On the occasion of the 162nd Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Cosmos Co-operative Bank, in collaboration with MES Senior College, organized an elocution and street play competition for college students in Pune. The event aimed to inspire the youth by promoting Swami Vivekananda’s ideals and encouraging their creative expression.
The Mega Finals of the Street Play Competition were held at MES Senior College, where the Vaishnavi Alhat Group from Modern College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, Pune, emerged as the winners. The runner-up prize was secured by Nikhil Gangurde Group from S. P. College.
The Mega Final of the Elocution Competition took place on Thursday, 6th February, at Cosmos Bank’s Head Office in Sahakar Bhavan, located on Ganeshkhind Road. Masoom Ansari from Shri Shahu Mandir Mahavidyalaya won the first prize, while the runner-up position was shared between Purva Kane from S. P. College and Shweta Khare from Symbiosis College. A total of 13 colleges participated in these competitions, making the event highly competitive and engaging.
Speaking on the occasion, Cosmos Bank’s Managing Director, Mrs. Apekshita Thipsay, emphasized the importance of financial discipline among students. She encouraged them to save their pocket money or prize winnings in their bank accounts, highlighting that a habit of savings would benefit them in the future. She also urged students to follow Swami Vivekananda’s inspirational words: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” stressing its relevance in today’s fast-paced world.
Vice Chairman of Cosmos Bank, CA Yashwant Kasar, addressed the gathering, urging students to develop financial discipline and social responsibility. He cautioned against falling prey to addictions and encouraged them to focus on physical wellness, intellectual curiosity, and higher education. He also noted that both MES and Cosmos Bank have evolved with time, adapting to modern needs while staying true to their core values.
Dr. Ravindra Vaidya, Principal of MES Senior College, highlighted the rich legacy of both institutions, noting that MES has a history of 165 years, while Cosmos Bank has been serving for 119 years.
He expressed confidence that such collaborations between stalwart institutions would lead to positive changes for the youth. He also praised the energy and creativity of the students showcased in the street play competition, calling it just the beginning of a long journey toward greater opportunities and youth engagement.
The event was graced by Cosmos Bank Director, Mrs. Rasika Gupta, Jt. Managing Director, Mrs. Arti Dhole, and Vice Chairman of the MES Governing Body, Mrs. Anandi Patil, along with bank executives, college principals, and vice-principals.
The event witnessed a large turnout of students, making it a memorable celebration of National Youth Day. The program was skillfully compered by Prasad Bharde, adding to the event’s lively atmosphere.
