Shimla, July 18, 2025
To commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day, the Rotary Club of Shimla Hill Queens successfully organized its first-ever Half-Day RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) at the Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Mehli. The event was designed to nurture leadership, creativity, and public speaking skills among students.
The RYLA featured a vibrant Painting Competition where students expressed their interpretations of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy. This was followed by an inspiring session of poetry and public speaking, where students eloquently spoke on the theme “Stalwarts of the World.”
In a touching display of unity and shared values, the event honored the legacies of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi—two icons of peace, non-violence, and justice. Students also drew inspiration from other global stalwarts such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Malala Yousafzai, and Greta Thunberg, whose courage, compassion, and commitment to service have impacted millions around the globe. Their lives continue to inspire young minds to unite for good and take action for a better world.
The program saw the enthusiastic participation of 50 students, who were supported and cheered on by 12 members from the Rotary Club of Shimla Hill Queens.
President of the club, Rtn. Puja Goyal, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of leadership and service. She connected the day’s activities to the Rotary International theme for 2025-26, “Heal The World,” encouraging students to become agents of positive change in their communities.
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony. Winners from each competition category were awarded prizes for their outstanding performances. All participants were honored with participation certificates and were served refreshments after the ceremony.
