Mangaluru: The District Ambedkar Bhavana in Urwa came alive with energy, pride, and hope on Saturday as the Sierra Talent Quest 2025 Grand Finale unfolded — a landmark academic competition that celebrates not just intelligence, but integrity, discipline, and ethical values among young students.

What began months ago as a rigorous talent search by Sierra Learning Academy spanned over 7,500 students from Classes 8, 9, and 10 across Dakshina Kannada. The journey tested not only their knowledge in logical reasoning, mathematics, and general knowledge, but also their commitment to learning. Sierra’s team visited each participating school, conducting 45-minute assessments to shortlist the best three students per class for the finale. The grand finale was meticulously facilitated and managed by Storyfy Events, ensuring the program ran seamlessly from start to finish.

A Celebration of Knowledge and Values

The finale day began with a warm welcome from Mr. Safwan, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the diya by distinguished guests, symbolizing the light of knowledge and the power of learning. Certificates and medals were awarded to all school toppers, honouring their hard work in the preliminary rounds — a reminder that effort and dedication are as important as winning.

The event hosted inspiring figures including media visionary Mr. Walter Nandalike (Founder, Daijiworld Group of Media), Sahakari Ratna Mr. Anil Lobo (MCC Bank), business advisor Mr. Valerian Dalmaida (Sapling Multiventure Pvt. Ltd.), entrepreneur Mrs. Lidwin D’Costa, and Corporate Chef Mr. Vishrut Gauri, alongside Sierra Learning Academy founder Mr. Vinol D’Costa and Director Mr. Ashok Kumar.

All speakers shared a unified message: in today’s fast-changing world, adaptability, creativity, and strong moral values are just as important as academic skills.

Sierra’s Vision: Preparing for the AI Era

In his keynote address, founder Mr. Vinol D’Costa emphasized that the next decade will belong to those who can adapt, evolve, and think beyond traditional learning. He stressed the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in every field and how it is reshaping the skills students must develop.

“At Sierra Learning Academy, we prepare students for a future where AI will not replace them, but will work alongside them. The key is to stay curious, keep updating your skills, and embrace change without fear,” he said. He highlighted that competitions like the Talent Quest are not just about testing memory, but about fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.

The Thrill of the Mega Finale

The quiz competition was a blend of excitement and challenge. Contestants answered questions that ranged from simple fact checks to complex problem-solving, while the audience watched in anticipation. Applause filled the hall with each correct answer, and the atmosphere buzzed with academic enthusiasm.

Winners Who Lead by Example

The top achievers of Sierra Talent Quest 2025 were:

  • Class 8:1st – Samvit Shetty (St Aloysius Gonzaga School), 2nd – Manvi Chowta (Carmel High School, Bolar), 3rd – Ben Roshan (St Aloysius Gonzaga School)
  • Class 9:1st – Adisankaran U K (PM Shree Kendriya Vidyalaya Panambur), 2nd – Samvith S Kalbag (Canara High School, Urwa), 3rd – Ananya Sequeira (St Ann’s High School)
  • Class 10:1st – Advay Kiggal Pradeep (Sharada Vidyalaya), 2nd – Parithosh Shenoy (Canara High School, Urwa), 3rd – Anvith V Y (Lourdes Central School)

The Sierra Foundation of Virtue 2025 — Sierra Learning Academy’s prestigious award that promotes integrity, manners, discipline, and ethical conduct — was awarded to PM Shree Kendriya Vidyalaya Panambur. Mr. D’Costa explained that this recognition encourages schools to focus on building character alongside academic results, ensuring students grow into responsible, ethical, and adaptable leaders.

Beyond Trophies and Titles

Prizes included scholarships, school kits, certificates, medals, and brand-new laptops. But more than the material rewards, the day celebrated a deeper achievement — the belief that education is about building character and adaptability as much as building careers.

The program was seamlessly anchored by Lavita Vanisha D’Souza, Manager of Storyfy Events, whose engaging presentation kept the audience connected and the event flowing smoothly. As the curtains closed, one message resonated throughout the hall: Sierra Talent Quest is not just about winning; it is about inspiring students to embrace lifelong learning, uphold values, and evolve with the changing world. Thanks to the expert event facilitation by Storyfy Events, the finale was executed with precision, energy, and a strong focus on celebrating academic talent.

Looking at the confident smiles of the young participants, the future of Dakshina Kannada’s academic excellence — and its readiness for the AI-driven future — appears brighter than ever.