Patna Women’s College students pen their essays at the competition on Tuesday. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, July 19: Students of Patna Women’s College today wracked their brains to devise ways to tackle corruption.

The occasion was a national-level Hindi essay-writing competition — How to tackle corruption — organised on the premises of Patna Women’s College. An initiative of Hindustan Prachar Sabha, a Mumbai-based organisation, 100-odd students took part in the competition.

In two-and-a-half hours, the students were asked to pen down essays between 7,500 and 10,000 words.

The competition, without a doubt, reflected the awareness among the students on the issue, as they suggested various solutions to tackle corruption in society.

One of the participants, Surbhi Rani said: “My essay emphasises on strengthening the judiciary system and police administration. I feel that youths should be more aware about the Right to Information Act and its constructive use.”

Some also voiced their opinion in favour of every individual being brought under the purview of Lokpal.

Neelam Kumari, a participant, said: “People should develop a better political understanding and the uneducated should be made aware of their fundamental rights, especially their right to vote. A strict Lokpal bill should also be passed under which every individual should be covered.”

The Hindi department of Patna Women’s College was delegated the responsibility to conduct the competition.

“We wanted to encourage our students to take part in this competition as first, such topics compel youths to think on issues that affect society. Second, Hindi is our national language and this was a good way to promote the language and help youths develop a better command over it,” said Sharan Saheli, the Hindi head of department.

“Expressing opinions on a topic like this develops the analytical ability of these youngsters at an age when they start forming opinions,” said college principal Sister Doris D’ Souza

The top three wiunners of the competition will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively by the Hindustan Prachar Sabha.

Five consolation prizes of Rs 5,000 each will also be awarded once the results are declared after the essays are sent to the Mumbai head office of the organisation for assessment.