Mumbai – 23rd March 2019 – In one of the most spectacular exhibitions of socio-cultural harmony, the annual Gita Championship League Award ceremony was organised by ISKCON, Girgaon Chowpatty at Patidar Samaj Hall, last evening. Taking inspiration from the contest here in India, it also started in many other countries abroad like Malaysia, Mauritius, Middle East etc., where 2000 to 3000 students participate in such contest.
Gita Champions League contest (GCL) 2019 witnessed 6050 students participating from 78 schools from various parts of Mumbai. It was also kicked off in various parts of India including Goa, Belgaum, Nasik Gujarat and Indore.
On the occasion, Radhanath Swami Maharaj, ISKCON Spiritual Guru said, “Gita is not just a book, but it is a 5000-year old deep transcendental knowledge, which is relevant even today. Having withstood centuries and been a life-coach to many great personalities including Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Phule Bhagwat Gita’s essence is probably the most relevant in today’s context where children have no patience, are living in a world of instant results, developing serious problems like depression and increased incidents of suicides etc. Early age learnings from Bhagwatam can make a profound impact on children as they grow and help them deal with complex problems of life.”
As of today, more than 1,35,000 registrations from over 1400 schools of various cities in India have happened. GCL was participated by children across schools, age-groups, communities and religions from all over Mumbai (South Mumbai, Mira Road, Bhayander, Dahisar, Malad, Borivali, Powai, Chembur, Bhandup, Mulund, Dombivli, Kalyan, Amabernath, Badlapur and Wangani etc.
H.G. Shyamanand Prabhu, President ISKCON Girgaon Chowpatty along with Baldev Prabhu and Mukundmala Prabhu gave away the prizes to the student winners. In his speech addressing the gathering of students, their parents & faculties, Shyamanand Prabhu highlighted the necessity of educating our inner self with spiritual wisdom.
School students from 5th to 10th standard are eligible to participate in this competition, where they showcase their practical knowledge and understanding of Bhagwat Geeta, the epic life-coach scripture.
GCL was started in the year 2010 and since then it is continuing every year and thousands of students from hundreds of schools have participated every year.
——-Kabir M Love