Essay competition: An incentive for students to explore topics beyond the regular school curriculum, an opportunity for parents to encourage their wards to produce impactful essays and stories.
Objective
Since the year 2003, every year, the Mr. Vittal Pundalik Rege Essay Competition has been held for students of grades 7th, 9th, and 11th and college graduates with an aim to increase awareness and encourage free thinking and expression about pertinent issues and current events.
It began with the generous support of Dr. Lalita Gandbhir from the United States in remembrance of her father, the late Mr. Vittal Pundalik Rege.
How it is conducted
Every year a theme for the essay is decided and declared in the month of August. The competition is held in September at the respective schools where students gather to write the essays. The participating schools are provided with the relevant books and other material on the theme so that students can read these well in advance and prepare for the competition.
A panel of examiners scrutinize the essays/stories school-wise and grade-wise, judge them and declare the winners. A prize distribution ceremony is graced by experts such as writers and educationists, bureaucrats from the education and social sector, parents of the students and school principals and teachers. Also, Vigyan Vahini Sanstha, Pune and Foundation for Communities of Learning (FCL), Pune, actively participate in the ceremony.
Awards are presented to the best essay for students in each grade for each school, as well as the best essay for each grade overall.
Expanding knowledge, developing writing and expression skills.
Reach
About 1000 students participate every year in it. For example, in the year 2023, 1175 students from 55 primary, 45 secondary and 15 higher secondary schools participated in this competition.
Feedback
The activity has been appreciated by schools and parents equally. Individuals associated with HMF have also financially supported the activity since 2003.
Join us: appeal for donations may be added.