BHUBANESWAR: Adyasha Mishra and Anwesha Rath, students of Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR), Bhubaneswar, and Prabalini Mishra from Maharshi College of Natural Law in the capital city won the first, second and third prize respectively as young voices lit up the just-a-minute (JAM) contest on the concluding day of the Odisha Literary Festival on Sunday.
Adyasha who spoke on ‘Why is global peace crucial for human progress?’ emerged the winner and was awarded a cash prize of Rs 15,000 while Anwesha Rath secured second position with a cash award of Rs 10,000. Prabalini secured the third position with a cash award of Rs 5,000.
They were adjudged by a jury comprising author and journalist Ipsita Chakravarty, Dhadak 2 director Shazia Iqbal and writer Rahul Badwelkar. The New Indian Express editorial director Prabhu Chawla and resident editor, Odisha, Siba Mohanty presented cash prizes to the winners.
Students from across the city participated in this contest, showcasing their exemplary speaking skills. The opening round witnessed 13 participants, where each contestant was given one minute to speak on a given topic.
The jury for this round, comprising senior journalist Kaveree Bamzai and associate editor of TNIE, Odisha, SN Agragami, judged the participants on their speed, language skills, expressions, body language and spontaneity. Five finalists were chosen among them.
“It was an overwhelming experience. I wasn’t prepared and was very nervous on stage but it turned out to be a wonderful moment. I thank TNIE for giving youngsters such opportunities,” said Adyasha, adding such platforms help young minds put their thoughts before the society.
Expressing appreciation for the participants’ confidence and the way they presented their ideas on the spot, jury member Ipsita Chakravarty said, “The winners were decided based on their articulation, spontaneity and clarity of expression.”