Dexterity 2K26: Learning, Creativity, and Teamwork Through Experience

I had the privilege of being an integral part of Dexterity 2K26, a college-level inter-departmental event organized at Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of Engineering (MMCOE), Pune, on 24 January 2026. More than just an event, Dexterity 2K26 served as a platform for creativity, collaboration, and experiential learning, encouraging students to move beyond conventional academics and engage in innovative, skill-based activities.

The event was graced by esteemed guests Mr. Santosh Gosavi, a senior family physician from Pune with over two decades of clinical service and active contributions to community health and Mrs. Prajakta Nikam, an IT professional and Python developer specializing in Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing, currently serving as a consultant at TIAA. Their presence and encouragement added value to the occasion and motivated enthusiastic student participation.

Dexterity is designed to emphasize engagement, presence of mind, logical thinking, and teamwork rather than chance-based activities. Each participating department adopts a unique theme and designs activities that challenge participants to think quickly, collaborate effectively, and respond under pressure. Being closely involved in the event gave me a deeper understanding of how such initiatives promote healthy competition and inter-departmental interaction.

As a student organizer from the Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Department, I was actively involved in planning and execution, including theme finalization, stall management, coordination, and crowd handling. For Dexterity 2K26, our department adopted a Jungle theme, symbolizing energy, adaptability, and exploration. Working alongside members of AESA, NEURA, and CYPHER, as well as dedicated volunteers, I contributed to planning, decoration, logistics, and smooth coordination throughout the event, ensuring an engaging experience for participants.

Our department organized games focused on logical reasoning, presence of mind, coordination, and teamwork. I was involved in managing gameplay, explaining rules, and ensuring fair participation. One of the key attractions was Realm of Atheria, a fast-paced, semi-technical, team-based board game where teams progressed strategically by answering timed questions. Elements such as special zones, gates, and immunity rewards added depth to the gameplay and highlighted the importance of teamwork and quick decision-making.

Another major highlight was ByteHunt, a technical competition jointly conducted by NEURA and CYPHER. The competition tested participants through multiple rounds involving logical reasoning, encrypted problem-solving, and DSA-based coding challenges, encouraging analytical thinking, perseverance, and technical confidence across skill levels.

Being a part of Dexterity 2K26 was a highly enriching experience. Through active involvement, I developed stronger organizational, leadership, communication, and time-management skills while learning the importance of discipline, accountability, and teamwork. The event also strengthened inter-departmental relationships and fostered a strong sense of community within the college.

Overall, Dexterity 2K26 proved to be a holistic learning experience that blended creativity, collaboration, and skill development. Being an integral part of its planning and execution contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth and reinforced the value of experiential learning at MMCOE, Pune.

— Eshan Athawale TE, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of Engineering, Pune.