In a heartwarming celebration leading up to India’s 78th Independence Day, Konkani Shanti Publications (KSP) hosted the Bal Kavi Sammelan on August 13, 2025, at the prestigious Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, Goa. The event invited student poets from schools across the state to recite original works under the evocative theme “My Nation, My Garden.”
The program opened with a stirring address from KSP President Mr. Samiullah Belwadi, who passionately emphasized the beauty of India’s linguistic and cultural plurality. “Just as a garden thrives with a variety of flowers, our nation flourishes with a diversity of languages and traditions,” he said. His message of unity in diversity resonated throughout the evening.
Chief Guest N. Shivdas, a celebrated writer and social activist, encouraged young minds to find poetry through introspection and observation. “True poetry is not written—it is felt,” he shared, urging students to remain open to the world around them.
The competition drew an impressive range of multilingual entries, judged by a distinguished panel of literary figures including Chitra Kshirsagar, Ramesh Ghadi, Sheetal Salgaokar, Purnima Desai, and Sharmin Deshmukh. The judges praised the originality and heartfelt emotion conveyed by the young poets, and commended KSP for nurturing literary culture among children.
Notable winners included:
- Aafiya Shaikh – Deepvihar Primary School
- Saijat Anjul Fall Dessai – Tiny Tots Primary School
- Adhvaiya Kunkolikar – Popular Prathamik Vidhyalay
- Aisafa Begum Khan, Zaida Mehboob Shaikh, Ayesha Baig – Crescent School
- Aabed Farhan Onti – Maarif Modest Education
- Asad Shaikh – Loyola High School
- Zainab Khanam Soudagar – Keshav Smruti Bal Vikas School
Adding musical cheer, students from Popular English High School, Goa Velha, presented a special patriotic song, stirring national pride among the audience.
Afrah Sayyed, who served as convenor, ensured the event ran smoothly, reflecting KSP’s ongoing commitment to cultural education and harmony.
In his closing note, Mr. Asif Hussain spoke about the power of young voices in shaping the nation’s future. “Their hope and clarity reflect the vision of our founding fathers,” he said. “They are our brightest bloom in the garden of India.”
From poignant verses to unfiltered dreams, Bal Kavi Sammelan 2025 was not just a competition—it was a celebration of language, unity, and a shared national spirit.
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