Unique Kandil making contest held at Bella Vista Belgaum

ADAM, promoters of Project Bella Vista, awarded Rs.20,000 cash prize to the winners in its “Diwali Kandil Competition” recently. The competition, which began during the Diwali season saw nearly 30 Belgaum-area college teams participate. The event and the contest was sponsored by Bella Vista – a master planned community at Nanawadi, as part of their ‘Bella Vista Lifestyle Series’, which organizes various events to promote education, fine arts, well-being and social welfare in Belgaum.

The top three winners were Team Samai (Lamp) (1st prize INR 10,000), Team Trivarna (2nd prize INR 5,000) and Team Pyramids (3rd prize INR 2,500). 5 other teams also received consolation prizes of INR 500 each.

Eight finalists (teams) survived the grueling process, that involved designing and building giant kandils, and were judged based on their design, quality of workmanship, uniqueness and overall visual appeal. These 8 Kandils are now lit and displayed at Bella Vista up to 15th January for all to see.

The college teams took several weeks to plan, design and build these Kandils. In spite of such time commitment, one team member commented “this experience was by far the most educational experience they have had”. Another chimed “this was the most rewarding thing they have done in their young college lives”.

It was all worth it when the teams received a standing ovation from a large crowd that gathered at Bella Vista during its Annual Holiday Party, including prominent Belgaum-area citizens, professionals, businessman and dignitaries. Besides the cash prizes, all teams received Rs. 2,500 towards the cost of Kandils, a Certificate of Excellence, and a commemorative T-Shirt.

The judging panel consisted of Dr. Mrs. Sujata Jalli of KLE’s JNMC, renowned structural engineer Dr. D L Kulkarni, prominent architect Mr. Umesh Sarnobat and Mr. Raj Bhandari, MD of ADAM. Dr. M V Jalli, head of KLE Hospital also handed over the prizes and encouraged the students to continue to strive for excellence.