CM inaugurates National School Band Competition
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday inaugurated the Northern Zone of the National School Band Competition 2025-26 at Chhatrasal Stadium. On the occasion, she said discipline and dedication among students are vital for steering the nation on the path of progress. Attending the event as the chief guest, the chief minister said the competition goes beyond music and performance; it serves as a platform to instil leadership, discipline and a sense of nation-building among young participants.
Observing the band presentations by school teams from across northern India, she said the precision and coordination displayed by students reflected the spirit of “Nation First”. “This platform is nurturing future leaders of the country,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the students participating in the competition were not merely contestants but representatives of India’s bright future. Education Minister Ashish Sood, MLA Ashok Goyal and other dignitaries were also present at the inauguration.
The Chief Minister said Delhi was hosting the Northern Zone of the National School Band Competition for the first time, calling it a matter of pride for the capital. She said the Delhi government, in line with the National Education Policy, is placing equal emphasis on academics, sports, arts and cultural activities to ensure the holistic development of students. Referring to the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, observed as National Youth Day on January 12, the Chief Minister said the energy and resolve of young people would play a decisive role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The Chief Minister said that when students from different states, cultures and linguistic backgrounds come together on one stage and perform in harmony, they convey a powerful message of unity. “Despite our diversity, we are bound together by a single thread,” she said, describing the event as a living example of the ‘Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat’ vision.
Education Minister Ashish Sood said that a school band is not only about music or rhythm but also a strong symbol of discipline and self-control. He said the march-past and synchronised movements in band performances teach students the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility.
“A moment’s lapse in rhythm or a single delayed step can disturb the harmony of the entire team,” Sood said, adding that band training instils values that remain relevant throughout life, including discipline, focus and coordination. He said Swami Vivekananda’s belief that the strength of a nation lies in its youth remains relevant today, particularly in the context of nation-building.
