Association of Indians in America hosts 21st Annual Gandhi Art and Writing Competition

The event featured a keynote speech by Princeton University senior Sejal Goud, who emphasized the role of youth as agents of change within their communities.

Winners of the competition. / Images - Instagram/ aia_sjchapter

The Association of Indians in America-South Jersey Chapter (AIA-SJ) hosted the 21st Annual Gandhi Art and Writing Competition award ceremony at Princeton University on Oct 20., honouring middle and high school students for their artistic and literary contributions.

The event celebrates Gandhi’s values of peace, non-violence, and harmony, encouraging youth in New Jersey to reflect on these principles through creative expression.

This year’s theme was inspired by Gandhi’s quote, “Violence is a weapon of the weak, non-violence that of the strong.” The top winners received scholarships and recognition for their outstanding submissions.

In the Middle School Writing category, Darsh Gaur from Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School took first place, while Ashley Torres from Kearny High School won first place in the High School Writing category. In the Art category, Amalia Martinez from Belleville Middle School and Deeksha Chaganur from Somerset County Academy received top honors in their respective divisions.

Performances included traditional Indian dance by the Shishya School of Performing Arts and a vocal performance of the bhajan "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram," presented by longtime supporter Maqsood Mamawala.

The AIA-SJ also announced the quote for next year’s competition: “The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” The event reaffirmed AIA-SJ’s commitment to nurturing young minds and promoting Gandhi's legacy.