‘Kaveri College of Arts, Science & Commerce bagged the first prize of Dr. Shamarao Kalmadi Memorial State Level Elocution Competition’

Mr. Sumant Sen, student of TYBA, Kaveri College of Arts, Science & Commerce bagged the first prize of Dr. Shamarao Kalmadi Memorial State Level Elocution Competition held at Kannada Sangha Pune’s Kaveri College of Arts, Science and Commerce on 27^th September, 2016. He got a Rolling Trophy, Rs. 5000/- Cash prize, Memento and a Certificate at the hands of Dr. Deepak Tilak, Vice- chancellor, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune.  Ms. Sakshi Gandhi from DBJ College, Chiplun and Ms. Chaitrali Vispute from Bhusawal Arts, Science and Commerce College, were the first and second runners-up respectively. They won Rs. 3000/-, Rs. 2000/- Cash prizes, Mementos and Certificates respectively. Mr. Imaad- Ul- Hasan from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathawada University, Aurangabad won the consolation prize of Rs. 1000 and a certificate. In the impromptu competition, Mr. Sumant Sen won the first prize, Ms. Rama Gokhale from Kaveri College won the second prize and Mr. Imaad- Ul- Hasan won the third prize.

This competition was started to pay tribute to Dr. Shamarao Kalmadi who was the founder President of Kannada Sangha, a great visionary and a social reformer who wanted to serve the underprivileged people. The Elocution Competition has grown in stature in last five years and now has become a great cultural event in Pune. It has given a platform to young budding orators to become the leaders of tomorrow. In its sixth year the competition got an overwhelming response. Total 53 students participated representing various colleges from Pune, Mumbai, Jalgaon, Kolhapur, Chiplun, Bhusawal, Latur, Loni, Amalner, Ahmednagar, and Rajgurunagar. The competition was conducted in Marathi and English language. ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji: The People’s King’ and ‘Freedom of Expression: A Double Edged Sword’ were the most opted topics. Dr. Ramesh Awalgoankar, Principal, Saraswati Night College, Dr. Vaishali Naik, HoD English, Baburao Gholap College, Pune; and Mr. Gururaj Garde, Educational Consultant and Counselor were the judges for the competition.

The competition was inaugurated at the hands of Mr. Kushal Hegde, President, Kannada Sangha. Mrs. Indira Salian Vice-President, Kannada Sangha and Mr. B. B. Rao, Treasurer, Kannada Sangha were present for the inauguration ceremony. In his inaugural address Chief Guest Mr. Kushal Hegde, shared his memories of Dr. Shamarao Kalmadi. Dr. S. B. Kharosekar, Principal, said that the Competition has provided an opportunity to participants to hone their oratory, persuasive, and leadership skills. Ms. Sayee Kulkarni, Chairman, Debate and Elocution Committee briefed the audience about the competition.

The Impromptu Speech Competition was also held during the post-lunch session followed by the Prize Distribution Ceremony. In his welcome address, Dr. S. B. Kharosekar, thanked the Management for financial and motivational support. Dr. Deepak Tilak, Vice Chancellor, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune was the chief guest of the prize distribution ceremony.  Dr. Tilak said that good oratory is not limited to politics but today it has become a requirement in every sector. He said that such competitions are the reservoirs of orators and speakers.

Mrs. Chitra Alavani compered the programme. Ms. Sayee Kulkarni, Chairman- Elocution and Debate Committee proposed vote of thanks. The programme ended with the recital of Vande Mataram.