Chinmaya Metrowest Essay Writing Competition 2018
The Chinmaya Metrowest chapter held its annual essay writing competition in the summer of 2018. Now in its 12th year, the competition aims to encourage young people of Indian heritage in the local community to express themselves creatively through writing while also learning about Indian culture and spirituality. This essay provides an overview of the competition including details on the theme, age categories, evaluation criteria, prizes and awards ceremony.
The theme for the 2018 competition was “Yoga – Science of Wellbeing”. Contestants were asked to write an original essay exploring how the ancient Indian practice of yoga promotes wellbeing through a balanced and holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual health. They could discuss topics like the eight limbs of yoga according to Patanjali, various yoga asanas and pranayama techniques, meditation, the yogic lifestyle and philosophy, as well as the scientific benefits of regular yoga practice that have been validated by modern research studies.
The competition was open to students of Indian origin between the ages of 8-18 belonging to communities served by the Chinmaya Metrowest center in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Entrants were divided into three categories based on their age – Junior (8-11 years), Intermediate (12-14 years) and Senior (15-18 years). Each participant was required to submit a 350-800 word original essay in Microsoft Word format via email by the specified deadline of July 15, 2018. Late entries were not accepted.
Essays were evaluated anonymously by a panel of three judges experienced in writing and teaching who volunteered their time. Evaluation criteria included content, research, organization of ideas, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, style and creativity. Judges looked for essays that demonstrated a clear understanding of the theme, included relevant facts and examples to support arguments, flowed cohesively from introduction to conclusion and were written in an engaging manner suitable for the intended age group. Extra points were given for essays going beyond expected depth of coverage and showing novel perspectives on the theme.
Winners in each category received book prizes sponsored by the Chinmaya Study Centers. The top three essays from the Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories received First, Second and Third prizes respectively. One essay from each category was selected for special recognition with a Merit Award for demonstrating outstanding writing ability, research and presentation of the theme. All participants received certificates of participation.
The awards ceremony for announcing the winners was held on August 4, 2018 at the Chinmaya Metrowest Auditorium. Over 50 families attended the event. Swami Sarvapriyananda, resident monk and spiritual head of the Chinmaya Metrowest Center, was the chief guest. He appreciated the young authors for their efforts in promoting good health and wellbeing through yoga. First, Second and Third place winners in each category received their prizes and Merit Award recipients were also felicitated. All participants received a round of applause for their entries. Selected excerpts from the top essays were shared followed by a brief keynote address by Swami Sarvapriyananda on the significance and growing relevance of yoga in modern times. The event concluded with light refreshments.
The 2018 competition received an overwhelming response with over 70 essays submitted from students across several towns. Judges remarked on the high standard of writing displayed by the young authors who showed strong understanding of yoga beyond just the physical postures. Popular topics covered in the essays included pranayama for stress relief, yoga nidra for relaxation, benefits of yoga for children with special needs, incorporating yoga in school curriculum and using yoga to cultivate mindfulness. The pieces combined personal yoga practices and research on how it impacts holistic wellbeing in a thought-provoking manner.
The Chinmaya Metrowest Essay Writing Competition has been a cherished annual event providing a platform for youth to explore Indian heritage and spirituality through their creative voices. It aims to nurture writing skills as well as educate participants about the scientific and psychological advantages of incorporating yoga and meditation into daily lives. Students look forward to the activity as a fun and meaningful way to stay connected to their Indian roots outside of academics. The high level of engagement over the past decade affirms the competition’s role in building cultural pride and personal development among young Indians of the local community.