Mysore/Mysuru: Y.S. Abhishek of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS), University of Mysore (UoM) and R. Navya of Central University of Kerala (CUK), Kasargod, have won first prize for their poetry and essay writing respectively at the State-level Poetry and Essay Writing Contest-2024 conducted by Samata Adhyayana Kendra in memory of its Founder-Chairperson Dr. Vijaya Dabbe.

The contest had been conducted for youths in the age group of 20 to 35 years to identify and encourage the talented individuals.

In the Poetry Writing category, Davangere University’s K. Rujuwan has won second prize and Amitha M. Kudache, third prize. In the Essay Writing category, Dr. K.H. Mustafa of Kodagu has won second prize and N. Sandhya of Mangalore University has won third prize. Following contestants were lauded by the juries.

Poetry Writing: Sanjana Yambatnal (Tanaji Galli, Belagavi), Rashmi S. Nayak (Department of Studies in Political Science, UoM), P. Ranjitha (CUK, Kasargod), Mohammed Shariff Kadumata (Kolnadu, Bantwal taluk), K.G. Sahana (Harthal, Shivamogga), P.R. Ranjitha (Vinayaka Nagar, Mysuru), M.P. Sandeep (Myadanahole, Hiriyur taluk), N. Shruthi (Bommenahalli, Mysuru), S. Hrushita (Kannada Study Centre, Mangalore University) and H. Samyakta (Nooji Balila, Dakshina Kannada).

Essay Writing: M. Tejashree (CUK, Kasargod), R. Kusumabai (JSS College, Mysuru), K. Swathi (CUK, Kasargod), Rashmi Udupa (Molahalli, Kundapura taluk) and H. Nagarathna (Davangere).

Juries: Dr. Anand Gopal, Lavanya Prabha and Dr. M.S. Vedha for Poetry Writing and Prof. D. Vijayalakshmi, Dr. S.R. Ashwini and B.C. Manjula for Essay Writing.

One-day workshop in literature has been organised for first three prize winners in the city on July 20, followed by a prize distribution event on July 21, according to a press release from Samata Adhyayana Kendra.