State Bapuji Essay Contest Marks Gandhi’s 156th Birth Anniversary
Bengaluru
The Karnataka Government has called for applications for the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Award – Karnataka, organized by the Department of Information and Public Relations. This annual honor carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and is meant to recognize individuals or organizations who have upheld and practiced Gandhian ideals in their life and work.
Individuals aged 60 years and above, who have consistently followed the path of Mahatma Gandhi, and service organizations with a minimum of 25 years of dedicated service, are eligible to apply.
The award seeks to honor significant contributions in fields rooted in Gandhiji’s philosophy, such as eradication of untouchability, promotion of non-violence, women’s empowerment, rural cleanliness, prohibition of alcohol, adoption of khadi and indigenous products, and upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Both self-nominations and recommendations are accepted.
Applications must be submitted on or before September 19, 2025, to the Commissioner, Department of Information and Public Relations, Vartha Soudha, No. 17, Bhagwan Mahaveer Road (Infantry Road), Bengaluru – 560 001. Submissions can also be made via email at informationdiprawardsgmail.com or delivered in person at the office.
The Mahatma Gandhi Seva Award stands as a recognition of lifelong commitment to Gandhian values, encouraging more individuals and institutions to follow the path of truth, simplicity, and service.
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To celebrate the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Department of Information and Public Relations will host the Bapuji Essay Competition for school, pre-university, degree, and postgraduate students at both district and state levels.
The competition aims to inspire young minds to think about Gandhiji’s values of non-violence, cleanliness, simplicity, equality, and the fight against untouchability. Students will write essays on different themes based on their academic level—ranging from Gandhiji’s lessons for children to his vision of politics, leadership, and social justice.
Prizes include ₹31,000, ₹21,000, and ₹11,000 at the state level, and ₹3,000, ₹2,000, and ₹1,000 at the district level. District offices, with support from local administrations, will conduct the contests by September 6, 2025, and forward results by September 12, 2025.
Awards will be distributed on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. Essays must be original, handwritten, and free from published sources.
