One of the many activities that happens during Global Spartan Month is our Global Spartan Photo Contest. This year we had 49 amazing photo and narrative submissions from students who have experience in one of our study abroad programs and our international students. The Global Spartan Month Planning Committee selects the winner of the Most Impactful Narrative prize and also determines our set of finalists. Finalists then have their photographs and narratives posted on our Instagram pages, at the Global Spartan Fair and at the Global Games event. Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo entry and to all those who voted. Congratulations to all our finalists and a special congratulations to our winners.

First Place

Sharat Hiremath

Nature’s Teddy Bear with Tusks

This photo is special to me because I personally love Lord Ganesha, who symbolizes wisdom and new beginnings. Seeing this elephant reminds me of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, where we welcome and honor Him with devotion. I admire elephants for their intelligence and gentle nature, and this image takes me back to childhood visits to temples where I watched them being worshipped and cared for.

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Second Place

Hitomi Tassone

Mitama Matsuri

I took this photo during a spontaneous late-night outing with friends near the end of my semester abroad. It was from one of the summer festivals, or “matsuri,” that I had attended while living in Tokyo, reminiscent of the matsuri from my childhood. The lanterns illuminate the path to the torii, the umbrellas reflect the summer’s rainy season, and the people gather to enjoy a cultural celebration.

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Third Place

Brittany Ngo

Jiufen A-Mei Teahouse

This photo is taken in front of A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen, Taiwan. Jiufen is a town located in northeastern Taiwan and is known for its looming mountains, narrow alleyways, and teahouses. Tea is deeply ingrained in Taiwanese culture, and I had the opportunity to visit A-Mei Teahouse and experience a traditional tea ritual while learning about how tea is farmed in the high mountain regions.

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Best Narrative

Rutuja Nemane

Miles Away, Yet Home Within

This photo depicts devotion, connection and pride. The beautifully adorned Ganesh idol, symbolizing wisdom and new beginnings, stands at the heart of our celebration. Ganesh Visarjan at SJSU turned a farewell into a homecoming. The dhol beats echoed our cultural roots, and every step carried unity. It reminds me that culture knows no boundaries, it lives wherever hearts unite to celebrate it.