CPU & ICWA National Essay Competition 2026: Gen Z & Digital Diplomacy

C CPUR CPUR Academic Media Cell 18 Sep 2026 4 min read 3 reads

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.

174Entries from universities across India

2Categories - UG & PG

4External jury members from across India

Keynote Address

Dr. F. R. SiddiquiRepresentative, 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.

"When digital platforms are used with knowledge, understanding and critical thinking, they can become powerful instruments of communication and positive engagement." - Dr. F. R. Siddiqui, Representative, ICWA New Delhi

Academic Leadership & Addresses

Prof. (Dr.) Sangeeta MathurProfessor & 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 SaxenaVice 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 VaishnavCareer Point University, Kota

🥈

Anandita KulharMaharashtra National Law University, Nagpur

🥉

Zoya BothraMahindra University, Hyderabad, Telangana

🎓 Postgraduate Category

🥇

Anika MathurGuru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi

🥈

Rashika SinghChhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur

🥉

Srishti JainGovernment Girls College, Kota

Distinguished Jury

Prof. (Dr.) Rajkumar GargGovernment Arts College, Kota

Prof. (Dr.) Shraddha SoralGovernment Arts College, Kota

Dr. Nandini BashishthaChandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab

Dr. Bhawna SharmaHimachal 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.

Filed under #Career Point #Career Point University #Career Point University Kota #Career Point University Kota Admission 2026 #CPU #CPU & ICWA #CPU Kota #Inter-University Essay Competition #National Essay Writing Competition 2026 #School of Arts & Humanities