Diplomat Correspondent
Doda, DD, The Chenabi Essay Writing Competition, jointly organised by Government Degree College (GDC) Thathri and the Chenab Times Foundation (CTF), concluded this week with the announcement of the top three winners and eight shortlisted essays selected for publication. The competition invited students to reflect on the concept of “Chenabi identity” — a neological term that encapsulates the shared cultural, linguistic, and historical consciousness of the Chenab Valley, comprising the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban.
Various students had submitted their essays, out of which eight were shortlisted for final evaluation and publication. The entries were judged based on five key criteria: thematic relevance, originality and depth, cultural insight, emotional impact, and writing style. The evaluation process was carried out by the editorial team of the Chenab Times Foundation.
Suneha Kumari, a student of B.A. 3rd Semester, was declared the winner for her essay titled “Chenabi Valley: A Culture Worth Remembering”, which scored 9.6 out of 10. Her work was praised for its deeply personal voice and poignant reflection on cultural invisibility and belonging. Mubashersharief Pathan, also from B.A. 3rd Semester, secured the second position with a score of 9.4 for his analytical yet heartfelt essay that highlighted both the cultural richness and infrastructural neglect of the region. Rahila Tasleem, a student of B.A. 2nd Semester, stood third with a score of 9.2; her essay was distinguished by its emphasis on language, folk rituals, and the lived traditions of the Chenab Valley.
Other finalists included Neha Kumari, Saqib Umar Wani, Sneha Gupta, Palvi Manhas, and Rakesh Kumar. While not in the top three, each of these essays brought forward a unique narrative voice and perspective, covering aspects of Chenabi life such as oral traditions, ecological concerns, local dialects, and collective memory.
President of the Chenab Times Foundation, Mr. Anzer Ayoob, said that the competition was a deliberate attempt to bring the region’s lesser-known identity into public focus. “We initiated this contest not just as a literary exercise but as a cultural intervention. The Chenab Valley is a repository of traditions and voices that are rarely heard in mainstream platforms. The students have responded with depth, emotion, and intellect,” he said.
Mr. Tahir Bilal, Secretary of CTF, underscored the significance of such events in bridging academia and community. “This was not merely about writing essays. It was about recognizing a regional identity, sparking conversation, and giving youth a stage to articulate their understanding of who they are as Chenabis,” he added.
Dr. Javid Iqbal Zargar, Principal of GDC Thathri, praised the Chenab Times Foundation for taking this initiative forward. “We truly appreciate the role played by the Chenab Times Foundation in creating this platform for our students. Such initiatives deepen cultural awareness and inspire critical thinking. Our students have found an opportunity to connect with their roots while also improving their expression,” he said.
Dr. Muzaffar A. Kichloo, Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences and faculty coordinator for the event, said the competition revealed the intellectual and emotional depth of students when it comes to local identity. “This event has reaffirmed how culturally conscious our students are. Their essays reflect lived experiences, linguistic diversity, and collective pride. We look forward to organising similar efforts in future,” he remarked.
All eight shortlisted essays will be published on the official website of The Chenab Times (www.thechenabtimes.com) and circulated to various media houses to bring wider visibility to the participants’ voices. Certificates of participation and appreciation will be presented to all finalists in an upcoming ceremony at GDC Thathri.
The organisers have expressed their intent to continue such collaborations that uplift regional voices and foster youth engagement through writing, culture, and critical reflection.DD
