/* ==========================================================================
   SDMIT 3D Interactive & Stereoscopic Visual Effects
   ========================================================================== */

/* 1. 3D Hero Canvas Overlay */
.hero-3d-canvas {
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    z-index: 2;
    pointer-events: none;
    opacity: 0.20;
}

/* 2. 3D Perspective Card Tilt Foundations */
.card-3d,
.program-card,
.life-card,
.faculty-card,
.gallery-card,
.milestone-card,
.dl-card,
.service-card,
.hero-stat-item,
.vm-card {
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
    perspective: 1000px;
    will-change: transform;
    transition: transform 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1), box-shadow 0.25s ease;
    position: relative;
}

/* 3D Specular Glare Reflection Layer */
.tilt-glare {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    pointer-events: none;
    border-radius: inherit;
    opacity: 0;
    transition: opacity 0.3s ease;
    background: radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0) 70%);
    mix-blend-mode: overlay;
    z-index: 10;
}

.card-3d:hover .tilt-glare,
.program-card:hover .tilt-glare,
.life-card:hover .tilt-glare,
.faculty-card:hover .tilt-glare,
.gallery-card:hover .tilt-glare,
.milestone-card:hover .tilt-glare,
.dl-card:hover .tilt-glare,
.service-card:hover .tilt-glare,
.vm-card:hover .tilt-glare {
    opacity: 1;
}

/* 3D Depth Layers for Nested Elements */
.card-3d img,
.program-card img,
.life-card img,
.faculty-card img,
.gallery-card img,
.service-card img,
.vm-card img {
    transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1);
    transform: translateZ(0);
}

.card-3d:hover img,
.program-card:hover img,
.life-card:hover img,
.faculty-card:hover img,
.gallery-card:hover img {
    transform: translateZ(28px) scale(1.03);
}

.card-3d h3,
.card-3d h4,
.faculty-card h3,
.faculty-card h4,
.service-card h3,
.vm-card h3 {
    transform: translateZ(18px);
}

.card-3d p,
.faculty-card p,
.service-card p,
.vm-card p {
    transform: translateZ(10px);
}

/* 3. 3D Scroll Reveal Animation */
.reveal-3d {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: perspective(1000px) rotateX(12deg) translateY(40px) scale(0.97);
    transition: opacity 0.7s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.7s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
    will-change: opacity, transform;
}

.reveal-3d.is-revealed {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: perspective(1000px) rotateX(0deg) translateY(0) scale(1);
}

/* 4. 3D Floating Geometry / Rings Keyframes */
@keyframes float3D {
    0% {
        transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0) rotateX(0deg) rotateY(0deg) rotateZ(0deg);
    }
    33% {
        transform: translate3d(0, -15px, 20px) rotateX(10deg) rotateY(15deg) rotateZ(5deg);
    }
    66% {
        transform: translate3d(0, 10px, -15px) rotateX(-8deg) rotateY(-10deg) rotateZ(-5deg);
    }
    100% {
        transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0) rotateX(0deg) rotateY(0deg) rotateZ(0deg);
    }
}

.floating-3d-shape {
    display: inline-block;
    animation: float3D 8s ease-in-out infinite;
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

/* 5. 3D Button Magnetic Hover Depth */
.btn-primary,
.btn-outline {
    position: relative;
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
    transition: transform 0.25s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1), box-shadow 0.25s ease, background-color 0.25s ease;
}

.btn-primary:hover,
.btn-outline:hover {
    transform: perspective(500px) translateZ(8px) scale(1.02);
    box-shadow: 0 12px 28px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.28);
}

/* 6. 3D Stat Counters Pop */
.hero-stat-item {
    transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1), background-color 0.3s ease;
}

.hero-stat-item:hover {
    transform: perspective(600px) translateZ(24px) scale(1.04);
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    z-index: 5;
}

.hero-stat-item:hover .stat-num {
    text-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.6);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   7. ULTRA-MODERN CINEMATIC HERO & HOME REDESIGN SUITE
   ========================================================================== */

/* 7.1 Cinematic Hero Base & Clean Filmic Lighting */
.hero.hero-cinematic {
    min-height: 100vh;
    height: auto;
    position: relative;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: space-between;
    padding: 140px var(--padding-desktop) 14px;
    background: #050811;
    overflow: hidden;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .hero.hero-cinematic {
        padding: 95px 14px 10px !important;
        min-height: 100vh !important;
        min-height: 100dvh !important;
        height: auto !important;
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: column !important;
        justify-content: space-between !important;
        max-width: 100vw !important;
        width: 100% !important;
        overflow: hidden !important;
        box-sizing: border-box !important;
    }
    .hero-content-cinematic {
        max-width: 100% !important;
        width: 100% !important;
        overflow: hidden !important;
        box-sizing: border-box !important;
    }
}

/* Subtle, high-contrast, filmic video backdrop */
.hero.hero-cinematic .hero-video {
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    z-index: 1;
    filter: brightness(0.92) contrast(1.04) saturate(1.10);
    transition: opacity 0.5s ease;
}

/* Pure, Unobtrusive Cinematic Vignette Overlay - Maximizes Video Clarity */
.hero-cinematic-overlay {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    z-index: 2;
    pointer-events: none;
    background: 
        /* Soft, transparent left gradient ensuring headline readability without hiding campus */
        linear-gradient(90deg, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.72) 0%, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.42) 36%, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.08) 65%, 
            transparent 85%
        ),
        /* Subtle top navbar shade and bottom dock transition */
        linear-gradient(180deg, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.60) 0%, 
            transparent 16%, 
            transparent 72%, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.90) 100%
        );
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
    .hero-cinematic-overlay {
        background: linear-gradient(180deg, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.45) 0%, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.12) 25%, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.12) 75%, 
            rgba(5, 8, 17, 0.60) 100%
        ) !important;
    }
}

/* 7.2 Hero Content Layout (Unobstructed Aerial Video Focus) */
.hero-content-cinematic {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 3;
    max-width: var(--container-max);
    width: 100%;
    margin: 0 auto;
    padding-top: 10px;
    padding-bottom: 20px;
}

/* Hero Top Bar: Badges & Controls in one sleek horizontal row */
.hero-top-bar-cinematic {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    width: 100%;
    margin-bottom: 34px;
    gap: 16px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.hero-top-bar-cinematic .hero-live-pill {
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
}

