COFAS 2026: Day 1 Updates
A Global Celebration of Technology, Innovation, and Global Harmony
City Montessori School (CMS), Rajendra Nagar Campus I, inaugurated the 23rd International Computer Olympiad (COFAS 2026) at the World Unity Convention Centre (WUCC), CMS Kanpur Road Campus, Lucknow on 13th October 2026.
Bringing together nearly 500 student delegates from Thailand, Uganda, Bangladesh, Nepal and various states of India, including local schools, COFAS 2026 emerged as a global platform, where students showcased their computing skills, exchange ideas and build friendships across borders. Earlier during the day, the team leaders as well as the CMS leadership addressed the media at a press conference, where they discussed the significance of the event, as well as the evolving role of technology in today’s educational landscape.
Leadership That Inspires Purposeful Innovation
Shri Satish Mahana, Hon’ble Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the four-day international event. Addressing the gathering of students, parents and distinguished guests, Chief Guest Shri Satish Mahana posed a thought-provoking question: “Are we using technology to make life faster or using technology to make life better?”
Our distinguished alumni, Mr Aindri Kumar Jha (Director – KPMG and CMS RDSO alumnus) and Mr Akshat Baranwal (CTO – Stimuler; young entrepreneur listed in the Forbes 30-under-30 Asia List; and CMS RDSO & Gomti Nagar I alumnus) attended the inauguration as the ‘Guests of Honour’.
The event started with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by our esteemed guests, CMS leadership, and event convenors.
Welcoming the delegates, CMS Founder-Director Dr Bharti Gandhi emphasised the importance of nurturing the ideals of world unity and the vision of a world government for lasting peace among young people, particularly as technology continues to transform the world.
CMS Managing Director Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon highlighted the need for students to develop technological expertise alongside an understanding of the responsibilities that accompany emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation and digital platforms.
Mrs Jaishree Krishnan, Convenor of COFAS and Senior Principal of CMS Rajendra Nagar Campus I, expressed hope that COFAS 2026 would continue to uphold the belief that education must transcend boundaries and unite hearts. Emphasising this year’s theme, she observed that progress becomes meaningful when guided by responsibility. She also shared the announcement of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, alumnus of CMS Rajendra Nagar Campus (1980 batch) as the next Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force— a proud achievement for the entire CMS family.
Innovation Meets Imagination
The inauguration brought the World Unity Convention Centre alive with vibrant decorations and imaginative working models created by young innovators. Robots, humanoids, drones and other technological exhibits reflected the students’ creativity, scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new possibilities.
The evening’s highlights included the introduction of the the national and international delegates, followed by “Unveiling the Spirit of COFAS”, during which the Olympiad was formally declared open. Adding colour and cultural richness to the occasion, students presented a series of performances, like “The Timeless Tales of Krishna – The Krishna Leela”, “Nature in Rhythm”, and “Melodies of India” celebrating India’s traditions and the spirit of global harmony.
Reflecting CMS’s commitment to universal peace and understanding, the ceremony featured the “Harmony of Faiths” All-Religion Prayer and the “World Unity Prayer”, reinforcing the values of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and global unity. The evening concluded with a video presentation, “Behind the Brilliance”.
Thanking the audience, Ms Khyati Lamba, Co-Convenor of COFAS and Principal of CMS Rajendra Nagar Campus I reinforced that through COFAS 2026, CMS offers a valuable international platform for the youth to showcase their scientific talents, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
