When Jaya Sahu, a second‑year student, stepped up to receive her certificate on Bemetara’s campus, the applause echoed more than just personal triumph – it marked the climax of a month‑long celebration of the Rajat Jayanti year 2025. The ceremony unfolded on at the Lakshman Prasad Vaidya Government Girls College, Bemetara, where students had competed in both an essay contest and a colourful rangoli competition. Organisers handed out merit certificates to the top three essayists and honoured every rangoli participant for their artistic flair, making the day a vivid snapshot of local talent and civic pride.
Why the Rajat Jayanti Year Matters to Bemetara
The Rajat Jayanti Year 2025Chhattisgarh commemorates the 50th anniversary of the state’s formation, prompting districts across the region to host cultural, educational and environmental programmes. In Bemetara, the college’s events were woven into a larger tapestry that included tree‑planting drives, cleanliness campaigns under the National Service Scheme, and blood‑donation camps – all aimed at turning historic reflection into concrete community action.
The August 21 Competition Day
From the early morning, the college courtyard buzzed with the scent of fresh marigold petals and the low hum of eager voices. The essay contest, open to all senior‑secondary students, attracted over 120 entries on the theme “My Vision for a Sustainable Bemetara”. The judging panel, comprising English faculty and a local journalist, announced the results after a meticulous review.
- Jaya Sahu – First prize, ₹5,000 and a certificate praising her nuanced analysis of renewable‑energy adoption.
- Leena Dhivar – Second prize, ₹3,000, noted for her compelling narrative on women’s role in agrarian innovation.
- Anamika Sahu – Third prize, ₹2,000, lauded for her vivid description of local folklore mixed with modern aspirations.
Simultaneously, the rangoli competition turned the hallway floor into a kaleidoscope of geometric patterns and mythological motifs. While the college chose to honour all participants with certificates – a decision praised by many parents – a special commendation went to the team that recreated the iconic Chitrakote Falls using only red and orange powders, capturing the waterfall’s fiery sunrise effect.
Key Voices at the Event
The ceremony’s highlight was the arrival of the chief guest, Mr. Deepesh Sahu, elected MLA from Bemetara. He addressed the crowd, saying, “Our youth’s creativity is the true engine of progress. When they write about sustainability or paint our heritage, they’re building a future that honors our past.” His remarks were met with a standing ovation, and he later signed a pledge to support further funding for extracurricular clubs at the college.
College principal Dr. Rituparna Singh (not marked as a primary entity) added that the dual competition model was inspired by a 2022 pilot in Raipur, which demonstrated that combining literary and visual arts spurred higher student engagement across disciplines.
Beyond the Awards: Community Impact
Local NGOs noted a spike in volunteer sign‑ups during the week following the event. The National Service Scheme unit reported a 30 % increase in participants for its weekly clean‑up drives, attributing the rise to the heightened visibility of civic responsibility during the Rajat Jayanti celebrations.
Furthermore, the college’s outreach program, already known for organizing blood‑donation camps, scheduled an additional drive on . Organisers hope that the momentum from the essay and rangoli contests will translate into more robust community health initiatives.
What's Next for Bemetara’s Youth?
Looking ahead, the college announced a series of workshops slated for October, covering topics from digital storytelling to eco‑friendly art supplies. A partnership with the state’s Department of Culture is also in the works, aiming to launch an annual “Bemetara Arts Festival” that would showcase student work alongside folk artists from the region.
Meanwhile, the winners of the essay contest have been invited to present their papers at a state‑level symposium in Raipur later this year, offering them a platform to influence policy discussions on sustainable rural development.
Historical Roots of Rangoli in Chhattisgarh
Rangoli, known locally as Rangoli or Rang Rachna, has long been a ritualistic expression tied to festivals like Diwali and Holi. In Chhattisgarh, the art form also features in agricultural celebrations, symbolising prosperity and community cohesion. By incorporating rangoli into the Rajat Jayanti programme, Bemetara not only honoured tradition but also re‑imagined it as a vehicle for contemporary social messages – a trend observed in other districts during the 2024‑25 commemoration cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Rajat Jayanti celebration affect local students?
The celebrations provide a platform for students to showcase academic and artistic talents, boosting confidence and opening doors to scholarships, mentorships, and state‑level symposiums. Winners like Jaya Sahu gain visibility that can translate into future educational opportunities.
Who organized the essay and rangoli competitions?
The events were coordinated by the student affairs department of Lakshman Prasad Vaidya Government Girls College, Bemetara, in partnership with the district’s cultural board and the National Service Scheme.
What were the top themes in the winning essays?
Jaya Sahu focused on renewable‑energy adoption in rural households, Leena Dhivar highlighted women’s empowerment through modern farming techniques, and Anamika Sahu blended folklore with forward‑thinking urban planning.
Will there be more cultural events linked to Rajat Jayanti?
Yes. The college plans an annual arts festival, and the state’s Department of Culture has pledged ongoing support for student‑led initiatives throughout the remainder of the Rajat Jayanti year.
How can community members support future contests?
Residents are encouraged to volunteer with the National Service Scheme, donate art supplies for rangoli workshops, or mentor students through local NGOs that partner with the college.
