Kullu to host painting, declamation contests on Gita Jayanti

The upcoming 35th Geeta Jayanti Samaroh is set to be held on November 28. Rupesh Sood, a follower of Gita Ashram made the announcement as he addressed mediapersons here on Saturday.

He said the Samaroh aims to urge students to engage deeply with the Gita’s teachings through creative and competitive platforms. Registration will begin at 9 am, followed by refreshments at 9.30 am. Competitions would start at 10 am, with the painting contest set for 10.30 am and the declamation contest at 11 am. Lunch would be served at 1 pm and the concluding session — featuring blessings, an address and prize distribution — will begin at 2 pm.

The painting competition for students of classes VI to VIII will focus on illustrating the Shri Krishna–Arjuna Samvad. It would run for 30 minutes, with students bringing their own colours while the Ashram provides A3-size sheets. Prizes are Rs 2,101, Rs 1,501 and Rs 1,001.

For classes IX to XII, the speech contest at 11 am would require participants to explain any shloka from the Gita and discuss its modern relevance. Prizes are Rs 3,100, Rs 2,100 and Rs 1,100. Each school may nominate two students per competition, accompanied by a teacher. All participants would receive certificates, with winners earning mementoes, cash prizes and consolation awards. A WhatsApp group would be created for coordination and schools must confirm participation. Sood urged schools to encourage students to join and draw inspiration from the Gita’s teachings.