Hyderabad: COVA Peace Network organised Sambandh 2024, 22nd Annual Inter-School and Inter-Collegiate Competitions on 6th August 2024 to Commemorate Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Objective of the Program was to orient and motivate students and youth to go beyond using social media for entertainment and also harness it’s potential to spread social awareness and transform society. Students of 31 schools and colleges produce 61 Reels, Shots and Videos of 90 Seconds or less to communicate creative and effective messages.
Social problems addressed:
Poverty, Drug Abuse, Child Labour, Environment, Gender Justice, Transgenders, Care of Elders, Unemployment, Corruption, Mobile Addiction, Differently abled, Communal Violence, Suicide Prevention prevention and Responsible Citizenship. Videos were in English, Telugu, Hindi and Urdu.
Selected plays were screened at a Program on 6th August 2024 at Hyderabad and Cash Prizes, Mementos and Certificates were awarded. Mr. Vithal Rao Arya of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha introduced students to the life and invaluable contributions of Swami Agnivesh and urged students to follow his example and strive for social transformation till the last breath. Mr. Samiuddin Shaik, State Head CII, Telangana appreciated the conscious engagement of the students with social media for positive transformations.
He urged students to initiate campaigns against Online frauds that are multiplying and causing great financial loss to common people. Mr. C. S. Reddy, Director APMAS stressed that we are now in a global village where everyone is affected by all others The best strategy is to be socially responsible and think of others. The moment we start thinking of others, others will think of us! Mr. Sunil Chander Reddy, former President NAREDA gave examples of Malala Yousuf Zai and Greta Thumberg to show how youth can challenge and address ills of society through social media.
Dr. Shobha, Executive Committee Member of COVA raised the issue of interpersonal bonding and how social media can be a very effective medium.
Mr. Asim Khan urged students to ban the term “Impossible” from their dictionaries and life and work to make everything possible.
Mr. Jafer Hussain Quadri and Mr. Bharatesh, the Judges appreciated the efforts of the students and gave excellent presentations on producing short videos with powerful social impact.
Bro. Thomas, Secretary of COVA and Dr. Mazher Hussain, Executive Director of COVA presided.
Sambandh Program is organized annually to honour the memory and celebrate the contributions of Praful Bidwai, B.M. Kutty and Swami Agnivesh, renowned activists and social transformers.