/* Live Aerial View Badge & Video Controls */
.hero-aerial-side {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: row;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .hero-top-bar-cinematic {
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: row;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: flex-start;
        gap: 8px;
        margin-bottom: 12px;
        width: 100%;
    }
    .hero-aerial-side {
        display: none !important;
    }
}

.hero-aerial-badge {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
    background: rgba(10, 16, 30, 0.65);
    backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16);
    padding: 8px 16px;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    color: #e2e8f0;
    box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.35);
}

.hero-aerial-badge .badge-dot {
    width: 8px;
    height: 8px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #38bdf8;
    box-shadow: 0 0 10px #38bdf8;
}

.video-control-pill {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    background: rgba(10, 16, 30, 0.65);
    backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16);
    padding: 8px 16px;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    color: #e2e8f0;
    cursor: pointer;
    box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.35);
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
}

.video-control-pill:hover {
    background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.9);
    border-color: #38bdf8;
    color: #ffffff;
    transform: translateY(-1px);
}

.video-control-pill.is-paused {
    border-color: #f59e0b;
    color: #facc15;
}

/* Hero Narrative - Left-Anchored, Compact Footprint */
.hero-narrative-cinematic {
    max-width: 800px;
}

/* Live Badge Pill */
.hero-live-pill {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
    background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.85);
    backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
    border: 1px solid rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.45);
    padding: 9px 24px;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: #f1f5f9;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4), 0 0 18px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.25);
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.hero-live-pill .pill-ping {
    position: relative;
    display: inline-flex;
    width: 10px;
    height: 10px;
}

.hero-live-pill .pill-ping-radar {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #34d399;
    opacity: 0.75;
    animation: pingRadar 1.8s cubic-bezier(0, 0, 0.2, 1) infinite;
}

.hero-live-pill .pill-ping-dot {
    position: relative;
    display: inline-flex;
    border-radius: 50%;
    width: 10px;
    height: 10px;
    background: #10b981;
}

@keyframes pingRadar {
    75%, 100% {
        transform: scale(2.4);
        opacity: 0;
    }
}

.hero-live-pill .pill-tag {
    color: #38bdf8;
    font-weight: 800;
    font-size: 13px;
}

.hero-live-pill .pill-divider {
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .hero-live-pill {
        display: inline-flex !important;
        align-items: center !important;
        justify-content: flex-start !important;
        flex-wrap: nowrap !important;
        white-space: nowrap !important;
        padding: 4px 10px !important;
        font-size: clamp(8.5px, 2.4vw, 10.5px) !important;
        line-height: 1.2 !important;
        border-radius: 9999px !important;
        background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.45) !important;
        backdrop-filter: blur(8px) !important;
        -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(8px) !important;
        border: 1px solid rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.35) !important;
        box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25) !important;
        max-width: 100% !important;
        box-sizing: border-box !important;
        overflow: hidden !important;
        text-overflow: ellipsis !important;
        gap: 5px !important;
        margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }
    .hero-live-pill .pill-ping {
        width: 8px !important;
        height: 8px !important;
    }
    .hero-live-pill .pill-ping-radar,
    .hero-live-pill .pill-ping-dot {
        width: 8px !important;
        height: 8px !important;
    }
    .hero-live-pill .pill-tag {
        font-size: 11px !important;
        font-weight: 800 !important;
        color: #38bdf8 !important;
    }
    .hero-live-pill .pill-divider {
        opacity: 0.45 !important;
        margin: 0 2px !important;
    }
    .hero-live-pill span {
        font-size: 10.5px !important;
    }
}

/* Cinematic Main Headline */
.hero-title-cinematic {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: clamp(32px, 3.8vw, 54px);
    font-weight: 800;
    line-height: 1.1;
    letter-spacing: -0.03em;
    color: #ffffff;
    margin: 0 0 24px;
    text-shadow: 0 4px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8), 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);
}

/* Ensure the hero caption strictly fits in 2 lines (Line 1 + Line 2) across all screens including mobile */
.hero-title-cinematic .line-break {
    display: block !important;
    white-space: nowrap !important;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .hero-narrative-cinematic {
        max-width: 100% !important;
        overflow: hidden !important;
        box-sizing: border-box !important;
    }
    .hero-title-cinematic {
        font-size: clamp(15px, 4.2vw, 21px) !important;
        line-height: 1.2 !important;
        letter-spacing: -0.025em !important;
        margin: 0 0 10px !important;
        max-width: 100% !important;
        overflow: hidden !important;
        box-sizing: border-box !important;
    }
    .hero-title-cinematic .line-break {
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: row !important;
        align-items: baseline !important;
        flex-wrap: nowrap !important;
        white-space: nowrap !important;
        text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95);
        gap: 6px;
        max-width: 100% !important;
    }
    .hero-title-cinematic .typewriter-word-wrap {
        display: inline-flex !important;
        align-items: baseline !important;
        white-space: nowrap !important;
    }
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
    .hero-title-cinematic {
        font-size: clamp(14.5px, 4.5vw, 18px) !important;
        line-height: 1.2 !important;
        letter-spacing: -0.02em !important;
        margin: 0 0 8px !important;
    }
    .hero-title-cinematic .line-break {
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: row !important;
        align-items: baseline !important;
        flex-wrap: nowrap !important;
        white-space: nowrap !important;
        gap: 5px;
    }
}

@media (max-width: 360px) {
    .hero-title-cinematic {
        font-size: 14px !important;
    }
}

.text-gradient-cyan {
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 15%, #38bdf8 65%, #818cf8 100%);
    -webkit-background-clip: text;
    -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
    display: inline-block;
}

.text-gradient-gold {
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffffff 20%, #facc15 65%, #f59e0b 100%);
    -webkit-background-clip: text;
    -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
    display: inline-block;
    font-family: var(--font-serif);
    font-weight: 400;
    font-style: italic;
    letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

/* Hero Headline Typewriter / Writing Animation */
.hero-typewriter-cursor {
    display: inline-block;
    width: 3.5px;
    height: 0.88em;
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, #38bdf8 0%, #facc15 100%);
    margin-left: 5px;
    vertical-align: -0.06em;
    border-radius: 2px;
    box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.95), 0 0 24px rgba(250, 204, 21, 0.6);
    animation: heroCursorBlink 0.75s ease-in-out infinite;
    will-change: opacity, transform;
}

