New Delhi

Areeba Anwar, an undergraduate student of the Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), has won the prestigious Damodarashri National Award for Academic Excellence 2024.

Her essay on the topic "Victory Will Be of Human Spirit" emerged as the best among participants from across the country. The Prayagraj-based SS Khanna Girls Degree College, affiliated with Allahabad University, has been giving away this award for 15 years.

This year, more t2,000 participants submitted their essays in the competition, out of which only 10 essays were selected for the final round.

Areeba Anwar's essay not only featured in the top 10, but was also declared the winner for the best undergraduate essay across the country.

The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 30,000, a memento, and books worth Rs 5,000.

The award is given every year in a function on October 2. Areeba Anwar represented the university in the competition organized under the aegis of Literature, Fine Arts, Quiz and Debate Club under the DSW (Dean Students Welfare) office of Jamia Millia Islamia. 

Before leaving for Prayagraj for the final defense of the essay, she presented her essay and discussed her ideas with Dr. Rumi Naqvi, a member of the Sahitya Club. Dr. Naqvi gave her important suggestions to make the essay stronger.

This 5,000-word essay by Areeba Anwar underlined the resilience of the human spirit. She explained how this spirit is important not only for our survival but also for the development of the nation.

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Her essay was adjudged the best among 2,003 essays received from central universities, making her eligible for this prestigious award. This achievement is a proud moment for both Ariba Anwar and Jamia Millia Islamia, a testimony to the academic quality of the institution and the creativity of the students.