And the winner is….patriotism

Two powerful former bureaucrats and one of the most influential names in the Indian publishing world formed the trio which adjudicated the essay contest hosted by Apeejay Education with the theme: ‘What Does Patriotism Mean for the Youth of Today?’ to coincide with 74 years of Independence, Apeejay Education.

The esteemed three-member jury panel included Mr Dinesh Rai, former Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Former Vice Chairman Delhi Development Authority, Former Secretary , Ministry of MSME , Government Of India; Mr AC Sen, former Home, Finance and Heavy Industries Secretary, Government of India; and Mr Kapish Mehra, Managing Director of Rupa Publications.

As many as 15 schools of Apeejay Education across India participated in the contest. The Apeejay Newsroom team screened each essay, going through the content and evaluated them on the broad parameters of language, comprehension of the theme, creative expression and originality. To ensure originality, we also carried out plagiarism checks through an algorithm sourced from Apeejay Stya University.

Here is what the jury panel said about the outstanding quality of essays received, the comprehensive and thorough selection process and the commendable contest conceptualised by Apeejay Education.

“It was wonderful being a part of the panel to judge the stories. Incredible talent and great potential. We need more initiatives like this one.”

-KAPISH MEHRA, MANAGING DIRECTOR, RUPA PUBLICATIONS

“The topic, ‘What patriotism means for the youth of today,’ is important for every citizen of our country. Youth are the future of the country. I found the essays of very high quality, with innovative thinking and deep understanding of the topic. At this young age, the students of Apeejay schools have shown a lot of maturity and analytical skills. All contributors who have given their essays deserve appreciation and applause.

-DINESH RAI, FORMER PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF UTTAR PRADESH; FORMER VICE CHAIRMAN DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; FORMER SECRETARY , MINISTRY OF MSME , GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

“I was delighted and honoured to have worked as a member of the Jury along with my two distinguished and esteemed colleagues for the essay competition on the theme Patriotism – what it means for the youth of today in India, organised by Apeejay Education on the occasion of celebration of India’s Independence Day. I felt happy and fulfilled perusing through the essays of select young Apeejay students of Senior and Junior sections both. For me it was a revelation in that it mirrored so well the knowledge, thought processes of young India in different age groups, their degree of awareness of our glorious freedom struggle as also current and live social and contemporary issues – the Covid situation, Climate Change etc. and their own perceived role therein as the emerging Gen-Next. High praise for Apeejay boys and girls for their command of English, expression, content and depth. My special appreciation for the students of Junior Section, some of whom despite their tender age were amazing in their maturity, grasp and awareness. My congratulations to the Apeejay Schools’ Management, the teachers for the high standard  of education imparted by them, to all the participants,  the bright, young,  beautiful minds, the worthy students of Apeejay destined to be the proud worthy citizens of India.”

-A.C.Sen, IAS (Retired), Former Union Secretary, Government of India; former Advisor, Government of Oman; Founder Vice Chairman, Punjab School Education Board; former Astt. Prof. Economics, Presidency College, Kolkata