Winners of The Telegraph Online 18 under 18 awards with Dr Shashi Tharoor and distinguished guests Source: The Telegraph Online Edugraph
The auditorium of South City International School, Kolkata, buzzed with energy and anticipation as The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards 2025, presented by EIILM-Kolkata, powered by UEM Kolkata and co-powered by Techno India University, unfolded on Friday, April 18.
The event celebrated the exceptional talents of a generation poised to shape the future. It honoured 18 outstanding young achievers from eastern India, all under age 18, for their remarkable accomplishments across diverse fields, including innovation, sports, science, performing arts, art, entrepreneurship, social impact and academics.
Chief guest Dr Shashi Tharoor, author, diplomat, Member of Parliament and the only man who can make floccinaucinihilipilification trend on social media, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
He extolled the young audience to strive to become the best versions of themselves.
“Understand who you are, and once you do, embrace it fully. Be the best 'you' that you can be, and the rest will fall into place,” he said.
“Life will guide them toward the path they are meant to follow. It is important that they continue to excel and stay motivated by their passion and hunger for growth,” he added.
The recipients of the awards were selected following rigorous interviews conducted by an esteemed jury panel of notable personalities such as Tanusree Shankar, Bickram Ghosh, Dr Jai Ranjan Ram, Debaditya Chaudhury, Indrajit Bhalotia, Sujata Sen, Dibyendu Barua, Mudar Patherya and Sumantra Chattarji.
"It was challenging to select the top 18 achievers for The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards,” said Tanusree Shankar. “The level of talent and passion displayed by all the participants was truly inspiring. The Telegraph Online Edugraph is doing invaluable work in discovering and recognising these brilliant young minds. These young individuals are the future of our nation, and we must celebrate their achievements.”
The other judges echoed the sentiment, pointing out how the sheer dynamism of the thousands of applicants had made their job so much more difficult as well as enjoyable.
Actress Swastika Mukherjee, who was a host of the event as she held a delightful onstage conversation with Tharoor that spanned from how he became a writer and discovered his love for reading to his message to young people, expressed her admiration for the remarkable talent on display.
"This initiative by The Telegraph Online Edugraph is simply outstanding. It is inspiring to see so many young people already at the height of their passion at such a tender age. I would also like to commend the parents for being their pillars of support as they pursue their dreams," she remarked.
Over 4,000 nominations were received from more than 500 schools across Eastern India for The Telegraph Online Edugraph 18 Under 18 Awards 2025 and the talent showcased by the young nominees was nothing short of extraordinary.
Click here to meet the winners of 18 Under 18 Awards 2025.