Himachal Pradesh Student Shines at National Essay Competition
A Remarkable Achievement for Himachal Pradesh
Munish Sood
Mandi
A significant achievement for Himachal Pradesh as Arya Shri, a student from Minerva Senior Secondary School in Ghumarwin, claimed the second position nationally in a prestigious essay contest held during the NAMO Book Festival and GEN V Fest 2026 at the Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.
Event Overview
The two-day national event took place on January 16 and 17, 2026, organized by the Council for Media and Public Policy Research (CMPPR). It gathered prominent policymakers, authors, scholars, and students from all over the country.
Arya Shri's Accomplishment
Arya Shri, daughter of Vishal Nadda, was chosen from thousands of participants as one of the top 75 young writers for her essay titled “How My India Will Become a Developed Nation by 2047 and My Role in It.” Her work was recognized as the second-best in the nation and has been included in a special anthology named “Bachchon Ki Mann Ki Baat Modi Ji Ke Saath.”
Recognition at the Ceremony
During the book release event, Arya was honored in front of notable figures such as senior journalist Ashok Shrivastava, MP Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi Government Minister Ashish Sood, Pilot Rakesh Tyagi (President, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal), and renowned film producer Vipul Shah. The anthology will also be presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Platform for Youth Voices
The NAMO Book Festival 2026, alongside the GEN V Fest, served as a significant platform for celebrating youth ideas, literature, and narratives of nation-building. The festival attracted:
- Over 800 students from 30 colleges
- More than 200 schools
- Over 10,000 visitors
- More than 40 distinguished authors, diplomats, and policy experts
Additionally, over 450 books focusing on Prime Minister Modi’s life, leadership, and governance were displayed across ten thematic categories.
GEN V Fest: Shaping Future Leaders
A key highlight of the festival was the launch of the GEN V Festival, which reimagines India’s youth as Generation V — the Viksit Bharat Generation. This initiative emphasizes the role of young Indians as long-term nation builders dedicated to development, innovation, and accountability.
The inauguration was led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, while Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the GEN V Fest.
Engaging Discussions and Dialogues
The festival featured high-profile discussions on various topics including culture, national security, diplomacy, governance, and economics.
Notable sessions included:
• “Modi & Cultural Renaissance” with Acharya Pramod Krishnam, Francois Gautier, Sachchidanand Joshi, and Sadhvi Pragya Bharati
• National security dialogue featuring Aditya Raj Kaul, Anshul Saxena, and Major (Retd.) Gaurav Arya
• Diplomacy panel with former ambassadors Pankaj Saran and Ruchira Kamboj
• Governance and economics discussions with Maria Wirth, Salvatore Babones, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, and Gautam Chikermane
Australian author Salvatore Babones also introduced his latest book on Prime Minister Modi, adding an international perspective to the festival.
Empowering Youth for India's Future
The final day of the festival featured the launch of a student anthology that includes Arya Shri’s award-winning essay. This book encapsulates the aspirations of young India and emphasizes the role of students in realizing a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Sessions on scientific research, innovation, employability, and skill development were led by:
• Shivkumar Kalyanaram, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation
• Arunkumar Pillai, CEO, National Skill Development Corporation
Celebrating Himachal's Talent
Arya Shri’s national recognition has brought pride to Ghumarwin and Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the increasing intellectual contributions of students from hilly regions to India’s developmental narrative.
Her success exemplifies how students from smaller towns are influencing significant national ideas, showcasing that India’s future generation is prepared to lead the way towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.