@keyframes heroCursorBlink {
    0%, 100% {
        opacity: 1;
        transform: scaleY(1);
    }
    50% {
        opacity: 0;
        transform: scaleY(0.75);
    }
}

.typewriter-word-wrap {
    display: inline-block;
    white-space: nowrap;
}

/* Cinematic Subtitle */
.hero-subtext-cinematic {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: 15px;
    line-height: 1.62;
    color: rgba(226, 232, 240, 0.9);
    max-width: 640px;
    margin-bottom: 22px;
    font-weight: 400;
    text-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.7);
}

.hero-subtext-cinematic strong {
    color: #ffffff;
    font-weight: 600;
}

/* Cinematic Button Cluster */
.hero-cta-cluster {
    display: flex;
    gap: 12px;
    align-items: center;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .hero-cta-cluster {
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: row !important;
        flex-wrap: wrap !important;
        gap: 8px !important;
        margin-bottom: 14px !important;
        width: 100% !important;
        align-items: stretch !important;
    }

    .hero-cta-cluster .btn-cinematic-primary {
        flex: 1 1 100% !important;
        width: 100% !important;
        display: inline-flex !important;
        justify-content: center !important;
        align-items: center !important;
        padding: 10px 16px !important;
        font-size: 11.5px !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        height: 38px !important;
        border-radius: 9999px !important;
    }

    .hero-cta-cluster .btn-cinematic-video,
    .hero-cta-cluster .btn-outline,
    .hero-cta-cluster .btn-cinematic-glow {
        flex: 1 1 calc(50% - 4px) !important;
        display: inline-flex !important;
        justify-content: center !important;
        align-items: center !important;
        gap: 6px !important;
        padding: 7px 10px !important;
        font-size: 10.5px !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        height: 36px !important;
        border-radius: 9999px !important;
        white-space: nowrap !important;
        background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.45) !important;
        backdrop-filter: blur(8px) !important;
        -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(8px) !important;
        border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18) !important;
        box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3) !important;
    }

    .hero-cta-cluster .btn-cinematic-video .play-pulse {
        width: 18px !important;
        height: 18px !important;
    }
}

.btn-cinematic-primary {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 8px;
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2563eb 0%, #1d4ed8 100%);
    color: #ffffff;
    padding: 12px 24px;
    font-size: 12.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.06em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(147, 197, 253, 0.5);
    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.4), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1);
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
}

.btn-cinematic-primary::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: -100%;
    width: 60%;
    height: 100%;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3), transparent);
    transform: skewX(-20deg);
    transition: left 0.6s ease;
}

.btn-cinematic-primary:hover {
    transform: translateY(-2px) scale(1.02);
    box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.55), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
    color: #ffffff;
}

.btn-cinematic-primary:hover::after {
    left: 140%;
}

.btn-cinematic-primary svg {
    transition: transform 0.25s ease;
}

.btn-cinematic-primary:hover svg {
    transform: translateX(4px);
}

.btn-cinematic-glow {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 8px;
    background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.7);
    backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    color: #ffffff;
    padding: 12px 22px;
    font-size: 12.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.06em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1);
}
    padding: 16px 28px;
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.06em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1);
}

.btn-cinematic-glow:hover {
    background: rgba(30, 41, 59, 0.85);
    border-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.6);
    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.25);
    transform: translateY(-3px);
    color: #38bdf8;
}

.btn-cinematic-video {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    color: #ffffff;
    padding: 14px 22px;
    font-size: 12px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
    cursor: pointer;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.btn-cinematic-video:hover {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
    border-color: #38bdf8;
    color: #ffffff;
    transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.btn-cinematic-video .play-pulse {
    width: 28px;
    height: 28px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #38bdf8;
    color: #030712;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.6);
    transition: transform 0.25s ease;
}

.btn-cinematic-video:hover .play-pulse {
    transform: scale(1.15);
}

/* Institutional Credential Pills */
.hero-credentials-row {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .hero-credentials-row {
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: row !important;
        flex-wrap: nowrap !important;
        gap: 8px !important;
        width: 100% !important;
        margin-bottom: 12px !important;
    }

    .credential-pill {
        flex: 1 1 50% !important;
        display: inline-flex !important;
        align-items: center !important;
        justify-content: center !important;
        gap: 6px !important;
        padding: 5px 8px !important;
        font-size: 11px !important;
        white-space: nowrap !important;
        background: rgba(10, 16, 30, 0.40) !important;
        backdrop-filter: blur(8px) !important;
        -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(8px) !important;
        border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18) !important;
        border-radius: 8px !important;
        box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3) !important;
    }

    .credential-pill strong {
        font-size: 11.5px !important;
    }
}

.credential-pill {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    background: rgba(10, 16, 30, 0.88);
    backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
    padding: 7px 16px;
    border-radius: 8px;
    font-size: 12.5px;
    color: #e2e8f0;
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    letter-spacing: 0.03em;
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
}

.credential-pill strong {
    color: #38bdf8;
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 13px;
}

.credential-pill:hover {
    border-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.7);
    background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.98);
    color: #ffffff;
    transform: translateY(-2px);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.25);
}

/* 7.3 Right Column: 3D Holographic Info Pods */
.hero-holo-stack {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 18px;
    position: relative;
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
    .hero-holo-stack {
        display: grid;
        grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(260px, 1fr));
        gap: 16px;
    }
}

.holo-pod {
    background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.65);
    backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
    border-radius: 16px;
    padding: 20px 24px;
    box-shadow: 0 15px 35px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
    transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1), box-shadow 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease;
}

.holo-pod::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 3px;
    height: 100%;
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, #38bdf8, #818cf8);
    opacity: 0.7;
    transition: opacity 0.3s ease, width 0.3s ease;
}

.holo-pod:hover {
    transform: perspective(1000px) translateY(-5px) translateZ(15px) scale(1.02);
    border-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.45);
    box-shadow: 0 20px 45px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5), 0 0 25px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.2);
}

.holo-pod:hover::before {
    opacity: 1;
    width: 4px;
}

/* Floating animation delays */
.holo-pod.float-1 {
    animation: floatHolo 7s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.holo-pod.float-2 {
    animation: floatHolo 8s ease-in-out 1.2s infinite;
}

.holo-pod.float-3 {
    animation: floatHolo 7.5s ease-in-out 2.4s infinite;
}

@keyframes floatHolo {
    0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0); }
    50% { transform: translateY(-7px); }
}

