The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country to extensively publicise a series of competitions and activities being organised by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with MyGov and MyBharat as part of the Independence Day Celebrations 2026. Through an official communication issued on June 30, 2026, the UGC urged universities and colleges to encourage maximum student participation in these initiatives to foster patriotism, civic awareness, and a deeper understanding of India's achievements. The competitions, scheduled to be held from June 1 to July 15, 2026, include an essay competition on the theme "Role of AI in Building a Viksit Bharat by 2047," a painting contest titled "India 1947 vs India 2047," and a series of online quizzes covering topics such as the Constitution of India, Fundamental Rights and Duties, women in India's freedom movement, major milestones in modern India, and the country's achievements in space and nuclear technology. The top three winners in the essay, painting, and quiz categories will receive cash prizes of ₹15,000 each, while selected categories also feature consolation prizes. In addition, the top 200 participants, along with one companion, will receive e-invitations to witness the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2026. UGC has called upon all HEIs to disseminate the information widely among students so that they can actively participate in the national celebrations and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047
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