Kaveri College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pune, organised the 16th State-Level Elocution Competition in memory of Dr. Shamarao Kalmadi, Chief Mentor and Co-founder of Kannada Sangha, Pune. The competition aimed to encourage public speaking, critical thinking and effective communication among students.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Mukta Karmarkar (Principal) and Ms. Devika Shetty (Trustee, Kannada Sangha), Dr. Deepa Sathe (Head of the Organising Committee) who encouraged students to develop their oratory skills and embrace learning opportunities.
The competition witnessed participation from 42 students representing 33 colleges and universities across Maharashtra. Participants delivered speeches in English and Marathi on contemporary topics related to geopolitics, leadership, social media, artificial intelligence and sports psychology.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Smt. Radhika Sharma (Joint Treasurer, Kannada Sangha) and Chief Guest Dr. Sadanand More, renowned scholar of Sant literature. In his address, Dr. More drew on the timeless teachings of Sant Tukaram, Ramdas Swami, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He highlighted how ethical communication and leadership remain vital anchors—especially in today’s rapid AI era.
The competition winners were:
16th State-Level Elocution Competition
- First Prize (₹5,000): Ms. Sajiri Parkar – Manghanmal Udharam College of Commerce, Pune.
- Second Prize (₹3,000): Ms. Akanksha Chaudhary – Marathwada Mitra Mandal Commerce College, Pune.
- Third Prize (₹2,000): Ms. Siddhi Patil – Pune Vidyarthi Griha’s College of Engineering, Pune.
Impromptu Competition
- First Prize (₹500): Ms. Siddhi Patil
- Second Prize (₹300): Ms. Mishti Kucheria
- Third Prize (₹200): Ms. Vaishnavi Nagwade
The competition was judged by Mr. Uddesh Pawar and Mr. Vipul Dhangar. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Deepa Sathe and anchoring by Prof. Sonali Kadam.Overall, the competition provided a valuable platform for students to showcase their communication skills, confidence and analytical thinking while honouring the legacy of Dr. Shamarao Kalmadi.
