festival once again reaffirmed Wilson College’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of media professionals while reminding everyone that the strongest stories are often written in the most unexpected circumstances.
Beyond the competitions, Polaris continued to serve as a platform where learning extended beyond classrooms. Students from institutions across Mumbai exchanged ideas, formed new connections, and experienced the collaborative spirit that defines the media industry. Behind every successful event were volunteers and organising committee members working tirelessly to ensure schedules ran smoothly, participants felt welcomed, and every detail reflected months of dedicated planning. Their commitment remained one of the strongest examples of what it truly means to build something together.
