Pimpri: At the Bhagavad Gita Recitation Competition organized by Chinmaya Mission’s Pimpri-Chinchwad division, Ajaybuva Ramdasi of Sajjangad emphasized the eternal relevance of the Bhagavad Gita, stating that "the Gita never becomes outdated."
Ramdasi was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, held at the Manohar Wadhokar Auditorium in Jnana Prabodhini, Pune.
The event, organized to commemorate the 108th birth anniversary of Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, saw overwhelming participation from more than 4,000 students across 60 schools.
The competition was divided into six categories, ranging from kindergarten to grade 12, with Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita selected as the recitation passage.
Ramdasi remarked on the importance of instilling values from the Gita in children from an early age, stating, "Our foremost identity is as Indians and Hindus. The concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) defines our culture. If children are taught the Gita early, a sense of national pride will naturally develop in their hearts."
The competition concluded with the top-performing students being awarded trophies and certificates. Schools that played a pivotal role in encouraging participation, such as Jnana Prabodhini Navnagar School, Amrita Vidyalaya, and Ganesh International School, were also honored for their contributions.
The winners were announced in six categories, recognizing the top students for their exceptional recitations.
First-place winners included:
Group A: Dhairyashil Patil, Ahilya Bhalerao, Anvit Ranade, Vallari Patil, Rama Kulkarni, Janki Mishra
Group B: Urvi Shaligram, Raghav Inamdar, Indranil Chitnis, Shrived Kesarkar, Radha Pawaskar, Shaurya Patil
Group C: Gargi Kathikar, Shatanand Ganorkar, Aarush, Deepti Afle, Archit Sawangikar, Adya Godse
Group D: Swara Bhosale, Anish Datar, Swaraj Rakshe, Anup Kumbhar
Group E: Kiran Gaikwad, Nandini Pimperkar, Swarda Shirude, Abhir Joshi, Charvi Nayana
Group F: Mihir Kale
The event was hosted by Anand Deshmukh, who concluded the ceremony by extending thanks to all participants and contributors.
