Introduction
Virendra Agrawal & Co., in collaboration with the Government Law College Model United
Nations Society, proudly presents the 5th Freedom Fighter Late Shri Prem Nidhi Agrawal
Memorial Essay Competition. This joint initiative seeks to honour the legacy of the revered
freedom fighter while continuing the annual partnership between both institutions.
Selection Process
The competition follows a two-stage selection process. In the first stage, a panel of distinguished
lawyers and advocates, known for their expertise and experience, will carefully review and
shortlist ten standout essays from the submissions. These shortlisted essays will then proceed to
the second stage, where a sitting justice of the Bombay High Court will undertake a detailed
examination. This final evaluation will determine the top three winners.
The essays will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Content
2. Writing Style
3. Language & Grammar
4. Flow/Presentation
5. Novelty
Each criterion will carry equal weight in the assessment.
Topic
The competition provides participants a platform to showcase their analytical skills and delve
into thought-provoking discussions on some of India's most pressing challenges. Participants are
encouraged to submit articles addressing contemporary issues, offering well-researched
perspectives and proposing innovative solutions. This year’s theme, “India’s Unity and Diversity:
A Social Construct or an Enduring Truth?” invites entrants to explore and critically analyze the
complexities of the nation’s unity and diversity.
The chosen topic invites a deep exploration of a fundamental aspect of India’s identity—its
celebrated unity amidst vast cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity. While India is renowned
for its vibrant traditions, languages, and belief systems coexisting harmoniously, the theme
encourages participants to examine the layers beneath this ideal.
India’s unity, though cherished, is tested by various challenges faced by marginalized
communities. Caste-based discrimination continues to impact Dalits and Adivasis despite
constitutional safeguards, and regional and linguistic tensions, such as those around the
imposition of Hindi, reveal ongoing struggles in maintaining national unity without undermining
local identities. Religious conflicts further strain this ideal, with communal violence and
discrimination against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, highlighting the
difficulties in fostering lasting social harmony. Gender inequality persists, particularly among
women from marginalized communities, who continue to face challenges like violence and
limited opportunities.
Similarly, while the decriminalization of Section 377 marked a historic
step for LGBTQ+ rights, social stigma and discrimination against the community remain
widespread, revealing gaps in India’s journey toward true inclusivity. We encourage participants
to share their thoughtful insights and arguments that thoroughly explore and illuminate this
subject matter with nuanced perspectives.
Topic for the competition is:
India’s Unity and Diversity: A Social Construct or an Enduring Truth?
Guidelines
1. Word Limit: 2500 Words [Excluding an abstract of not more than 300
words]. 2. Citation Style: Harvard Bluebook 20th Edition.
Refer to the link below for citation formats:
https://www.scconline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20th-Harvard-bluebook.pdf
3. Co-authorship of up to two authors is allowed.
4. Zero plagiarism policy.
5. The Essays are to be submitted only in "word" format.
Refer to the link below for a sample essay:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NzPBGpfNnNUJL1I5HZ4WlMIeyxjRWQ07?usp=drive
_link
Prizes
Winning Essay: Cash Prize of Rs. 6,000/- along with a Trophy, certificate of merit and
publication of the essay in the GLC MUN 2025 Souvenir.
Second: Cash Prize of Rs. 4,000/- along with a Trophy and certificate of merit.
Third: Cash Prize of Rs. 2,000/- along with a Trophy and certificate of merit.
All participants shall receive e-certificates for their participation.
Deadline
The deadline for essay submissions is 15th January, 2025.
Submission Link
Applications should be submitted through the following:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSff2yMf_XfR-CjRsxL6cVJxJ51NGwZp-eQRn3XW
r39gpOBxXw/viewform?usp=sf_link