Saleel and Talha Win a Trip to the UK as Winners of the Essay Writing Competition

The Jamia Cultural Committee in collaboration with the British High Commission had organized a Jamia-wide essay writing competition on the theme, “What are the ties that bind in a multicultural society?” on November 21, 2011.

The names of the winners (one female and one male) on the basis of the essay writing competition and oral presentation were announced in a function held on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 in the Yasir Arafat Hall. The event was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Mr. Najeeb Jung; Deputy High Commissioner of UK to India, Mr. Julian Evans; and Prof. T.K. Oommen who spoke on the topic for the essay.

And the two winners are Mr. Saleel Chembayl, an MA final year student at the Nelson Mandela Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution and Ms. Talha Rahman, an MA Previous year student, in the Department of Islamic Studies.

The two winners win a week-long study tour to the United Kingdom, organized and sponsored by the British High Commission.

In an interview with Jamia Journal, Saleel and Talha both expressed excitement on winning the competition. Talha said that she hopes her visit to the UK will be exciting, and she “looks forward to a great experience.”

On being asked if they were expecting to win, Talha categorically denied and said that she had no expectation to win and the announcement came as a surprise to her. While Saleel said, though he knew he did well, the competition was really tough and he didn’t really think that he would actually win it.

For Talha this trip to the United Kingdom will be her first trip outside of India, while Saleel has been oversees before, this trip to the UK however, will be his first trip the continent of Europe.

Saleel hails from Kerela, while Talha is from Lucknow, UP.

In a message to the students of Jamia, Saleel said, Jamia has been providing great opportunities for these kind of activities and we should take full advantage of them by taking part in them. A sentiment that Talha shared with Saleel.

Scenes From the Event:

1. Audio

Download and listen to the full interview with the Saleel and Talha by clicking on the following link: “Interview with Saleel and Talha – JMI – 30 Nov 2011″

2. Pictures

*click on an image to enlarge