Competitive edge

Our Balbhavan’s 13th ‘Winter Sports Competition 2024’ began in a grand manner on 28 December 2024 on the sports grounds of Pemraj Sarda College with the lighting of a torch in front of chief guests from the college and Universe. Based on the concept of ‘Future Champions’, the competition aimed to develop the sports capabilities of children living in slums to create potential ‘gems’ and they shone as brightly as the torch. By unleashing the latent skills of children from underprivileged areas we aim to show them the path to a brighter future.

A total of 356 athletes participated in the two-day competition which included 60m race and 50m relay for smaller children and 100m race and 100m relay for the older children, as well as an open marathon. On the second day children performed strongly in Indian favourites, Kabaddi and Kho-Kho.

The competition built confidence and gave children scope to develop their playground skills and emphasised the importance of teamwork and a sense of competition with prizes for all the winners. There was a lot of fun and laughter. All of our sports stars demonstrated determination, perseverance and team spirit through the full sports program.

Prizes for the sport competitions were presented a few weeks later at our Balbhavan Cultural Program. We host this event annually to give our students a showcase for their diverse talents while also increasing social unity. With an emphasis on local art and culture the overall message is ‘Unity through Diversity’.

Hosted at Dada Chaudhary School of Hind Seva Mandal our students won the hearts of the full audience which included children and parents. Guests included Universal Foundation President, Dinesh More, and Secretary, Ganesh Patil, Alchemy Academy's, Tushar Ambade, Founder of Rajmudra Academy, Nandatai Pandule, Balbhavan Honorary Director, Vaishali Chopra and Dada Chaudhary Night School's Principal, Sunil Susare.

The program started with Ganesh Vandana followed by a staggering range of cultural performances from solo and group dances to patriotic songs and dramas, enthralling the audience. Dances based on classical and folk music shared the pleasure of traditional art, while plays with social messages made the audience think. The plays "Addiction" and "Psychology is a disease, not superstition" attracted special attention.

It was then time to present prizes from the winter sports and cultural program to our superstars. Congratulations to all the winners:

Kho-Kho (boys)

First - Urja Balbhavan

Second - Utkarsh Balbhavan

Kho-Kho (girls)

First - Urja Balbhavan

Second - Utkarsh Balbhavan

Kabaddi (boys)

First - Dr Halbe Balbhavan

Second - Utkarsh Balbhavan

Kabaddi (Girls)

First - Paris Balbhavan

Second - Utkarsh Balbhavan

Solo Dance

First - Malala Balbhavan

Second - Urja Balbhavan

Third - Dr Halbe Balbhavan

Drama

First – Addiction

Second - Psycho is not superstition

Pre-School Competition

First - "Ye Duniya Ek Dulhan" Utkarsh Balbhavan

Second - "Bam Bam Bole" Dr Kalam Balbhavan

Third - "Nach Re Mora" Paris Balbhavan

We are committed to initiatives like this to encourage children to focus on extracurricular activities which complement our slum school education classes.