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Regatta builds discipline, team spirit among students, says Sandeep Meshram
Regatta — is all set for it 91st edition which will take place at COEP Boat Club on Sunday.
College of Engineering Pune’s (COEP) most awaited event of the year – Regatta — is all set for it 91st edition which will take place at COEP Boat Club on Sunday.
The students are working hard to make the event bigger and better than the previous years.
Sandeep Meshram, who has been the faculty incharge of the event since the last eight years.
How is this year’s Regatta different from the previous ones?
Earlier, the Mula river had considerable depth, but now the condition is not the same. Less water level makes things little difficult as the boat may touch rocks present on the riverbed leading to damage.
When we talk about the event – the basic structure of the event remains the same, but with new technologies coming up, upgradation has been made on the boats and oars. Earlier, we only had wooden boats, but now we have fibre boats. So, once the material of equipment changes, students need to change their training ways as well. Every year our students are trying to execute the event with precision.
How many months does it take to prepare for the event?
Students start their preparations three months prior to the event with their teams. Before that, throughout the year several activities are conducted by senior members for the selection of students. The focus is on getting more first-year students so that they will be a part of Regatta for three years.
What has been students’ response to the event?
Regatta is one of COEP’s prized events and students are always excited about the event. All of them put in a lot of efforts to make the event an impactful one. In the last few years, I have also witnessed a rise in the numbers of girls taking part in the event.
How does the event help students in their future?
Regatta makes them physically and mentally strong. Many of our students have also represented in internationals and national rowing events. The best part of Regatta is it adds a quality of discipline and team spirit among the students.
What are your views on the 91st edition?
I am happy that we have reached so far. We have approached the Limca Book of Records since this is one of the longest running events by an individual institute. I hope we can continue for many more years to come.