.holo-pod-header {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.holo-tag {
    font-size: 10px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    padding: 3px 8px;
    border-radius: 4px;
    background: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.12);
    color: #38bdf8;
    border: 1px solid rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.25);
}

.holo-tag.tag-gold {
    background: rgba(250, 204, 21, 0.12);
    color: #facc15;
    border-color: rgba(250, 204, 21, 0.25);
}

.holo-tag.tag-green {
    background: rgba(52, 211, 153, 0.12);
    color: #34d399;
    border-color: rgba(52, 211, 153, 0.25);
}

.holo-icon {
    font-size: 20px;
}

.holo-stat {
    font-family: var(--font-serif);
    font-size: 28px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #ffffff;
    line-height: 1.1;
    margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.holo-desc {
    font-size: 13px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
    line-height: 1.45;
    margin: 0;
}

/* 7.4 Redesigned Cinematic Metrics Dock - Crystal Transparent Glass */
.hero-cinematic-dock {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 4;
    max-width: var(--container-max);
    width: 100%;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

.dock-card {
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.25) 0%, rgba(10, 16, 30, 0.15) 100%);
    backdrop-filter: blur(5px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(5px);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
    border-radius: 16px;
    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
    overflow: hidden;
    position: relative;
    transition: background 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.3s ease;
}

.dock-card:hover {
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.32) 0%, rgba(10, 16, 30, 0.20) 100%);
    border-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.35);
    box-shadow: 0 14px 38px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25), 0 0 20px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
}

.dock-neon-line {
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 1.5px;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 5%, #38bdf8 30%, #818cf8 70%, transparent 95%);
    box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.7);
    opacity: 0.85;
}

.dock-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(var(--dock-columns, 5), minmax(100px, 1fr));
    divide-x: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.10);
}

@media (max-width: 900px) {
    .dock-grid {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr) !important;
    }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
    .hero-cinematic-dock {
        margin-top: auto !important;
        margin-bottom: 4px !important;
        width: 100% !important;
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: column !important;
        align-items: center !important;
    }

    .dock-card {
        background: rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.28) !important;
        backdrop-filter: blur(6px) !important;
        -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(6px) !important;
        border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.16) !important;
        border-radius: 12px !important;
        padding: 4px !important;
        box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25) !important;
        width: 100% !important;
    }

    .dock-grid {
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: row !important;
        flex-wrap: nowrap !important;
        overflow-x: auto !important;
        scrollbar-width: none !important;
        -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch !important;
        gap: 6px !important;
        padding: 4px !important;
        scroll-snap-type: x mandatory !important;
    }
    .dock-grid::-webkit-scrollbar {
        display: none !important;
    }

    .dock-item {
        flex: 0 0 calc(46% - 3px) !important;
        min-width: 125px !important;
        padding: 7px 10px !important;
        border-right: none !important;
        border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12) !important;
        border-radius: 8px !important;
        background: rgba(10, 16, 30, 0.35) !important;
        scroll-snap-align: start !important;
        text-align: center !important;
        align-items: center !important;
    }

    .dock-item .dock-val {
        font-size: 17px !important;
        font-weight: 800 !important;
        margin-bottom: 2px !important;
        text-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95) !important;
    }

    .dock-item .dock-lbl {
        font-size: 9px !important;
        line-height: 1.2 !important;
        letter-spacing: 0.04em !important;
        text-shadow: 0 1px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9) !important;
    }

    .hero-scroll-prompt {
        display: inline-flex !important;
        align-items: center !important;
        justify-content: center !important;
        gap: 6px !important;
        margin-top: 6px !important;
        margin-bottom: 2px !important;
        font-size: 9.5px !important;
        padding: 4px 10px !important;
        letter-spacing: 0.08em !important;
        color: #38bdf8 !important;
        text-decoration: none !important;
    }
    .hero-scroll-prompt .mouse-icon {
        width: 13px !important;
        height: 20px !important;
        border-width: 1.2px !important;
    }
    .hero-scroll-prompt .mouse-wheel {
        width: 2px !important;
        height: 4px !important;
    }
}

.dock-item {
    padding: 13px 20px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: center;
    border-right: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.10);
    position: relative;
    transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.4, 1);
}

.dock-item:last-child {
    border-right: none;
}

.dock-item:hover {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.dock-item .dock-val {
    font-family: var(--font-serif);
    font-size: clamp(22px, 2.0vw, 30px);
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #ffffff;
    line-height: 1;
    margin-bottom: 3px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: baseline;
    gap: 2px;
    text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95), 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95);
}

.dock-item .dock-val .counter-accent {
    color: #38bdf8;
    text-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.8);
}

.dock-item .dock-lbl {
    font-size: 10.5px;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95);
    font-weight: 700;
    line-height: 1.25;
    text-shadow: 0 1px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95), 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95);
}

/* 7.5 Cinematic Scroll Navigator - Pinned Elegantly to Screen Bottom */
.hero-scroll-prompt {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 8px;
    margin-top: 10px;
    margin-bottom: 2px;
    color: #38bdf8;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.12em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
    text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9);
}

.hero-scroll-prompt:hover {
    color: #ffffff;
    transform: translateY(2px);
}

.mouse-icon {
    width: 18px;
    height: 28px;
    border: 1.5px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
    border-radius: 12px;
    position: relative;
    display: inline-block;
}

.mouse-wheel {
    position: absolute;
    top: 5px;
    left: 50%;
    transform: translateX(-50%);
    width: 3px;
    height: 6px;
    background: #38bdf8;
    border-radius: 2px;
    animation: mouseScroll 1.8s ease-in-out infinite;
}

@keyframes mouseScroll {
    0% { transform: translate(-50%, 0); opacity: 1; }
    80% { transform: translate(-50%, 10px); opacity: 0; }
    100% { transform: translate(-50%, 0); opacity: 0; }
}

@keyframes bounceDown {
    0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0); }
    50% { transform: translateY(5px); }
}

