In accordance with the directives issued by the Joint Director of Higher Education, Pune Division (Office Order No. संस/उिश/पुउ व/हद-दी-चादर कायर्क्रम/2026/पुणे
उवभाग, dated 13.02.2026), and subsequent communications from the District Collector Offices, an essay writing competition was organized at the university
level. The event aimed to honor the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and to educate the youth about the enduring values he stood for:
religious freedom, communal harmony, and respect for all faiths. The competition sought to engage students with the legacy of the "Hind-di-Chadar"(Shield of India), a title that reflects his protection of India's cultural andspiritual fabric.Additionally, as part of the broader observance of the 350th MartyrdomCommemoration, Ms. Gauri Bhandari conducted a series of awareness sessions dedicated to the life, teachings, and historical significance of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. These sessions focused on sensitizing students to the themes of religious liberty, interfaith harmony, and constitutional values rooted in tolerance and inclusivity. A total of 45 students participated in these awareness sessions, which further strengthened the university’s commitment to meaningful engagement under the commemorative initiative.
Event Details:
Date: February 27, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Venue: Classroom 7406, Building 7, Vishwakarma University, Pune.
Participants: 45 postgraduate and undergraduate students from various departments
Students were invited to write an essay in either English or Marathi on one of the following three topics, all centered on the life and teachings of Sri Guru
Tegh Bahadur Ji:
Topic 1: Religious Freedom: "The Concept of 'Hind-di-Chadar': Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Defense of Religious Freedom and Its Relevance in Modern India."
Topic 2: Communal Harmony: "Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Sacrifice: A Foundation for Communal Harmony and Unity in a Pluralistic Society."
Topic 3: Respect for Diversity: "Learning from the Guru: How Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Life Exemplifies Respect for Diversity and Inclusivity."
The essays were judged based on historical accuracy, depth of reflection, clarity of expression, and connection to the contemporary significance of the themes.
The essays powerfully reflected the core themes promoted through the official memorial website. The competition successfully met its objectives, generating thoughtful engagement with the life and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
The standard of essays was exceptionally high. Following the directive to prepare a list of 5 outstanding students for excellent performance, the following winners were selected:
First Prize: Ms. Vishakha Azad – Essay on "Ethics and Communal Harmony
Second Prize: Ms. Preeti Prasad – Essay on "Respect for Intercultural Diversity
Third Prize: Mr. Neil Tiwari – Essay on "Interreligious Freedom among youth
Consolation Prizes
Ms. Sharvari Wagholikar – Essay on "Religious Freedom and Indian philosophies"
Ms. Aashi Shukla – Essay on "Hind-di-Chadar: A Symbol of Unity"
Aditi Jain
NSS Program Coordinator
Vishwakarma University, Pune
