What: The Ramawatar Gupt Pratibha Puraskar by Sanmarg Foundation partnered by The Telegraph

When: June 25, 11.30am

Where: Science City auditorium

It's an endeavour to encourage students to perform well in the national language. The Ramawatar Gupt Pratibha Puraskar by Sanmarg Foundation partnered by The Telegraph has done so consistently over the past years by felicitating board toppers in Hindi. The stage is now set for the 10th edition of the awards that will recognise the feat of 300 students from schools in Calcutta and Howrah.

The response has been overwhelming, says Ruchika Gupta, director of Sanmarg Foundation, with 3,500 entries pouring in from across the boards. The foundation has raised the entry cut-offs this year, making the eligibility criteria stricter than previous years.

A special award will be given to the best school. Top three performers from each board will receive cash prizes. While the Ankur Puraskar will be awarded to students who have excelled in extra-curricular activities in the subject, the Ajay Puraskar will honour the grit and determination of those who have scored well despite recently developed physical disabilities. This year, students from Calcutta University, Presidency University and Jadavpur University too will get awards for excellence in Hindi.

"The aim of this award is to encourage students to do well in Hindi. And we have succeeded in our mission, to some extent. The award has helped increase the percentile of marks across the boards. In 2006-07, the highest used to be around 90-92. Today, students are securing even 99," said Gupta. "Students interested in pursing higher studies in Hindi can apply to our foundation for scholarships. We would be elated to help them," she added.