/* Adaptive Viewport Height Scaling: Keeps Scroll Prompt firmly at Screen Bottom */
@media (max-height: 860px) and (min-width: 769px) {
    .hero.hero-cinematic {
        padding-top: 140px !important;
        padding-bottom: 10px !important;
    }
    .hero-top-bar-cinematic {
        margin-bottom: 16px !important;
    }
    .hero-title-cinematic {
        font-size: clamp(28px, 3.2vw, 42px) !important;
        margin-bottom: 14px !important;
    }
    .hero-credentials-row {
        margin-bottom: 14px !important;
    }
    .hero-cta-cluster {
        margin-bottom: 14px !important;
    }
    .dock-item {
        padding: 10px 16px !important;
    }
    .dock-item .dock-val {
        font-size: 22px !important;
        margin-bottom: 2px !important;
    }
    .hero-scroll-prompt {
        margin-top: 6px !important;
        font-size: 10.5px !important;
    }
}

@media (max-height: 720px) and (min-width: 769px) {
    .hero.hero-cinematic {
        padding-top: 136px !important;
        padding-bottom: 6px !important;
    }
    .hero-title-cinematic {
        font-size: clamp(24px, 2.8vw, 36px) !important;
        margin-bottom: 10px !important;
    }
    .hero-top-bar-cinematic {
        margin-bottom: 12px !important;
    }
    .hero-credentials-row {
        margin-bottom: 10px !important;
    }
    .hero-cta-cluster {
        margin-bottom: 10px !important;
    }
    .dock-item {
        padding: 8px 12px !important;
    }
    .dock-item .dock-val {
        font-size: 20px !important;
    }
    .hero-scroll-prompt {
        margin-top: 4px !important;
    }
}

/* 7.6 Infinite Recruiter & Partner Marquee (Ultra Modern) */
.recruiter-marquee-section {
    background: #050811;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    padding: 34px 0 30px;
    overflow: hidden;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 5;
    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
}

.recruiter-marquee-header {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 900px;
    margin: 0 auto 20px;
    padding: 0 20px;
}

.recruiter-eyebrow {
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.16em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: #38bdf8;
    margin-bottom: 8px;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    justify-content: center;
}

.recruiter-marquee-heading {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: clamp(14px, 1.4vw, 18px);
    font-weight: 800;
    letter-spacing: 0.1em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: #ffffff;
    margin: 0;
    line-height: 1.35;
    text-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}

.recruiter-marquee-label {
    text-align: center;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.16em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: #94a3b8;
    margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.marquee-track-wrap {
    display: flex;
    overflow: hidden;
    user-select: none;
    mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 15%, #000 85%, transparent);
    -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 15%, #000 85%, transparent);
}

.marquee-track {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 48px;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    animation: marqueeScroll 32s linear infinite;
}

.marquee-track:hover {
    animation-play-state: paused;
}

@keyframes marqueeScroll {
    from { transform: translateX(0); }
    to { transform: translateX(-100%); }
}

.marquee-logo-item {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.92);
    font-size: 14px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.06em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    white-space: nowrap;
    padding: 8px 16px;
    border-radius: 8px;
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
}

.marquee-logo-item:hover {
    color: #ffffff;
    background: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.1);
    border-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.3);
    transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.marquee-logo-item .rec-bullet {
    width: 6px;
    height: 6px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #38bdf8;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   7.7 SCREEN FIT MODE: HERO + RECRUITERS SCROLLING MARQUEE ON INITIAL SCREEN
   ========================================================================== */
@media (min-width: 992px) {
    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen {
        min-height: calc(100vh - 84px) !important;
        height: calc(100vh - 84px) !important;
        max-height: calc(100vh - 84px) !important;
        padding-top: 140px !important;
        padding-bottom: 12px !important;
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: column !important;
        justify-content: space-between !important;
        box-sizing: border-box !important;
    }

    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen .hero-top-bar-cinematic {
        margin-bottom: 16px !important;
    }

    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen .hero-title-cinematic {
        margin: 0 0 16px !important;
        font-size: clamp(28px, 3.2vw, 46px) !important;
        line-height: 1.08 !important;
    }

    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen .hero-credentials-row {
        margin-bottom: 16px !important;
    }

    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen .hero-cta-cluster {
        margin-bottom: 14px !important;
    }

    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen .hero-cinematic-dock {
        margin-top: 0 !important;
    }

    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen .dock-item {
        padding: 9px 14px !important;
    }

    .hero.hero-cinematic.fit-recruiters-screen .dock-item .dock-val {
        font-size: 22px !important;
    }

    .recruiter-marquee-section.fit-recruiters-marquee {
        height: 84px !important;
        max-height: 84px !important;
        padding: 10px 0 12px !important;
        display: flex !important;
        flex-direction: column !important;
        justify-content: center !important;
        box-sizing: border-box !important;
        box-shadow: 0 -4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
    }

    .recruiter-marquee-section.fit-recruiters-marquee .recruiter-marquee-header {
        display: flex !important;
        align-items: center !important;
        justify-content: center !important;
        gap: 12px !important;
        margin: 0 auto 6px !important;
        padding: 0 16px !important;
    }

    .recruiter-marquee-section.fit-recruiters-marquee .recruiter-eyebrow {
        margin: 0 !important;
        font-size: 10px !important;
        letter-spacing: 0.12em !important;
    }

    .recruiter-marquee-section.fit-recruiters-marquee .recruiter-marquee-heading {
        font-size: 11.5px !important;
        letter-spacing: 0.08em !important;
    }

    .recruiter-marquee-section.fit-recruiters-marquee .marquee-track {
        gap: 32px !important;
    }

    .recruiter-marquee-section.fit-recruiters-marquee .marquee-logo-item {
        font-size: 11px !important;
        letter-spacing: 0.05em !important;
        padding: 5px 12px !important;
    }
}

/* 7.7 Modern Bento Grid for Campus Highlights & CoE */
.bento-campus-section {
    padding: 110px 0;
    background: #090e1a;
    color: #ffffff;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
}

.bento-grid-modern {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(12, 1fr);
    grid-auto-rows: 280px;
    gap: 24px;
    margin-top: 50px;
}

@media (max-width: 900px) {
    .bento-grid-modern {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        grid-auto-rows: auto;
    }
}

.bento-card {
    position: relative;
    border-radius: 20px;
    overflow: hidden;
    background: #0f172a;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
    box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
    transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

.bento-card.col-8 { grid-column: span 8; }
.bento-card.col-4 { grid-column: span 4; }
.bento-card.col-6 { grid-column: span 6; }
.bento-card.row-2 { grid-row: span 2; }

@media (max-width: 900px) {
    .bento-card.col-8,
    .bento-card.col-4,
    .bento-card.col-6,
    .bento-card.row-2 {
        grid-column: span 1;
        grid-row: span 1;
        min-height: 320px;
    }
}

