The lamp was lit by Suresh Kalmadi, S B Mujumdar, chancellor of Symbiosis International University, joint director, SIU Dr Vidya Yeravdekar and SIBM Director Dr Arun Mudbidri. Speaking on the occasion, Kalmadi said, "The spirit and enthusiasm shown by students here is remarkable. This festival offers an excellent platform for the youth of today to showcase their diverse talents and promote a direct exchange of creative ideas and experiences. I would like to thank SIBM and its students for their overwhelming support in joining hands with the Common Youth Games Pune 2008 to raise public awareness and to help build local movements to truly transform our city and position it as an international destination for sports, tourism and education."

Mujumdar said, " Since inception in year 1992 ' Transcend' has been promoting social causes through its management students. This social Initiative is not just happening in Pune city but also being promoted by our students across the globe who have been placed in the corporate world. We at SIBM have been actively involved in the selection process of the volunteer programme for CYG. Over 10000 volunteers will be chosen. We are contributing in all possible ways to make Pune and CYG a huge success." This year Transcend has over 400 students from various reputed management schools like XLRI, IIM, and IIT from all over the country. Last year there were only 80 students.