Railway staff, families showcase cultural talents

South Western Railway (SWR) conducted an Inter-Divisional Music Competition at the Chamundi Officers’ Club in Mysuru, showcasing the cultural talent of railway employees and their family members. The event was inaugurated by Mudit Mittal, Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru Division.

The competition was held in four categories—Classical Vocal, Light Vocal, Classical Instrumental, and Light Instrumental. A total of 16 participants from Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi divisions and headquarters, along with Central Workshop, Mysuru, took part in the competition.

In the classical vocal category, Haridas of Mysuru division won the first prize, followed by Nijaguna Mangi of Hubballi division, securing second prize, and Narayanappa of Central Workshop, Mysuru, winning third prize. In the light vocal category, Hamsini S. Kumar of Mysuru division secured the first prize, Savita of Hubballi division won the second prize, and Adarsh of Central Workshop, Mysuru, secured the third prize. In the classical instrumental category, Praveen Hugar of Headquarters, Hubballi, won the first prize, Shyamu V. of Mysuru division secured the second prize, and Abhimanyu B. Guddad of Hubballi division won the third prize. In the light instrumental category, Kruthika Janginmath of the headquarters, Hubballi, secured the first prize, while Kumara Y.S. of Mysuru division won the second prize.

The winners earned the opportunity to represent South Western Railway at the forthcoming Inter-Railway Music Competition, scheduled to be held in February at South East Central Railway, Bilaspur, according to a release. The competition was judged by musicians Vidwan Mysore N. Srinath and Vidwan V. S. Ramesh, who appreciated the high standard of performances, the release stated.

On this occasion, Shammas Hameed, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru, along with officers of Mysuru division, children and teachers from Lalitha School, Mysuru, Scouts and Guides, and railway employees, were present and encouraged the participants.

“South Western Railway continues to actively promote cultural and extracurricular activities among its employees, recognizing their role in fostering creativity, teamwork, and overall well-being alongside professional excellence. Such events reflect SWR’s commitment to holistic development and cultural enrichment within the organization,” the release added.