To commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram and the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a grand painting competition was organised on December 6, 2025 at the Gandhi Darshan complex, Rajghat. More than 5,500 children from various parts of Delhi enthusiastically participated in the event.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony, Shri Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Darshan and the chief guest, said that Gandhiji’s ideas remain as relevant in the 21st century as they were in his own time.
Impressed by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the children, Shri Goel said that through this painting competition, children were introduced to patriotism, Indian culture, Vande Mataram, and the life values of Mahatma Gandhi and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Shri Goel noted that today, children have very few opportunities to step out of their homes, computers, and digital screens to showcase their talents. Gandhi Darshan, he said, continues to organise such programmes with the aim of helping children engage in creative activities while also familiarising them with Gandhiji’s life philosophy and core values.
He added that participants from various age groups used colours to bring their ideas alive on canvas. The event not only encouraged artistic expression but also provided children an opportunity to connect with the nation’s progress through the medium of art.
Calling the massive participation of children historic, Goel informed that all participants were awarded certificates and a book on Mahatma Gandhi.
Shri Goel emphasised that this painting competition would not only promote creativity among children but also inspire in them a deeper sense of responsibility towards society.