Kagawad, Aug. 3: Essay and elocution competitions jointly organised by Shabdagandha Kavi Mandal Sangh, Belgaum and the Department of Marathi, Shivanand College, Kagawad, under the inspiration of the State Marathi Development Institute, Mumbai, witnessed an enthusiastic response from students. The competitions were held to mark the memorial day of book lover Shankar Chafadkar and the birth anniversary of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe.
Around 50 college students participated, showcasing their literary and public speaking skills on various social and contemporary topics.
The event was inaugurated by the Principal of Shivanand College, Dr. S. P. Talwar, who paid floral tributes to the portraits of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe and Shankar Chafadkar. Marathi Department Head and President of Shabdagandha Kavi Mandal Sangh Prof. Ashok Alagondi, Prof. B. D. Damannavar, Dr. Anandkumar Jakkannavar, Prof. Manoj Kore, and other dignitaries were present.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Talwar highlighted Annabhau Sathe’s remarkable contribution to Marathi literature and urged students to study his works to develop social awareness. He also emphasised the importance of reading in personality development and praised the lifelong efforts of Shankar Chafadkar in preserving rare books and promoting reading culture.
The competitions concluded in an inspiring atmosphere, with participants impressing the judges through clarity of thought, language proficiency, and effective presentation.
Senior journalist Laxman Suryavanshi and Dr. Amol Patil served as judges and also guided the participants.
Photo Caption: Principal Dr. S. P. Talwar inaugurating the essay and elocution competitions by offering floral tributes to the portraits of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe and Shankar Chafadkar, in the presence of Prof. Ashok Alagondi, Prof. B. D. Damannavar, Dr. Anandkumar Jakkannavar, Prof. Manoj Kore, and others.
