In Commemoration of Guru Purnima Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Education, Coimbatore, organised “Ganamrutham” – an Inter-School Singing Competition in commemoration of Guru Purnima on 28 July 2026 at the GKD Auditorium, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore. The competition was conducted exclusively for students of the schools functioning under the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore.
The programme aimed to promote Indian musical traditions, nurture students’ musical talents, develop confidence and stage performance skills, and foster an appreciation of the values embodied in the Guru–Shishya tradition. It also provided a common platform for young learners to express their creativity and appreciation of music.
The competition announcement was circulated to all the schools one month in advance. The preliminary round was conducted from 15.07.2026 to 17.07.2026, with a total of 153 students participating. The Music Teachers of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya served as judges and selected 50 students for the final round, which was scheduled to be conducted on 28.07.2026. The competition was conducted under the following three categories:
- Category I: Class IV and V
- Category II: Class VI and VII
- Category III: Class VIII and IX
A total of 47 students participated with great enthusiasm. The participants demonstrated commendable musical ability, confidence, rhythm, melody, pronunciation, and stage presence. The event reflected the rich cultural and musical heritage upheld by the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya institutions.
The programme commenced with an auspicious prayer song rendered by the Music Teachers of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya. The prayer created a serene and devotional atmosphere, marking a meaningful beginning to the Guru Purnima observance. Most Revered Swami Garishthananda Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, Coimbatore, graciously witnessed the competition and offered his guidance and encouragement. His presence served as a source of inspiration to the participants, teachers, organisers, and audience. Revered Swami Trilogathamananda Maharaj, Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya also witnessed the competition.
Following the prayer, Dr. S. Sivasankar, Competition Coordinator, delivered the introductory address. He highlighted the significance of Guru Purnima and emphasised the role of music in the holistic development of students. He further stated that music nurtures concentration, discipline, emotional balance, creativity, confidence, and cultural values. Participants were encouraged to view music not merely as an art form, but also as a means of self-expression, character building, and spiritual enrichment. The singing competition was then formally inaugurated. The performances were evaluated by an eminent panel of judges comprising:
- Sri R. Amarnathvenkatraman
- Mrs Vijayalakshmi
- Mrs Saikeerthi
- Mrs Ananthi
The judges assessed the participants based on established criteria, including selection of song, melody, rhythm, pitch, voice quality, pronunciation, expression, confidence, and overall presentation. The inauguration and conduct of the programme were graced by the presence of the following dignitaries and representatives: Swami Dhinathananda Maharaj, Secretary, Swami Shivananda Higher Secondary School, Dr. P. Kathirvel Anna, Headmaster, Swami Shivananda Higher Secondary School, Sri S. Veerakumar, Headmaster, Vidyalaya High School, Mrs. Maheshwari, Principal (In-charge), Swami Shivananda Higher Secondary School – Girls’ Wing, Mrs. Suganya, Headmistress, TAT Kalanilayam Middle School, Mrs Vijayalakshmi, Principal (In-charge), Swami Shivananda Nursery and Primary School, Their presence added significance to the programme and motivated the participants to perform with confidence and enthusiasm.
The competition was conducted in a systematic and disciplined manner. A short refreshment break was provided at 11.30 a.m., followed by a lunch break from 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. The event resumed thereafter and proceeded as per schedule.
At the conclusion of all performances, Sri R. Amarnathvenkatraman, on behalf of the panel of judges, presented the judges’ review. He appreciated the enthusiastic participation and the commendable musical abilities displayed by the students. He also offered constructive suggestions regarding voice modulation, pitch, rhythm, pronunciation, expression, song selection, and stage presentation. The review was both insightful and encouraging, providing valuable guidance for the participants’ future improvement. Subsequently, Dr. S. Sivasankar, Competition Coordinator, announced the results for all three categories. The winners were appreciated for their outstanding performances, and all participants were commended for their sincere efforts and active involvement. The programme concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. M. Jagadesh, Principal, Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Education. He expressed his gratitude to Most Revered Swami Garishthananda Maharaj for his guidance and encouragement; the judges for their valuable time and expert evaluation; the dignitaries and heads of participating institutions for their support; the Music Teachers for the prayer song and their contribution; the participating students and teachers for their enthusiastic involvement; and the organising committee for the successful conduct of the event. The programme concluded solemnly with the National Anthem. Refreshment was provided to all participants at 3.30pm.
