State-Level Cultural Competition Begins in Arki, 1,400 Students to Participate

Solan, October 28, 2026: Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthy said cultural competitions play a vital role in preserving Himachal Pradesh’s rich folk traditions while providing a platform for young talent to flourish.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a five-day state-level cultural competition for students below 19 years of age at PM SHRI Shaheed Captain Vijayant Thapar Government Senior Secondary School (CBSE), Arki. Around 1,400 students from all districts of Himachal Pradesh are participating.

The competition features group singing, folk dance, drama, declamation, classical and solo singing, Sanskrit songs and shloka recitation. Awasthy encouraged students to balance academics with cultural activities, saying such events help develop confidence, discipline and creativity. He also announced a contribution of ₹51,000 for the organising committee.

In the declamation competition, Angel Pejta of PM SHRI Government Model Senior Secondary School, Solan, secured first place, followed by Harshita Thakur of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Amboya, Sirmaur, and Vandita Joshi of Government Senior Secondary School, Rampur, Shimla.

In the instrumental music category, PM SHRI Shaheed Captain Vijayant Thapar Government Senior Secondary School, Arki, secured first place, while schools from Shimla and Chamba districts finished second and third, respectively.

In folk dance, PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Solan, won first place, followed by Government Senior Secondary School, Rohru, Shimla, and Government Senior Secondary School, Sakoli, Lahaul-Spiti.