The Columbus Indiana Chapter of NorthSouth Foundation (NSF) held its 2023 Regional Academic Contest at Southside Elementary School on Saturday, April 1, returning to in-person academic competition for the first time since the pandemic. A total of 37 children participated.
The NSF academic contests are held at the regional chapter level and selected winners then participate at the national level. Contests are open for all grade levels from 1-12 in spelling, vocabulary, math, science, geography, public speaking and computer science.
Chapter director Suddh Kar and chapter technical director Sanjita Kar said in press release that the competitions were testaments to the dedication and hard work put in by the participants who had spent months preparing for the event and dedicated organizational efforts put in by the NSF team of volunteers.
“The recent competition was a huge success, drawing in talented young minds from across the region, showcasing the talents of several students in the area,” the release said.
The contests promote excellence in education and foster a spirit of competition, Suddh Kar said. The NorthSouth Foundation counts more than 90 chapters in the United States whose academic competitions fund scholarships and educational opportunities for underprivileged students in India, according to the organization’s website.
Chapter officials said Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. superintendent Jim Roberts attended as guest of honor to present awards. “It was heartening to see the superintendent taking an active interest in the event, emphasizing the importance of education, and encouraging the participants,” organizers said.
Suddh Kar said the local chapter formed in 2017 as they and a group of friends, a group of friends — Preeti and Vinayak Aras, Parija and Kaushal Gandhi and Prachi and Milind Kamble — decided to form a local chapter so their children and others would not have to travel for competitions.
“The core team continued to be part of this journey from the very beginning and the children Vedant, Esha, Siddharth, Amrit, Harshil, and Advait started helping as judges, coaches and youth volunteers for the contests,” Kar said. “As we moved ahead, more friends and parents joined the volunteer team to support the initiative. Many thanks to them for their support!”
Kar said the Columbus chapter is one of only two active NorthSouth Foundation chapters in Indiana, the other being in Indianapolis.
“Our hope is that the Columbus chapter will continue to inspire and support the academic pursuits of students in the area for many years to come. We are very happy and proud of the success of the recent competition and look forward to seeing the incredible talent that emerges from the Columbus chapter in the years ahead.
“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2023 contests and many thanks to the parents and families for encouraging them,” the release said.
