Sunday, June 28, 2026, I had the opportunity to represent Sleman Regency in the English Dharmawacana Competition held at the Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The theme of my speech was Tirta Yatra, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that holds deep spiritual meaning.
In my speech, I chose to discuss what I believe is an important issue among today’s Hindu youth: the shifting purpose of Tirta Yatra. In this digital era, many young people participate in Tirta Yatra not solely as a spiritual journey, but sometimes as a means of seeking public validation through social media. While there is nothing wrong with documenting meaningful moments, the true essence of Tirta Yatra should never be forgotten.
Tirta Yatra is meant to be a sacred journey to obtain holy water, strengthen faith, and bring oneself closer to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. Through my Dharmawacana, I hoped to remind young people that Tirta Yatra is not about how others perceive our spiritual journey, but about the sincerity of our devotion and our connection with God. By understanding its true purpose, I hope more Hindu youth will rediscover the spiritual values behind this tradition.
Competing against representatives from various contingents was certainly a challenging experience. However, with thorough preparation, determination, and faith, I delivered my speech to the best of my ability. Astungkara, when the results were announced, I was awarded First Place and proudly brought honor to the Sleman contingent.
This achievement also opened an even greater opportunity. As the first-place winner, I was selected to advance to the National English Dharmawacana Competition, which is scheduled to be held in Palu, Central Sulawesi, in 2027.
The moment my name was announced as the champion was unforgettable. I was overwhelmed with emotion and could not hold back my tears. It was a mixture of gratitude, relief, pride, and happiness after all the effort and preparation that had led me to that moment. More than anything, I felt grateful to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa for blessing me with this opportunity.
This experience reminded me that no matter how much effort we put into achieving our goals, everything ultimately happens according to God’s will. Hard work is important, but without His blessing, nothing can truly come to fruition. Therefore, this victory is not only the result of my dedication, but also a reflection of God’s grace in my life.
