A Tribute in Words : The Vimla Devi Essay Writing Competition at St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj

The Literary Association was honoured to host this year’s Vimla Devi Essay Writing Competition which was held on the 10th of May, 2025 in the calm and dignified surroundings of the Hogan Hall at St. Joseph’s College, Prayagraj. Sponsored by the Stellar Trust under the generosity of Mr. Ravi Mohan Sethi, this Competition is a son's wonderful tribute to honouring and keeping his mother's name alive and revered year after year.

Now a much-loved tradition in the College's academic calendar, the Competition encourages students to think deeply and express their thoughts through writing. The theme for this year was one that touched everyone’s heart, "Mother : A Strict Disciplinarian"

On the day of the event, the Hogan Hall was carefully set up to welcome students from Classes 6 to 12. The Competition was divided into two categories with the Junior Category comprising students from Classes 6 to 8 and the Senior Category comprising students from Classes 9 to 12.

The atmosphere was peaceful, allowing more than 120 young writers to focus fully on the task ahead. The attention was on the students and how honestly and clearly they could share their ideas.

The Event began with a short period of silence, giving everyone a chance to gather their thoughts. Soon after, the room became completely quiet as the students began to write. The topic inspired many different responses. Some students wrote about the care and warmth that mothers provide. Others focussed on their strength, sacrifices, and the important role they play in shaping lives. All across the room, pens moved steadily while faces showed deep concentration.

When the writing time ended, the students submitted their essays. Each one reflected a personal view of the theme. It was clear that the experience had encouraged real thinking and sincere appreciation. Afterwards, the budding writers chatted informally, sharing their thoughts and feelings about what they had written. There was a shared sense of respect for the subject and for each others' efforts.

This Competition was not just about writing well, it gave the students a chance to pause and honour someone important in their lives. It reminded everyone of the power of words to express love, gratitude, and emotion.

The Literary Association is thankful to Mr. Sethi for his generosity in providing a platform for the writing enthusiasts to display their talents. We are also grateful to our Principal, Rev. Fr. Walter D'Silva for all his constant support, enduring help and unending motivation throughout the Event.

We acknowledge the hardwork of the Association's members, Shayaan Zaman, Aarav Sharma, Farhan Ahmed,  Mohd. Ismail, Vishesh Dhar Dwivedi, and volunteers, Abhishek Sharma and Pramit Pandey under the guidance of the Association's Chairperson, Miss. A. J. D'Cruz.

As the school looks forward to hosting future editions of the Vimla Devi Essay Competition, this year’s event will be remembered for its warmth and honesty. It showed once again that when young people are given space to reflect and create, they rise to the occasion with sincerity and heart. The Vimla Devi Essay Competition remains a special event at St. Joseph’s College. It continues to remind us of the importance of reflection, thoughtful writing, and paying tribute to the people who shape us most.

The winners were :

JUNIOR CATEGORY :

FIRST : Shekh Shazar 6 C

SECOND : Atharva Vardhan Singh 8 F

THIRD : Ayush Kumar 8 F

SENIOR CATEGORY :

FIRST : Abhimanyu Dixit 11 B

SECOND : Mohd. Jafar Sadiq 11 F

THIRD : Shikhar Awasthi 12 F