.bento-img {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    transition: transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
    z-index: 1;
}

.bento-card:hover .bento-img {
    transform: scale(1.06);
}

.bento-overlay {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.15) 0%, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.6) 50%, rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.95) 100%);
    z-index: 2;
    transition: opacity 0.3s ease;
}

.bento-card:hover .bento-overlay {
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.25) 0%, rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.5) 40%, rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.98) 100%);
}

.bento-body {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: 0;
    left: 0;
    right: 0;
    padding: 32px;
    z-index: 3;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: flex-end;
}

.bento-tag {
    display: inline-block;
    padding: 4px 10px;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    background: rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.2);
    color: #38bdf8;
    border: 1px solid rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.4);
    margin-bottom: 12px;
    align-self: flex-start;
}

.bento-title {
    font-family: var(--font-serif);
    font-size: clamp(22px, 2vw, 30px);
    margin: 0 0 10px;
    color: #ffffff;
    line-height: 1.2;
}

.bento-desc {
    font-size: 14px;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
    line-height: 1.55;
    margin: 0 0 16px;
    max-width: 480px;
}

.bento-link {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    color: #38bdf8;
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 13px;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: gap 0.25s ease;
}

.bento-card:hover .bento-link {
    gap: 10px;
    color: #7dd3fc;
}

/* 7.8 Cinematic Video Tour Modal */
.cinematic-video-modal {
    position: fixed;
    inset: 0;
    z-index: 99999;
    background: rgba(4, 7, 15, 0.92);
    backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    padding: 24px;
    opacity: 0;
    visibility: hidden;
    transition: opacity 0.35s ease, visibility 0.35s ease;
}

.cinematic-video-modal.is-active {
    opacity: 1;
    visibility: visible;
}

.video-modal-container {
    position: relative;
    max-width: 1000px;
    width: 100%;
    background: #000;
    border-radius: 16px;
    overflow: hidden;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
    box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8), 0 0 50px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.2);
    transform: scale(0.92);
    transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.cinematic-video-modal.is-active .video-modal-container {
    transform: scale(1);
}

.video-modal-close {
    position: absolute;
    top: 16px;
    right: 16px;
    z-index: 10;
    width: 40px;
    height: 40px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.65);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
    color: #fff;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    cursor: pointer;
    font-size: 20px;
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
}

.video-modal-close:hover {
    background: #ef4444;
    border-color: #ef4444;
    transform: rotate(90deg);
}

.modal-video-player {
    width: 100%;
    height: auto;
    max-height: 80vh;
    display: block;
}

/* Stagger animations for page sections */
.fade-up-item {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(30px);
    transition: opacity 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.fade-up-item.is-revealed {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   7.9 Why Choose SDMIT - 8 Institutional Excellence Pillars Grid
   ========================================================================== */
/* =========================================================================
   WHY CHOOSE SDMIT: ULTRA-MODERN EDITORIAL THEME
   ========================================================================= */
.why-choose-section {
    position: relative;
    padding: 110px 0;
    background: var(--bg-color);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-color);
    overflow: hidden;
}

.why-choose-section::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -120px;
    right: -80px;
    width: 520px;
    height: 520px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.05) 0%, transparent 70%);
    pointer-events: none;
    z-index: 0;
}

.why-choose-section::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    bottom: -120px;
    left: -80px;
    width: 520px;
    height: 520px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(5, 150, 105, 0.04) 0%, transparent 70%);
    pointer-events: none;
    z-index: 0;
}

.why-header-wrap {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 860px;
    margin: 0 auto 56px;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
}

.why-eyebrow-badge {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    background: rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.06);
    color: #2563eb;
    border: 1px solid rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.2);
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.14em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    padding: 7px 18px;
    border-radius: 9999px;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.why-badge-pulse {
    width: 6px;
    height: 6px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #2563eb;
    box-shadow: 0 0 8px #2563eb;
    animation: badgePulse 2s infinite ease-in-out;
}

@keyframes badgePulse {
    0%, 100% { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1); }
    50% { opacity: 0.35; transform: scale(0.75); }
}

/* =========================================================================
   Why Choose SDMIT - Ultra-Modern 3D Cinematic & On-Scroll Animation Suite
   ========================================================================= */
.why-choose-section {
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
    padding: 130px 0 140px;
    background: #fafbfc;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--border-color);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-color);
}

/* Ambient 3D Depth Layer */
.why-ambient-backdrop {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    pointer-events: none;
    overflow: hidden;
    z-index: 0;
}

.why-ambient-glow {
    position: absolute;
    border-radius: 50%;
    filter: blur(90px);
    opacity: 0.45;
    pointer-events: none;
    animation: whyAmbientFloat 12s infinite ease-in-out alternate;
}

.why-glow-blue {
    width: 600px;
    height: 600px;
    top: -120px;
    left: -100px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.18) 0%, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0) 70%);
}

.why-glow-gold {
    width: 650px;
    height: 650px;
    bottom: -150px;
    right: -100px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(217, 119, 6, 0.12) 0%, rgba(217, 119, 6, 0) 70%);
    animation-delay: -6s;
}

.why-ambient-grid-lines {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background-image: 
        linear-gradient(to right, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02) 1px, transparent 1px),
        linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02) 1px, transparent 1px);
    background-size: 50px 50px;
    mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 60% at 50% 50%, black 30%, transparent 80%);
    -webkit-mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 60% at 50% 50%, black 30%, transparent 80%);
}

@keyframes whyAmbientFloat {
    0% { transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0) scale(1); }
    50% { transform: translate3d(30px, -20px, 0) scale(1.08); }
    100% { transform: translate3d(-20px, 30px, 0) scale(0.95); }
}

/* Header On-Scroll State */
.why-header-wrap {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 880px;
    margin: 0 auto 70px;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
    transition: opacity 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.why-animate-prep:not(.why-in-view) .why-header-wrap {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(30px);
}

.why-theme-title {
    font-family: var(--font-serif) !important;
    font-size: clamp(36px, 4.8vw, 62px);
    line-height: 1.02;
    letter-spacing: -0.02em;
    color: var(--text-primary) !important;
    margin: 0 auto 20px;
    font-weight: 400;
    text-transform: uppercase;
}

