In conjuction with ISKCON 50 celebrations ISKCON Malaysia has planned to conduct a cross country Mahabharatham Quiz contest in Tamil – A first of its kind in Malaysia.
Organised by ISKCON Malaysia, the first leg started off by Perak branch of ISKCON Malaysia on the first of May 2016. Tamil schools from ipoh, Taiping, Teluk Intan and Sungei Siput took part in this event. They all gathered at the Mahamariamman Temple hall in Ipoh . A total of 18 schools paticipated.
The event began by a welcome address by HG Param Brahma Das, the regional chairman for the state of Perak. Next HG Simhesvara Das, the regional Seceretary for ISKCON Malaysia inspired the students by highlighting the ill effects of this age which is trying hard to lure us away from god and that chanting of the the mahamantra and reading the classical epics is the best way to combat these ill effects.
Then came the spectacular official launch of the event – a Tamil song on Mahabharatham accompanied by 30 drums (tablas). The sweet yet bold and melodious voice of HG Gokula Lakshmi and the synchonised sound of the 30 tablas mesmerised the audience.
The quiz then began. This was a combined effort of a team of devotees from Kuala Lumpur. HG Atmaram pr, HG virabhadra pr, Bh. Kamalanathan were the main persons behind this. The quiz was conducted in 3 stages. The quarter finals , semifinals and finals .
Every student and all the teachers were fiven a Bhagavad gita cd and a Bhagavad Gita as it is book. Apart from this, every best student in each school was given a gift. Three shools were chosen as the best of the lot.They received a cash prize and books and other souvenir gifts individually.
The 3 best schools were : Chidanbaram Tamil School – Teluk Intan
Simee Tamil school
Mukim Pundit Tamil school
More than 400 people participated in this event including students, teachers , parents and local devotees.
Sumptious prasadam was served during the breakfast, lunch and evening after the end of the program.
Everyone immensely enjoyed the programs. the teachers and students, parents and even the devotees very much appreciated this program as this was very informative and everybody learned some new aspect /information on Mahabharatam.
There are plans for similar programs in Johor bharu, Penang and Klang valley including Negri Sembilan.
The final round to select the winner in this contest will be held in Kuala Lumpur.
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