Story Telling Contest deadline extended to May 3rd, 2021

Have fun telling a story and you might win a prize too!  The deadline for submission of the video Storytelling Contest has been extended to May 3rd, 2021 to accommodate the Spring break in schools. 

For those who have not heard, there is a storytelling contest via video submission.  Children and young adults up to age 20 can make a 1 to 5 minute video and submit it for the contest. 

This unique contest is organized on the occasion of Hindu Heritage Day 2021, to be held virtually on May 22, 2021. The topic in the video need not be limited to a story.  It can be about their favorite deity or character (Hanuman anyone, Ganesha, Krishna-Sudama), incident from the life of a great teacher (Swami Vivekananda, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Guru Nanak), explanation of a teaching (Gita shlok, Thyagaraja's composition, Kabir's couplet, Gayatri Mantra),  or about a practice (yoga, meditation, concept of Shuchi or hygiene).  These are just a few examples. The topic can be related to Hindu Heritage and its range is vast.  We have collected some ideas on a webpage and are constantly adding to it.  The webpage with the contest Registration form, FAQ and topics can be found at: https://boston.vhpa-america.org/hhd21/contest. 

The contest is open to ALL youth 20 years or younger who are residents of the six New England  states.  This is to keep the entries to a manageable number and to give chance to local talent.  Hindu Heritage has made great contributions to world civilization till date and continues to help in tackling modern problems, be it through Yoga, Ayurveda, eco-friendly practices, or meditation techniques (e.g. for mental health and even hypertension).  Many adults in Hindu families imbibed bits and pieces of their heritage from growing up in joint families or through extended families and social institutions.  However, with the current lifestyle in USA, interactions with extended family are very limited.  Therefore, it is important for adults to identify family and social traditions which are worth passing on.  We invite them to submit suggestions for the list of topics for the webpage.  They can also help the youth to express these topics in the contest video (however, do not be disappointed if the youth would rather talk about something different)!  Do check out the existing list of topics on the above webpage.

Video entries by the youth will be categorized in various age groups.  The participants can dress up or use any background ranging from their home altar or a simple wall.  Comprehension of the topic by the youth will be a plus.  Avoid bright lighting (such as a window) behind the subject so that the story teller can be lighted well.  Technical excellence is not expected. Bloopers, errors are acceptable (we realize that it is submission by a youth, not a parent).  Parents are reminded to make it a fun activity and avoid insistence on perfection.  Yes, there will be lots of prizes ranging from $25 to $150 depending on the number of entries.  Selected entries will be broadcast on Hindu Heritage Day on May 22nd, 2021 afternoon. 

The organizers are truly excited in this adventure to collect nuggets of Hindu Heritage contributed by the families in New England area and to encourage the youth in delving into their culture while developing their skills at telling a story.  After all, this is what most professionals have to do when they present their work in front of any audience, be it stock-holders, job interviewers, prospective customers.  Please visit https://boston.vhp-america.org/hhd21/contest   periodically to learn of more details and view any updates.  If your questions are not answered by the information at the webpage, please send an email to the organizers at bgarg@ieee.org

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