An Aum School Project
Dharma Bee is a project of Aum School, a Sanatan Dharmic-principles based school in the United States.
Age 5 – 12 years
Dharma Bee
An exciting competitive program that deepens understanding of dharmic knowledge through quiz-based learning.
- Quiz Competitions
- Scripture Study
- Regional Events
- Awards & Recognition
Overview
A Knowledge Competition Celebrating Sanatan Heritage
A Bee-Style Competition
Dharma Bee is a competition similar to spelling bee, math bee, etc.
Prizes & Recognition
Prizes will be awarded to contestants who demonstrate the most knowledge of Sanatan scriptures, epics, folklore and cultural stories via a combination of online and in-person competitions.
Subject: Ramayana
The subject of the competition is Ramayana. We are using Bibek Debroy's book, Valmiki Ramayana, as our guide.
Who Can Participate
It is open to students from grades 1 to 8 in the United States of America.
Growing Scope
In the years to come, the scope of the contest will expand to cover various dharmic topics for all age groups.
About the Competition
Learn about the competition process and what to expect.
Competition Rounds
Online Quiz
Thu, Jan 7 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027
Not monitored. This round is open to all who register. This is a non-qualifying round.
Activity
Thu, Jan 21 – Sun, Jan 31, 2027
Timeframe of two weeks given to complete an activity such as coloring, shloka recitation, costume design & display, etc.
Regionals
Fri, Feb 12 – Tue, Feb 23, 2027
In-person in a partner location or virtual, monitored in cities where we are able to partner with an in-person coordinator. This is a qualifying round.
Nationals
Sat, Apr 17, 2027
In-person. Quiz, and essay writing within a predefined time. Venue for 2027 is New Jersey.
Competition Levels
The competition level is organized based on grade level clusters.
Question topics may overlap; however, the difficulty level will be adjusted according to the grade clusters.
| Level | Grades |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Grades 1–2 |
| Level 2 | Grades 3–4 |
| Level 3 | Grades 5–6 |
| Level 4 | Grades 7–8 |
Operations
Coordinator Support
The competition rounds will be organized by volunteer coordinators in each state where the competition will run. The coordinators will be the first level contacts for all parents, guardians, and contestants in their state.
State Restrictions
The competition will not run in Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Tennessee due to state laws.
The Significance of Dharma Bee
Nurturing values, knowledge, and a love for Dharma.
The significance of this endeavor is its ability to reconnect the younger generation with their cultural heritage.
It will help foster a deeper understanding and reverence for Sanatan Dharmic values.
The invaluable knowledge our youth gain will empower them to lead lives filled with integrity, compassion, and wisdom, rooted in the principles of Sanatan Dharma.
We see this effort instilling a sense of pride in our heritage among individuals of all ages.
Our Mission
Our mission is to champion the rich cultural heritage of Sanatana Dharma through dynamic competitions. By infusing the elements of excitement and challenge into the Dharma Bee competitions:
- Engage participants to read Dharmic scriptures
- Enable them to understand the wisdom of the scriptures
- Inspire them to live a Dharmic life
- Instill a sense of pride in their cultural roots
In His Own Words
A Lasting Message from Dr. Bibek Debroy on Dharma Bee, Ramayana, and Preserving Our Heritage.
Dr. Bibek Debroy
Scholar • Economist • Author • Sanskrit Translator
I am delighted that Aum School has revived the Dharma Bee initiative. I am particularly happy that this year's focus is Ramayana. Most Indians have a passing degree of familiarity with Itihasa (Ramayana, Mahabharata) and Puranas. But often, especially among the young, the familiarity is not deep enough, perhaps even more so if the individual happens to be in North America. Often, that familiarity is distorted, based on wrong notions, distorted by the interpretations of a Western lens. It is important that the young be exposed to the true nature of our history and heritage, of which, Ramayana is an integral part. There are non-Sanskrit versions of Ramayana too, such as Tulsidas. Within Sanskrit, one should mention Valmiki Ramayana, Adhyatma Ramayana, Yogavasishtha Ramayana, Raghuvamsham by Kalidasa and the Rama story in the Mahabharata. Valmiki was the first poet (kavi) and Valmiki Ramayana is the most important among the ones I have mentioned. The poetry is beautiful. Ramayana means Rama's journey, or Rama's progress. Though that was treta yuga and we are now in kali yuga, through the Dharma Bee initiative, the young will come to appreciate Rama's journey and conduct much better. I wish the initiative and the participants all success.
A Legacy of Knowledge & Heritage
Economist & Policy Advisor
Former Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
Scholar & Author
Author and scholar whose work spanned economics, history, culture, and philosophy.
Translator of Ancient Texts
Known for translating major Sanskrit works, including the Mahabharata and Valmiki Ramayana.
Public Intellectual
Helped make India's ancient knowledge and heritage more accessible to contemporary audiences.
His words continue to inspire young minds to discover, understand, and cherish our heritage.