TT youth highlight India's progress

THE High Commission of India hosted an essay writing competition for India’s 74th Independence anniversary which was celebrated on August 15. The contest was part of the commission's virtual celebrations and was widely publicised on all social media channels.

The contest drew overwhelming response from young and aspiring writers, said a media release. The theme was on India’s Achievements after Independence in 1947, and participants presented their own take on how India’s socio-economic and technological advancements have inspired the world.

Saraswatie Sankar, a 26-year-old University of West Indies student, was the winner. Her essay highlighted India’s progress in science and technology, space programmes, Bollywood and medical research with respect to covid19. She wrote, “India is like a lotus growing out of its murky colonial past. The world’s largest democracy has managed to excel in the areas of arts, culture, sports, science and technology.”

Each essay eloquently presented a unique interpretation of India’s achievements seen through the eyes of a TT youth, the release said.

Second-prize went to Darryl Gransam and Aliya Mohepat, while in third place were Malcolm Superville, Kela Roberts and Anisha Dayaram. Consolation prizes were given to Jordan Jafar, Christan Ragoo, Brian Sookdeo and Sriya Tatiparth.

High Commissioner Arun Kumar Sahu presented the winners with their cheques and other gifts at the high commission's office.

The commission will publish some of the winning essays in its cultural newsletter which is issued bi-monthly, the release said.