Shyamla Manthan Encourages Youth Voices at Shimla Summer Festival
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Shimla, June 10: Young speakers from across Shimla showcased their talent and ideas at “Shyamla Manthan,” a speech competition held at the historic Gaiety Theatre as part of the International Shimla Summer Festival 2026.
Twenty-four students from various schools participated in Hindi and English speech contests focused on literature, culture and social awareness. Deputy Commissioner Shimla and Chairman of the Summer Festival Organising Committee, Anupam Kashyap, attended as the chief guest and encouraged students to remain connected to literature and cultural heritage alongside their academic pursuits.
Highlighting the importance of youth engagement, Kashyap said the initiative was also aimed at promoting a drug-free society by inspiring students to embrace literature, knowledge and positive values.
In the Hindi category, Purnima of Ivy International School secured first place, followed by Akshita of Government Senior Secondary School, Phagli, and Bhumika Sharma of DAV Lakkar Bazaar. In the English category, Payal Thakur of Government Senior Secondary School, Phagli, won the top prize, while Aarika of Monal Public School and Divyansh of Government Senior Secondary School, Chhota Shimla, secured second and third positions respectively.
Cash awards, certificates and consolation prizes were presented to winners and participants. The event was judged by a panel comprising former Information and Public Relations Director Aarti Gupta, HPU Hindi Department Chairperson Dr. Bhawani Singh and legal academic Dr. Seema Kashyap.
The programme highlighted the role of public speaking, literature and cultural awareness in shaping confident and socially responsible young citizens.
