Painting, declamation contests mark Gita Jayanti in Kullu

Ridhima of La Montessori School, Dhalpur, secured first place in the declamation contest, while Bhuvnesh of Trinity School, Mohal, won the painting competition held during the 35th Gita Jayanti Samaroh at Gita Ashram, Ramshila, on Friday. Both were honoured with a certificate, a memento and cash prizes of Rs 3,100 and Rs 2,001, respectively. Sanskriti of Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Bashing, claimed second position in the declamation contest with a prize of Rs 2,100, while Ishita of Bharat Bharati School, Dhalpur, stood third, receiving Rs 1,100. The declamation contest saw participation from 42 students representing 26 schools across the valley. In the painting competition, Parvina of PM SHRI GSSS, Sultanpur, secured second place with Rs 1,501, while Sanvika of Kullu Valley School, Akhara, stood third, earning Rs 1,001 among 39 contestants.

Vishal Sharma of GSSS, Dhalpur, and Sakshi of Beas Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Sultanpur, received consolation prizes of Rs 500 each in the declamation contest. Simran of Dev Bhoomi School, Kullu, was awarded a consolation prize in the painting competition. Certificates of participation were distributed to all contestants in both events.

The chief guest, Dayanand Gautam, commended the theme of the declamation contest, which required participants to present a detailed interpretation of any shloka from the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita and highlight its relevance in contemporary life. He said such competitions not only nurture oratory skills but also deepen understanding of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Aman Singh Sood, president of the Gita Tapobhoomi Trust, expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of students. He noted the paintings beautifully depicted the theme of Shri Krishna-Arjuna Samvad and praised the efforts of both students and teachers. He added the scale of the event would be expanded next year.

Devesh Mishra, a devotee of Gita Ashram, said with the blessings of Sadgurudev Swami Gitanand Ji “Bhikshu,” the annual celebration is organised in sacred memory of Brahmaleen Swami Aradhana “Bhikshu”, a devoted disciple who dedicated her life to the propagation of the Bhagavad Gita. He added that this year’s inspiration came from Swami Muktanand “Bhikshu” and Swami Kiran “Bhikshu”.