The Guru Nanak Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives, in a commendable collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Police and Tamil Home Guards, orchestrated an unprecedented state-level intercollegiate competition. This event was a tribute to the “Unsung Heroes” - the Home Guards, and aimed to foster awareness among the youth about their indispensable contributions to society. The competitions, encompassing Essay Writing and Oratorical contests, were conducted in both Tamil and English on the 11th of March, 2024. Despite the brevity of its planning phase, the event garnered an extraordinary reception.
Students from across Tamil Nadu exhibited an eagerness that transcended mere participation; some embarked on a journey to meet and interview Home Guards, thereby imbibing the essence of their unsung narratives. The event witnessed the convergence of 47 colleges, with a total of 347 students participating from various corners of Tamil Nadu. The enthusiasm displayed by the students was not just overwhelming but also reflective of the event's profound impact. A panel of eight distinguished senior faculty members undertook the task of evaluating the submissions. Their expertise ensured a fair and inspiring adjudication process.
The Valedictory of the State Level Intercollegiate Competitions, held on the 14th of March, 2024, at the Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Auditorium, Guru Nanak College, was a grand affair that fittingly celebrated the intellectual and creative achievements of the students. The auditorium was abuzz with anticipation as the winners were honoured for their exemplary work, reflecting the spirit of the competition's theme. The generosity of the Guru Nanak Educational Society was evident in the substantial cash prize of Rs. 49,200, along with the Mementoes and Certificates, which not only rewarded the winners but also underscored the value of recognising the unsung heroes in our midst. The event commenced with a warm welcome by Thiru. Manjit Singh Nayar, Assistant Commandant General, Tamil Nadu Home Guards, who also serves as the General Secretary and Correspondent of the Guru Nanak Educational Society. His appreciation for the participating colleges, who managed to carve out time for this unique event amidst their academic responsibilities, was heartfelt and sincere. Dr. P. Balaji, Coordinator, GNCCOI, presented a comprehensive report of the competitions, detailing the enthusiastic participation and the high caliber of entries received.
Guest of Honour, Thiru. K. Vanniya Perumal, IPS, Director General of Police (Home Guards and Civil Defence), Tamil Nadu, took the audience through the journey of the programme's conception and expressed his contentment with the outcome. His speech highlighted the importance of acknowledging the everyday heroes who contribute tirelessly to the fabric of our society.
Thiru. Shankar Jiwal, IPS, Director General of Police (HOPF), Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as the chief guest. His words of appreciation for the college's commendable execution of the competitions resonated with all present. In his address, Thiru. Shankar Jiwal, IPS, Director General of Police (HOPF), Tamil Nadu, further emphasised the pivotal role of youth in the fabric of our nation. He urged the students to consider volunteering as Home Guards, highlighting the opportunity to serve the community while gaining invaluable life experiences. “Volunteering as a Home Guard not only contributes to the safety and well-being of our society,” he said, “but it also instills a sense of discipline, responsibility, and civic duty among the youth.”
Thiru. Jiwal also addressed the pressing issue of drug abuse among youngsters, advocating for proactive measures to eradicate this menace. “It is imperative that we tackle the drug problem head-on,” he asserted. “Counselling services within college premises can play a crucial role in supporting those battling with substance abuse. It is through understanding, support, and proper guidance that we can steer our youth towards a brighter, drug-free future.”
Furthermore, he spoke about the responsible use of social media in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly. Drawing upon Simon's Theory of Bounded Rationality, he cautioned the audience about the cognitive limits we all have in processing information. “With the advancement of technology, it is crucial to discern fact from fiction. We must use social media with the utmost responsibility, ensuring that we do not contribute to the spread of false information,” he advised. These additional points serve to reinforce the message of empowerment, responsibility, and the importance of making informed choices, resonating deeply with the theme of the event and the aspirations of the youth present.
The closing of the event was marked by a Vote of Thanks from Dr. T.K. Avvai Kothai, Principal i/c, Guru Nanak College, who expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders for their invaluable contribution to the success of this landmark event. The event not only celebrated the valour of the Home Guards but also successfully ignited a spark of curiosity and respect within the younger generation. It stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and the resonance of unsung heroism in shaping the minds of the future.