.why-theme-subtitle {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: clamp(15px, 1.25vw, 17.5px);
    line-height: 1.7;
    color: var(--text-secondary);
    margin: 0 auto;
    max-width: 800px;
    font-weight: 400;
}

/* 3D Pillars Grid */
.why-pillars-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
    gap: 28px;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
    perspective: 1400px;
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

@media (max-width: 1200px) {
    .why-pillars-grid {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
        gap: 24px;
    }
}

@media (max-width: 640px) {
    .why-pillars-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 18px;
    }
}

/* 3D Pillar Card Shell */
.why-pillar-card {
    background: linear-gradient(155deg, #ffffff 0%, #fbfcfd 100%);
    border: 1px solid rgba(226, 232, 240, 0.9);
    border-radius: 20px;
    padding: 34px 26px 26px;
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
    backface-visibility: hidden;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03), 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.02);
    cursor: default;
    
    /* Fully visible by default so it never appears blank */
    opacity: 1;
    transform: perspective(1400px) translateY(0) rotateX(0deg) scale(1);
    transform-origin: center bottom;
    transition: 
        opacity 0.85s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1),
        transform 0.85s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1),
        box-shadow 0.4s ease,
        border-color 0.4s ease;
    will-change: transform, opacity, box-shadow;
}

/* Prepared On-Scroll Reveal State (3D Flip & Slide) only when prepared by JS */
.why-animate-prep:not(.why-in-view) .why-pillar-card {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: perspective(1400px) translateY(55px) rotateX(16deg) scale(0.93);
}

/* Triggered State: In View (Cascading Stagger) */
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: perspective(1400px) translateY(0) rotateX(0deg) scale(1);
}

.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="1"] { transition-delay: 0.05s; }
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="2"] { transition-delay: 0.11s; }
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="3"] { transition-delay: 0.17s; }
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="4"] { transition-delay: 0.23s; }
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="5"] { transition-delay: 0.29s; }
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="6"] { transition-delay: 0.35s; }
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="7"] { transition-delay: 0.41s; }
.why-in-view .why-pillar-card[data-index="8"] { transition-delay: 0.47s; }

/* Dynamic Background Glow Aura */
.why-pillar-card .card-glow-aura {
    position: absolute;
    inset: -30px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%, var(--pillar-glow, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.25)) 0%, transparent 65%);
    opacity: 0;
    transition: opacity 0.45s ease;
    pointer-events: none;
    z-index: 0;
    filter: blur(24px);
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .card-glow-aura {
    opacity: 0.7;
}

/* Dynamic Specular Glare (Cursor Tracker) */
.why-pillar-card .card-specular-glare {
    position: absolute;
    inset: 0;
    background: radial-gradient(circle at var(--mouse-x, 50%) var(--mouse-y, 50%), rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0) 65%);
    opacity: 0;
    transition: opacity 0.3s ease;
    pointer-events: none;
    z-index: 1;
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .card-specular-glare {
    opacity: 1;
}

/* Top Border Beam Effect */
.why-pillar-card .card-border-beam {
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    right: 0;
    height: 3px;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent 0%, var(--pillar-accent, #2563eb) 50%, transparent 100%);
    opacity: 0;
    transform: scaleX(0.4);
    transition: opacity 0.35s ease, transform 0.45s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
    z-index: 2;
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .card-border-beam {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: scaleX(1);
}

/* Inner 3D Container with Independent Z-Elevation */
.why-card-inner {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 3;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    height: 100%;
    justify-content: space-between;
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

.why-card-top {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    margin-bottom: 22px;
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

/* Floating 3D Icon Box */
.why-pillar-icon-box {
    width: 52px;
    height: 52px;
    border-radius: 14px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), box-shadow 0.4s ease;
    transform: translateZ(0);
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .why-pillar-icon-box {
    transform: translateZ(36px) scale(1.1) rotate(4deg);
    box-shadow: 0 12px 24px -6px var(--pillar-glow, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15));
}

/* Floating Numerical Index */
.why-card-index {
    font-family: var(--font-mono, monospace);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--text-secondary);
    opacity: 0.4;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    transition: opacity 0.3s ease, color 0.3s ease, transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
    transform: translateZ(0);
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .why-card-index {
    opacity: 1;
    color: var(--pillar-accent, #2563eb);
    transform: translateZ(24px);
}

/* Floating Title */
.why-pillar-title {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 18px;
    color: var(--text-primary);
    margin: 0 0 12px;
    line-height: 1.3;
    letter-spacing: -0.015em;
    transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), color 0.3s ease;
    transform: translateZ(0);
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .why-pillar-title {
    transform: translateZ(26px);
}

/* Floating Description */
.why-pillar-text {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: 13.8px;
    line-height: 1.68;
    color: var(--text-secondary);
    margin: 0 0 22px;
    flex: 1;
    transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
    transform: translateZ(0);
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .why-pillar-text {
    transform: translateZ(18px);
}

/* Floating Tag Badge */
.why-card-footer {
    transform-style: preserve-3d;
}

.why-pillar-tag {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
    padding: 6px 12px;
    border-radius: 8px;
    background: var(--bg-color);
    color: var(--text-secondary);
    border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
    width: fit-content;
    transition: all 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
    transform: translateZ(0);
}

.why-pillar-card:hover .why-pillar-tag {
    background: var(--pillar-tag-bg, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.08));
    color: var(--pillar-accent, #2563eb);
    border-color: var(--pillar-accent-border, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.3));
    transform: translateZ(30px);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 16px -4px var(--pillar-glow, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1));
}

/* Hover Shadow Elevation */
.why-pillar-card:hover {
    border-color: var(--pillar-accent-border, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.35));
    box-shadow: 0 24px 50px -15px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.12), 0 0 0 1px var(--pillar-accent-border, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.2));
}

/* Dark Theme Adaptations */
[data-theme="dark"] .why-choose-section {
    background: #090e1a !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-ambient-grid-lines {
    background-image: 
        linear-gradient(to right, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) 1px, transparent 1px),
        linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) 1px, transparent 1px);
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-pillar-card {
    background: linear-gradient(155deg, #111827 0%, #0d131f 100%) !important;
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) !important;
    box-shadow: 0 8px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4) !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-pillar-card:hover {
    box-shadow: 0 24px 55px -15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7), 0 0 0 1px var(--pillar-accent-border) !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-pillar-title {
    color: #f8fafc !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-pillar-text {
    color: #94a3b8 !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-pillar-tag {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) !important;
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) !important;
    color: #cbd5e1 !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-pillar-text {
    color: #94a3b8 !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .why-pillar-tag {
    background: #1e293b !important;
    color: #cbd5e1 !important;
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) !important;
}

