Belgaum, June 14: Maharashtra Ekikaran Yuva Samiti, Belgaum, in association with the State Marathi Development Institute, Mumbai, organised a grand felicitation ceremony to honour students who secured first, second, and third ranks in the Class 10 examinations for the academic year 2025–26 in the Belgaum City, Belgaum Rural, and Khanapur educational divisions. The event was held on Sunday at Shri Tukaram Maharaj Cultural Hall, Belgaum.
The programme was presided over by Prakash Margale, President of the Central Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti. The chief guest and keynote speaker was Prof. Adv. Sarita Satish Patil. Also present on the dais were Central Samiti General Secretary Malojirao Ashtekar and Khanapur Samiti President Gopal Desai.
The ceremony commenced with floral tributes to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and portraits of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the border issue. In his welcome address, Yuva Samiti General Secretary Shrikant Kadam emphasised the importance of recognising and encouraging students studying in Marathi-medium schools. He noted that the felicitation programme has been conducted continuously for the last five years and expressed gratitude to the State Marathi Development Institute for joining as a partner this year.
On the occasion, Prakash Margale was felicitated by the Yuva Samiti following his election as President of the Central Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti. Prof. Adv. Sarita Patil was also honoured by former corporator Sudha Bhatkande and Shivani Patil.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Adv. Sarita Patil spoke on the topic “Goals, Direction and Challenges After Class 10.” She stressed that mastery of one’s mother tongue makes it easier to learn any language in the world. Students should first understand their own strengths, interests, and abilities rather than blindly following trends or public opinion while choosing a career path, she said.
She further urged students to use education not only for personal and family advancement but also for the progress of society. Highlighting the growing importance of competitive examinations, she encouraged students to begin preparing for them alongside their regular studies. She observed that many high-ranking government positions are occupied by candidates from other regions and called upon local students to actively pursue such opportunities.
Prof. Patil also advised students to enjoy every stage of their educational journey rather than viewing studies as a burden. She recommended keeping multiple career options open instead of relying on a single path. Expressing concern over the tendency of parents to isolate children from social activities and focus solely on academic achievement, she warned that society could face a shortage of future leaders if leadership qualities are not nurtured among the younger generation.
Speaking on the occasion, Yuva Samiti President Ankush Kesarkar reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the border issue and stated that the Samiti would continue to work actively for the welfare of the Marathi language, Marathi schools, and students. He also presented an overview of the organisation’s activities.
The meritorious students were honoured with shawls, mementoes, books, and cash awards.
Award-Winning Students
Khanapur Division
- First Rank: Janhavi Shamrao Patil (State Topper among Marathi-medium students)
- Second Rank: Nikita Laxman Chouri
- Third Rank: Sonali Tukaram Dalvi
Belgaum Rural Division
- First Rank: Prajakta Uttam Chougule
- Second Rank: Pallavi Suraj Patil
- Third Rank: Sameeksha Laxman Kovadkar
Belgaum City Division
- First Rank: Soham Satish Haldankar
- Second Rank: Sneha Yallappa Hiroji
- Third Rank: Aniket Balkrishna Jadhav
Several leaders, office-bearers, educators, parents, and students attended the event, making it a memorable celebration of academic excellence and the achievements of Marathi-medium students.
The programme was compered by Pratik Patil, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Sainath Shirodkar. The event concluded on a positive note, inspiring students to pursue higher goals while remaining connected to their language, culture, and society.
