While adults failed to give suggestions for the Smart City concept at the kiosks, the younger generation showed a tremendous response and participated in large numbers to make Panjim their dream city.
In an effort to understand and gauge the wishes and aspirations of the younger generation, especially children and youth, an essay competition was held across schools on the ‘Smart Panjim’ theme. Essays could be submitted in English, Konkani or Marathi and had to answer the following questions:
Describe a ‘smart’ idea that you have seen in some other city that you would like to see replicated in your own city; ‘Smart idea’ means doing more with less, describe three ways Indian cities can reduce the gap between rich and poor; list out five essential facilities provided by your local municipal corporation that should be available to all citizens.
Over the last few weeks, 1550 essays came in. The winners were announced Monday evening at the Garcia de Orta gardens. Jasmine Singh from Mary Immaculate Girls High School won the first place, while Sanghvi Naik from Sharada Mandir came in second and Ayush Amonkar from Mushtifund High School third. Consolation prizes were given to Keziah Pereira from Our lady of Rosary and Tarini D’Souza from Sharada Mandir.
The first prize winner received a cash prize of Rs 5000, while the second and third prize winners received Rs 3000, and Rs 2000 each.
Largely schools in and around Panjim participated, including Mushtifund Middle and High School, Kasturba Matoshri High School, Rosary High School, Bal Bharati High School, Dr K B Hedgewar High School, Shardha Mandir High School, Our Lady of the Rosary High School, T B Cunha Govt HSS, Mary Immaculate High School, Don Bosco College, S S Dempo College and Aims HSS.
An essay competition in the open category, ages 21 years and over also saw entries coming in. In the open category, Marshely Ray won the first place with Tanmay Mahajan coming in second and Mihir Peres coming in third.
The first prize winner received a cash prize of Rs 25,000 while the second and third prize winners received Rs 20,000 and Rs 15,000 each.
