More than 2400 children in grades K-8 enthusiastically participated in the Level 1 exam at local test centers for the Dharma Bee national competition. This exam was conducted in 37 states and 629 cities, at 156 test centers across the United States. Built upon the past success of the national competition “Kaun Banega Ramayan Expert,” or KBRE as it was popularly known, HSS has developed the Dharma Bee to provide a fun avenue for children to learn about Hindu culture and heritage. The topics of the competition are Sri Krishna (early childhood stories) and Swami Vivekananda (life and message).
Prior to appearing for the Level 1 exam, all candidates were required to qualify by taking an online exam. Several children submitted optional projects, either on Swami Vivekananda or on Sri Krishna, at the time the of Level 1 exam. These projects reflected the children’s imaginations and what they had learned about Swami ji and Sri Krishna!
The next round of the competition will be held at the regional level in April, followed by the grand finale in Chicago. All regional winners will be invited for the finale weekend of June 15-16. In addition to the exam format, Dharma Bee is also encouraging students to conduct one optional sewa project prior to the regional exam. Prior to the grand finale, finalists will also complete an“Exploring Project,” which involves visiting a place where Swami ji visited or a nearby Vedanta Center/Ramakrishna Center.