/* =========================================================================
   INSTITUTIONAL METRICS & IMPACT STRIP (CINEMATIC DARK ACCENT)
   ========================================================================= */
.stats-impact-strip {
    background: #080d1a; /* Rich dark luxury backdrop */
    position: relative;
    padding: 60px 0;
    overflow: hidden;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    box-shadow: inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06), 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
}

.stats-glow-backdrop {
    position: absolute;
    top: 50%;
    left: 50%;
    transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
    width: 1000px;
    height: 100%;
    background: radial-gradient(ellipse at center, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.12) 0%, rgba(14, 165, 233, 0.05) 50%, transparent 70%);
    pointer-events: none;
    z-index: 1;
}

.stats-strip-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr);
    align-items: center;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 2;
}

.stats-strip-item {
    text-align: center;
    padding: 16px 20px;
    position: relative;
    transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

/* Vertical Divider Lines */
.stats-strip-item:not(:last-child)::after {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    right: 0;
    top: 12%;
    height: 76%;
    width: 1px;
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
}

.stats-strip-item:hover {
    transform: translateY(-5px);
}

.stats-number-wrap {
    margin-bottom: 12px;
    line-height: 1;
}

.stats-strip-number {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: clamp(34px, 3.2vw, 48px);
    font-weight: 800;
    letter-spacing: -0.02em;
    display: inline-block;
    color: #ffffff;
    text-shadow: 0 4px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
    background: linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff 45%, #cbd5e1 100%);
    -webkit-background-clip: text;
    -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
}

.stats-strip-label {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: clamp(10.5px, 0.85vw, 12px);
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.12em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: #94a3b8;
    display: block;
    line-height: 1.4;
    transition: color 0.3s ease;
}

.stats-strip-item:hover .stats-strip-label {
    color: #38bdf8;
}

/* Tablet Layout (3 columns x 2 rows) */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
    .stats-strip-grid {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
        row-gap: 36px;
    }
    
    .stats-strip-item:not(:last-child)::after {
        display: none;
    }

    .stats-strip-item {
        border-right: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    }

    .stats-strip-item:nth-child(3n) {
        border-right: none;
    }
}

/* Mobile Layout (2 columns x 3 rows) */
@media (max-width: 640px) {
    .stats-impact-strip {
        padding: 44px 0;
    }

    .stats-strip-grid {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
        row-gap: 28px;
    }

    .stats-strip-item {
        padding: 12px 8px;
        border-right: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) !important;
    }

    .stats-strip-item:nth-child(2n) {
        border-right: none !important;
    }

    .stats-strip-number {
        font-size: 32px;
    }

    .stats-strip-label {
        font-size: 10px;
        letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    }
}

/* =========================================================================
   ALUMNI STORIES & GLOBAL TRAILBLAZERS (MODERN EDITORIAL)
   ========================================================================= */
.alumni-stories-section {
    position: relative;
    padding: 120px 0;
    background: var(--bg-color);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-color);
    overflow: hidden;
}

.alumni-stories-section::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: -150px;
    right: -100px;
    width: 600px;
    height: 600px;
    background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.05) 0%, transparent 70%);
    pointer-events: none;
    z-index: 0;
}

.alumni-header-wrap {
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 860px;
    margin: 0 auto 60px;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
}

.alumni-stories-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
    gap: 24px;
    position: relative;
    z-index: 1;
}

@media (max-width: 1200px) {
    .alumni-stories-grid {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
        gap: 20px;
    }
}

@media (max-width: 680px) {
    .alumni-stories-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 18px;
    }
}

.alumni-story-card {
    background: var(--white);
    border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
    border-radius: 18px;
    padding: 32px 26px 26px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: space-between;
    transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), box-shadow 0.35s ease, border-color 0.35s ease;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.03);
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
}

.alumni-story-card::before {
    content: '';
    position: absolute;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    right: 0;
    height: 3px;
    background: linear-gradient(90deg, #2563eb, #38bdf8);
    opacity: 0;
    transition: opacity 0.35s ease;
}

.alumni-story-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-8px);
    border-color: rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.35);
    box-shadow: 0 20px 45px -15px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.09);
}

.alumni-story-card:hover::before {
    opacity: 1;
}

.alumni-card-quote-mark {
    font-family: var(--font-serif);
    font-size: 52px;
    line-height: 0.8;
    color: rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.22);
    margin-bottom: 14px;
    user-select: none;
}

.alumni-quote-text {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: 14px;
    line-height: 1.7;
    color: var(--text-primary);
    margin: 0 0 24px;
    flex: 1;
}

.alumni-meta-row {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 14px;
    padding-top: 18px;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--border-color);
    margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.alumni-avatar-badge {
    width: 48px;
    height: 48px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-weight: 800;
    font-size: 16px;
    flex-shrink: 0;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
    border: 2px solid #ffffff;
}

.alumni-author-info {
    flex: 1;
    min-width: 0;
}

.alumni-name {
    font-family: var(--font-sans);
    font-size: 15.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--text-primary);
    margin: 0 0 2px;
    letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.alumni-role {
    font-size: 12.5px;
    font-weight: 600;
    color: #2563eb;
    margin: 0 0 2px;
    white-space: nowrap;
    overflow: hidden;
    text-overflow: ellipsis;
}

.alumni-branch-batch {
    font-size: 11.5px;
    color: var(--text-secondary);
    margin: 0;
}

.alumni-card-footer {
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
}

.alumni-tag {
    font-size: 10.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
    padding: 3px 8px;
    border-radius: 4px;
    background: var(--bg-color);
    color: var(--text-secondary);
    border: 1px solid var(--border-color);
}

.alumni-location {
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 600;
    color: var(--text-secondary);
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 4px;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .alumni-stories-section {
    background: #060a14 !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .alumni-story-card {
    background: #0f172a !important;
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .alumni-quote-text {
    color: #cbd5e1 !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .alumni-name {
    color: #f8fafc !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .alumni-branch-batch {
    color: #94a3b8 !important;
}

[data-theme="dark"] .alumni-tag {
    background: #1e293b !important;
    color: #cbd5e1 !important;
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) !important;
}