On October 14 th Swami Prakarshananda and Swamini Gurupriyananda of Chinmaya
Mission Delhi launched a five day Chinmaya Youth Festival for high school students from the
NCR. This program brought together twenty-eight schools in a joyful extravaganza of quiz,
extempore speaking, group discussion, dance, choir and skits. Approximately 550 students
visited the Mission Centre where the festival was organized and offered us a vibrant
experience of young talent and enthusiasm.
While 7000 children from thirty-five schools participated in the first round of the
quiz that was held in their own schools, the second and third rounds were held at the
Mission. Questions based on Indian history, culture and philosophy and also on the
environment, were remarkably well tackled by the finalists.
The extempore speakers offered their views on quotes of Gurudev and those of
eminent personalities from around the globe. Group Discussion topics compelled a fresh
look at prevailing attitudes and vision of life. The confidence and ability of students to
express themselves were impressive.
The choirs presented one devotional and one patriotic song each, in a variety of
genres. The dancers had the freedom to choose from classical, folk, modern or fusion styles.
The skits focussed on one of three themes: ‘I can Make a Difference’ which saw a range of
burning social issues depicted; ‘Caring for the Elderly’ where compassion and gratitude
towards grandparents was the message; and ‘Dilli Meri Dilli’ where the fun, fumes and
frowns that characterize Delhi were showcased.
There were cheers and tears, excitement and disappointment, laughter and grumble
but through it all an air of celebration prevailed throughout the week. Delhi Public School
Mathura Road carried away the Rolling Trophy! We already look forward to Chinmaya
Youth Festival 2020.
