Inter-University Essay Competition · CPU Kota × ICWA
Digital Diplomacy, Gen Z and India's Global Image -
CPU & ICWA Host National Essay Writing Competition 2026
The School of Arts & Humanities, Career Point University, in collaboration with the Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi, brought 174 young voices to one national academic platform.
The School of Arts & Humanities, Career Point University, Kota, in collaboration with the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi, successfully organised the final round of the Inter-University Essay Writing Competition 2026 on 12 September 2026. Centred on the theme "Digital Diplomacy, Gen Z and Social Media: Shaping India's Global Image," the competition provided a national-level academic platform for young minds to engage with the intersection of diplomacy, technology, youth participation and global communication.
Entries from universities across India
Categories - UG & PG
External jury members from across India
Keynote Address
Dr. F. R. Siddiqui
Representative, Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi
Dr. Siddiqui described social media as a "double-edged sword" - its impact depending entirely on the wisdom, awareness and purpose of the person using it. He highlighted the democratic potential of digital platforms in giving ordinary citizens, especially young people, a powerful voice in public discourse. Connecting this to the competition's theme, he reflected on how social media is transforming the way India's society, culture, policies and achievements are perceived internationally - and how Gen Z is increasingly becoming a participant in shaping these narratives. He also cautioned students against letting social media replace deeper intellectual engagement, urging them to combine technological participation with reading, knowledge and critical thinking.
Academic Leadership & Addresses
Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta Mathur
Professor & Dean, School of Arts & Humanities, Career Point University
Prof. Mathur welcomed guests and participants and highlighted the academic relevance of the theme. She emphasised that the competition was conceived not merely as an essay-writing exercise but as an academic platform to encourage research-oriented thinking, critical engagement and informed participation - connecting classroom understanding of international relations with emerging developments in technology, media and public diplomacy.
Prof. (Dr.) Mayank Saxena
Vice Chancellor, Career Point University, Kota
Prof. Saxena addressed the gathering and shared his perspectives with participants, reinforcing CPU's commitment to creating meaningful academic opportunities that connect students with national and global conversations.
Round-Table Discussion
A major academic component of the programme was the round-table discussion on "Gen Z, Digital Diplomacy and India's Global Image: The Role of Higher Education." The deliberations highlighted the responsibility of universities in promoting critical thinking, digital literacy, responsible communication and awareness of global affairs - and the growing role of young citizens in shaping digital narratives about India internationally. Prof. (Dr.) Abid Hussain, Dean, Research & Higher Studies, also contributed to the academic deliberations.
Winners
🎓 Undergraduate Category
Sonakshi Vaishnav
Career Point University, Kota
Anandita Kulhar
Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur
Zoya Bothra
Mahindra University, Hyderabad, Telangana
🎓 Postgraduate Category
Anika Mathur
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
Rashika Singh
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur
Srishti Jain
Government Girls College, Kota
Distinguished Jury
Prof. (Dr.) Rajkumar Garg
Government Arts College, Kota
Prof. (Dr.) Shraddha Soral
Government Arts College, Kota
Dr. Nandini Bashishtha
Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab
Dr. Bhawna Sharma
Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
🌐 Young Voices. Global Conversations.
The collaboration between Career Point University and the Indian Council of World Affairs gave students a valuable platform to connect classroom learning with contemporary international developments. As India's global engagement expands in the digital age, informed, responsible and critically aware young citizens can make a meaningful contribution to the way India communicates, engages and presents itself to the world.
