The Gita-Based Value Education Contest was successfully organized as part of the International Gita Festival during Gita Jayanti 2024, under the joint auspices of the Government of Madhya Pradesh and ISKCON Ujjain. This initiative aimed to inculcate Gita-based values among students across the state.
The contest was conceptualized following a proposal presented to Honorable Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. With swift approval and execution, the event sought to inspire students to embrace the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as a foundation for life. Actually, Dr. Mohan Yadav had many years ago requested HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja for a big international Gita festival which served as the concept for this event.
Participation Details
The contest witnessed overwhelming participation from 646,420 students across Classes 9 to 12 of Government schools throughout Madhya Pradesh. The breakdown of participation was as follows:
Class 9: 167,343 students
Class 10: 189,013 students
Class 11: 147,108 students
Class 12: 142,956 students
More than 10,000 schools, including those in remote areas, were reached, enabling widespread student participation. More than 500 volunteers were giving their services to make it successful.
Gita Mahotsava and Prize Distribution
A magnificent Gita Mahotsava was organized by the Madhya Pradesh Government on Gita Jayanti in Ujjain, featuring a variety of cultural programs, Gita recitation by more than 5000 people etc. Renowned motivational speaker Dr. Vivek Bindra was invited to address the gathering, and the prize distribution ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of the Chief Minister, Dr. Mohan Yadav. Winners were felicitated by the Chief Minister himself. The awards were as follows:
Two students secured the 1st Prize, each receiving INR 1,00,000.
One student earned the 2nd Prize of INR 51,000.
Two students achieved the 3rd Prize, each receiving INR 21,000.
Special Recognition
The event received extensive coverage in print, digital, and social media, highlighting the universal relevance of the Bhagavad. Lakhs of people are getting acquainted with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and have developed their appreciation for Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON.
Future Prospects
Building on this remarkable success, plans are underway to scale up similar initiatives, aiming to promote the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on a wider scale in Madhya Pradesh. We seek all of your blessings so that our tiny efforts can bring happiness to all the devotees and Srila Prabhupada.
Thank you very much.
Your Servants at
ISKCON Ujjain