The Gujarat Cultural Oratory Competition recently took center stage at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, showcasing the eloquence and cultural fervor of the state’s youth. Organized through a collaborative effort between the Higher Education Department of the State Government, the National Service Scheme, and the ‘Save Culture Save Bharat’ Foundation, the event aimed to engage young minds in the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural values.
Distinguished dignitaries including Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Minister of State for Education Shri Praful Panseria, and Uday Mahurkar, the founder of the ‘Save Culture Save India’ Foundation, graced the occasion to honour the winners and participants.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel emphasized the importance of upholding India’s cultural diversity and traditions. He urged the youth to prioritize indigenous festivals over Western imports, highlighting the significance of events like the Gujarat Cultural Oratory Competition in fostering cultural awareness.
Reflecting on the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi, the Chief Minister underscored the global relevance of Indian spirituality and culture. He stressed the pivotal role of Gujarat in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a culturally vibrant and developed India.
In light of contemporary challenges such as digital negativity and cultural distortions, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel called for collective action to safeguard cultural integrity. He urged parents to actively monitor and mitigate the influence of harmful online content on young minds.
The event coincided with Vasant Panchami, a festival symbolizing the onset of spring, and also marked the fifth anniversary of the Pulwama terror attack. Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel paid tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation.
Minister of State Shri Praful Panseria emphasized the role of education in character building, asserting its centrality in shaping future generations. He commended the Gujarat Cultural Oratory Competition for its contribution to nurturing leadership qualities among students.
Uday Mahurkar, the founder of Save Culture and Save Bharat Foundation, highlighted the contemporary challenges facing Indian culture, including distortions propagated by various media platforms. He expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts to counter these threats and promote cultural awareness.
Chancellor of Gujarat University Dr. Neerja Gupta extended a warm welcome to all attendees, emphasizing the significance of the Gujarat Cultural Oratory Competition in fostering national unity and character development among college students.
The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 5500 contestants representing 603 colleges across the state. Following a rigorous selection process, winners from each zone competed at the state level, showcasing their oratory skills and cultural insights.
The top achievers were honoured with prestigious titles and cash prizes, with the winner receiving ₹1,00,000 and the coveted title of ‘Best Cultural Speaker of Gujarat’. Recognitions were also awarded to the runners-up and participants for their commendable contributions.
With themes ranging from cyber hygiene to value education, the competition provided a platform for students to articulate their perspectives on pressing societal issues and cultural values.
The event drew attendance from key officials including Director of Higher Education Mr. Gurav Dinesh Ramesh, Additional Director Mr. V.C. Bodana, and Joint Director of Higher Education Shri Artibehan Thakkar, underscoring the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and cultural preservation.
As the curtains closed on the Gujarat Cultural Oratory Competition, it left a lasting impact, inspiring a new generation of leaders committed to upholding India’s rich cultural heritage and values.
