1st Ukraine-India Students’ Writing Contest Celebrates Cultural Exchange
New Delhi:The 1st Ukraine-India Students’ Writing Contest 2024, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations, has successfully concluded. The contest, organized by the East European Development Institute (EEDI) and PT GLOBAL EDU, with support from the Embassy of Ukraine in India and the International Renaissance Foundation, brought together students from over 200 schools across India.
The contest, divided into Junior and Senior categories, encouraged students to submit essays on topics related to Ukraine and India, such as “Ukraine in my dream” and “For a strong Ukraine-India friendship.” The response was overwhelming, with over 950 essays submitted.
An online meeting held on January 16, 2025, brought together the winners, organizers, and dignitaries, including Ambassador of Ukraine to India, Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, and Vadym Halaichuk, member of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine. The winners were awarded prizes, with two essays receiving the Grand Prix award.
Dr. Mridula Ghosh, founder of the contest, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Children are our future. They are future leaders, opinion makers, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and analysts. They will change the world.” The contest has been hailed as a unique opportunity for children to learn about Ukraine and enhance the country’s public diplomacy.
The winners expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm, with many stating that the contest had sparked their interest in learning more about Ukraine and its culture. As Dr. Natalia Solomashenko, a member of the jury, noted, “The essays were captivating, informative, and sympathetic. You are students, but you have big hearts.” The contest has strengthened ties between India and Ukraine, promoting greater understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
Slok Saha, winner of Second prize and Naima Dutta Grand Prix winner from the junior group said that for them winning was not the aim, it was participation that triggered their interest.
