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FOGA USA hosts first national Gujarati language competition
More than 50 children and young adults from across the United States participated in the inaugural contest during the United Gujarati Convention in Orlando.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 04, Jun 2026
- 16:48 EDT
- 47
Competition winners / Handout
The Federation of Gujarati Associations (FOGA) of USA hosted its first national Gujarati language competition during the second United Gujarati Convention in Orlando, bringing together young participants from across the country to showcase their reading, writing, and public speaking skills in Gujarati.
Held over Memorial Day weekend from May 22 to 25, the competition attracted more than 50 children and youth from different parts of the United States, organizers said.
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Participants competed in essay writing, public speaking, and poetry recitation, with topics focused on family, Gujarati culture, notable personalities, food, tourism, and India.
The initiative was launched to encourage younger generations of Gujarati Americans to maintain a connection with their heritage language at a time when many immigrant communities face challenges in passing on native languages to children born and raised in the United States.
Organizers said the competition was inspired by a similar program launched by the Gujarati Mandal of Central Ohio in 2023.
“It is wonderful that children and youth born and brought up in the USA can read, write, and speak in Gujarati and be able to express their thoughts in Gujarati,” said competition coordinator Rupam Chokshi.
For many participants, the event represented more than a language contest.
“My mandir, especially Bal Sabha, and my family inspires me to read, write and speak in Gujarati,” participant Kahani Patel said. “This language helps me stay connected with my grandparents who don’t speak English..It also helps me stay connected with many of our religious scriptures that are only in Gujarati. Also my mom always taught me we should never forget our roots, our culture regardless where we live."
Another participant, Kian Lakhani, said, “Participating in the National Gujarati Competition was a very special experience for me. Speaking in Gujarati on the stage helped me feel more connected to our Gujarati language and culture. I feel proud to be part of a program that encourages kids like me to learn, speak, and celebrate Gujarati.”
The competition was held as part of the United Gujarati Convention, one of the largest gatherings of Gujarati Americans in the United States. Organizers said the strong participation demonstrated continuing interest among younger generations in preserving linguistic and cultural traditions.
FOGA USA said it plans to continue supporting educational and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening connections between generations of Gujarati Americans and preserving the language for the future.
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