Pics: Nithin Periera
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Oct 22: Yuktha R Bhat emerged as the winner of the first season of 'Abhivyaktha', a first-of-its-kind oratory competition presented by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and organised by Daijiworld Udupi studio under the banner of Kishoo Enterprises. She was awarded a cash prize of Rs 30,000, along with a trophy and a certificate.
Pratheethi P S secured the second prize, receiving Rs 20,000, a trophy, and a certificate, while Adeesh A Shenoy won the third prize, taking home Rs 10,000, a trophy, and a certificate.
Sushravya M, Manaswi Kulal, and Dashami Shetty received consolation prizes of Rs 5,000 each, along with trophies and certificates. Manaswi Kulal was also adjudged the 'Performer of the Day'.
The competition provided a platform for high school students to showcase their public speaking and communication skills. The grand finale witnessed impressive performances by the finalists in the presence of eminent guests, judges, parents, and well-wishers.
Dr K Sreedhar Ranganath Pai, administrator of the Academy of General Education, was the chief guest. Alwyn Danthy Pernal was the main judge, while Neetha Prabhu and Shreyas Kotian also served as judges. Vidwan Yashwanth M G, judge of 'Daijiworld Swara Sagara' seasons 1 and 2, philanthropist Joseph Menezes, Kishoo Enterprises director Kishore Gonsalves, and Daijiworld Udupi operations manager Kevin Rodrigues were also present.
Semi-finalists Aseal D'Souza, Sanvi K L, Sanvi G S, and Sakshi Shetty were honoured during the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, parent Santhosh Kulal said 'Abhivyaktha' provided children with a valuable opportunity to showcase their talents. Noting that participating in state-level television reality shows can be difficult for many families, he appreciated Daijiworld for providing a state-level platform locally.
Anuradha Bhat, mother of the winner Yuktha R Bhat, said the opportunity provided by 'Abhivyaktha' was unique and appreciated the efforts taken to nurture the participants. She added that all six finalists were winners in their own right.
Judge Neetha Prabhu congratulated the Daijiworld Udupi studio team for organising the programme. Appreciating the efforts of the behind-the-scenes staff, she reminded the participants that life would bring many more competitions and urged them to remain physically and mentally prepared.
Judge Shreyas Kotian highlighted the growing importance of communication skills, stating that they should be treated as a co-curricular skill rather than merely an extracurricular activity. He urged the participants to continue developing their abilities irrespective of the awards they received.
Vidwan Yashwanth M G noted that 'Abhivyaktha' had introduced a rare and distinctive genre of speech-based television programming, expressing hope that the participants would eventually reach national-level platforms.
Main judge Alwyn Danthy Pernal encouraged students to participate in the upcoming season of 'Abhivyaktha', noting the active involvement of parents in the participants' journeys.
Dr K Sreedhar Ranganath Pai described the high school years as a golden phase in every child's life, adding that competitions like 'Abhivyaktha' play an important role in uncovering hidden talents. Calling speech a powerful form of expression that develops intelligence and oratory skills, he congratulated the organisers, participants, and parents.
'Abhivyaktha' was a unique platform that allowed high school students to hone their oratory skills. It marked the first such competition organised by a local television studio in coastal Karnataka. The contest featured various rounds, including pick-and-speak, speeches on role models, debates, and a costume-and-speech round on notable personalities. Students were trained in public speaking and evaluated on their ability to handle questions from the judges.
Daijiworld Udupi studio organises various reality shows for high school students throughout the year. Its upcoming show, 'Chanaksha Challenge' season 4, will be telecast every Thursday starting November 5.
'Abhivyaktha' was presented by MAHE and co-sponsored by IMJ Institutions Moodlakatte, Bhima Jewellery Udupi, CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital Udupi, and Girija Healthcare and Surgicals.
Thejesh Bangera compered the programme, and Mithali Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.