JAIPUR: 'Edufest 2009', a two-day education and career fair, was inaugurated at B M Birla Auditorium on Saturday. The event was organised by The Times of India and Taxila Business School in association with Arya Group of Colleges and Leeds Met India, Bhopal to help students exploring career opportunities for a bright future.

The fair featured more than 31 stalls comprising various universities and educational institutes. Institutions, which have redefined the academic scene in the state, were present at the fest to help youngsters in taking decisions that will define their lives.

The first day of the event witnessed a large number of students and parents collecting valuable information about various universities, institutes and career opportunities.

Namrata Solanki and Sobha Vyas, both students at the fair said, "We have collected information on MBA programmes being offered by 10 institutes in the city. This event has given us the opportunity to meet the heads of several institutions."

A K Pathak, director, Taxila Business School said, "Despite economic slowdown, students are still showing interest in MBA programmes." P P Mathur, former vice-chancellor, Rajasthan University for Health Sciences, inaugurated the event. "Such events provide an ideal platform to students to find the best institutes according to their needs. They get to discuss their career with experts," he said.

Financial institutions also participated in the event and provided information about loan procedure for higher studies. R N Vashistha of State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur gave an insight on educational loans. The fair will be open for students, parents and public, with free entry from 9 am to 7.30 pm on Sunday.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com