Poem Recitation

1. Submission of Poem: To ensure fair judgment, parents are required to provide a copy of the poem that their child will be reciting. 5 bonus points will be awarded to participants who send their poem in advance. Poems can be emailed to: telugucontests@tcatelugubadi.org
2. Participation Levels: Each child can participate in only one level — either Beginner or Advanced — based on their proficiency.
3. Returning Winners: Participants who won trophies in last year’s competitions (Beginner or Advanced levels) are eligible to participate only in the Advanced Level. This rule applies to ages 5–14. Children who won prizes in the Under 5 category may still participate in the Beginner level if their proficiency remains at that level.
4. Poem Selection: If a child is capable of reciting a more complex poem, they should register in the Advanced Level. Please refer to the Poem Categories document to select an appropriate poem.
5. Introduction: Every contestant must begin by announcing their name, the source of the poem, and the author’s name before starting the recitation.
6. Judging Criteria: Points will be awarded based on:
   • Overall presentation
   • Pronunciation
   • Clarity of expression
   • Ability to explain the meaning (not applicable for ages under 5)
7. Language Requirement: This is a Telugu-only contest. Only Telugu poems are allowed — Sanskrit shlokas are not permitted.
8. Parental Assistance: Parents are not allowed to prompt children during recitation. Notes or written aids are also not permitted during the performance.
9. Non-Competitive Category (Ages 15 and Above): Participants aged 15 and above may perform in a non-competitive showcase. They will receive a Certificate of Participation in recognition of their efforts.
10. Final Decision: The decision of the judges is final and binding.

	Beginner	Advanced
Padyam Style / Type	కంద, తేటగీతి, ఆటవెలది	ఉత్పలమాల, చంపకమాల, మత్తేభం, శార్దూలం, సీస, వృత్త పద్యం
Category (గ్రంథం or శతకం)	వేమన, సుమతి, కృష్ణ శతకం, కుమార శతకం, కుమారీ శతకం, గువ్వల చెన్న శతకం, భాగవతం, భారతం If selecting from భాగవతం or భారతం – choose only కంద, తేటగీతి, ఆటవెలది types. Any other గ్రంథం or శతకం – select only కంద, తేటగీతి, ఆటవెలది పద్యం.	భాస్కర శతకం, దాశరథి శతకం, శ్రీ కాళహస్తీశ్వర శతకం, శ్రీ నరసింహ శతకం, నారాయణ శతకం, ఆంధ్రనాయక శతకం, భాగవతం, భారతం, తెలుగు ప్రబంధం, కావ్యం Any other గ్రంథం or శతకం – select only ఉత్పలమాల, చంపకమాల, మత్తేభం, శార్దూలం, సీస, వృత్త పద్యం.
Rules / Guidelines	Under 5 Age group – No need to say the meaning. No extra points for saying meaning.	Under 5 Age group – No need to say the meaning. No extra points for saying meaning.
	Children in age groups 5–14 are encouraged to say the meaning in Telugu.	Children in age groups 5–14 are expected to say the meaning in Telugu.
	Explaining the complete meaning in Telugu without English words gives up to 100% in Poem meaning.	Explaining the complete meaning in Telugu without English words gives up to 100% in Poem meaning.
	Explaining the meaning in Telugu using English sentences gives up to 80%.	Explaining the meaning in Telugu using 2–3 English words gives up to 80%.
	Explaining completely in English gives up to 60%.	Explaining the meaning in Telugu with 4–5 English words gives up to 70%.
	Children will be tested in presentation, pronunciation, clarity, and meaning explanation.	Explaining meaning in Telugu using 1+ English sentences gives up to 50%.
		Children will be tested in presentation, pronunciation, clarity, and meaning explanation.

Reference sites for Poem selection
http://telugucontests.tcatelugubadi.org/p/httpbit.html
Please e-mail a copy of the poem (in Telugu) you have chosen by 6th January, 2026 to: telugucontests@tcatelugubadi.org
This is mandatory and will help us judge the student better.