Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, September 14 – The grand finale of the national-level Digital Detox Mahotsav 2025 was successfully organized at MGM’s Rukmini Auditorium with great enthusiasm. The event was jointly hosted by Chetana Empowerment Foundation (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) and Hema Foundation (Mumbai).
The main objective of this festival was to create awareness among students and people from all walks of society about digital habits and to encourage the positive, responsible, and mindful use of technology.
The initiative focused on helping students develop healthy and conscious screen habits, express themselves creatively on the theme of digital wellness, build a balanced relationship with technology, and understand the importance of maintaining equilibrium between online and offline life.
Significantly, this festival became not just a competition but a social movement, delivering the powerful message of digital wellness across all levels—from students to parents and teachers.
For the past 13 years, Chetana Foundation has been working in the fields of education, mental health, value education, and environmental conservation. Through more than 1,075 programs, the organization has served over 264,600 people and awarded scholarships to 334 underprivileged students. Over the last seven years in particular, the foundation has actively addressed critical issues such as screen addiction, stress, depression, and suicidal tendencies through awareness sessions, group therapy, and personal counseling. The Digital Detox Mahotsav was an extension of these sustained efforts.
Students from Grade 3 to graduation level participated by presenting their ideas on digital wellness through skits and poster-making competitions. Topics like “Screen Time Stole Childhood,” “A Day Without a Phone,” “Relationships in the Digital World,” “Do I Own the Mobile or Does it Own Me?” and “From Screen to Green” captured special attention.
The competition received an overwhelming response from across the country. Over 255 entries came from 87 districts across 10+ states, including Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Goa. In total, more than 950 students participated.
The second round was held on September 14 at Sagar Resorts, featuring 45 skit performances in three groups (Grades 3–6, 7–10, and 11–Graduation). The poster competition was hosted at Chetana Happy Village. Selected participants advanced to the grand finale.
The grand finale was inaugurated by actress Nishigandha Wad, MLA Sanjay Kenekar, Mahendra Kabra (Chairman & Managing Trustee, Hema Foundation), CA Vivek Randad (President, Chetana Empowerment Foundation), renowned psychologist Dr. Chinu Agrawal, along with dignitaries Rishiji Bangla, Rameshji Dhoot, Madhusudanji Gandhi, Anilji Mali, and Satishji Saraf through a lamp-lighting ceremony.
In his welcome address, Chetana Foundation President Vivek Randad explained the purpose of the event: “Our aim is to reach maximum people in minimum time, spread awareness, and create consciousness about this critical issue. This is not just a competition but a movement, which we aspire to carry forward for the future.”
Addressing the gathering, actress Nishigandha Wad said, “Digital Detox is the true need of today. Excessive mobile use is eroding our communication and relationships.”
Attractive cash prizes were awarded to the winners. In the skit competition, the first prize was ₹51,000, the second prize ₹31,000, and the third prize ₹21,000. For the poster competition, the first prize was ₹21,000, the second prize ₹11,000, and the third prize ₹9,000. Consolation prizes were also announced for outstanding performers.
A special Q&A session on the theme “Digital Detox” was also organized, where Dr. Chinu Agrawal and psychologist Mitali Lathi interacted with students, guiding them on digital addiction, mental health, and responsible technology use.
The event was graced by eminent personalities, including Dayanandji Modani, Arvind Machar, Prasad Kokil, Govindji Kabra (Director, DFC Classes), Neetu Soni (Get Going Group), Uttamji Kalvane (Bharatiya Yog Vidyadham), Prof. Subhashji Dhamdhere (Principal, Government Engineering College), Purushottam Darak, and Sanjay Mantri, along with more than 1,000 dignitaries comprising entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers, journalists, youth, teachers, parents, and social workers.
In the first session, scholarships were distributed to students. This year, 75 students pursuing higher education in fields like MBBS, engineering, and other streams received scholarships. So far, the foundation has awarded scholarships to more than 334 students, enabling many to pursue higher education.
The first session was hosted by Dr. Sujata Lahoti and Dheeraj Sonar, while the second session included skit performances, expert talks, and the grand finale hosted by Gayatri Randad and Kajal Mundada. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Suvarna Ghughe, acknowledging the dedicated efforts of all members for the success of the festival.
Winners of the Competition
Skit Competition (Drama):
- Grade 3–6 Group –
🥇 1st: Kilkari Bal Bhavan, Patna
🥈 2nd: Madalal Sarda Rajasthani Primary School, Beed
🥉 3rd: PSBA School, Aurangabad - Grade 7–10 Group –
🥇 1st: Kilkari Bal Bhavan, Patna
🥈 2nd: Kilkari Bal Bhavan, Purnia
🥉 3rd: Swami Vivekananda Bal Vidya Mandir, Ambajogai - Grade 11–Graduation Group –
🥇 1st: Kilkari Bal Bhavan, Purnia
🥈 2nd: Sinhgad Institute of Pharmacy, Lonavala
🥉 3rd: Vivekananda College, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Poster-Making Competition:
- Grade 3–6 Group –
🥇 1st: Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhavan, Patna
🥈 2nd: Gyanada English School, Pokhari
🥉 3rd: Gyanada English School, T-Point - Grade 7–10 Group –
🥇 1st: Dwarkadas Mantri Rajasthani Secondary School, Beed
🥈 2nd: M.D. Jain Inter College, Agra
🥉 3rd: Ram Ratan Vidyalaya, Thane - Grade 11–Graduation Group –
🥇 1st: Shri Dadiji Mandir Trust Prabhavati Public School, Odisha
🥈 2nd: Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhavan, Patna
🥉 3rd: Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhavan, Purnia
