2023
- Thinking is like a game; it does not begin unless there is an opposite team.
- Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.
- Not all who wander are lost.
- Inspiration for creativity springs from the effort to look for the magical in the mundane.
- Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands — two equally harmful disciplines.
- Mathematics is the Music of Reason.
- A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity.
- Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
2022
Value based / Ethical Issues
- A smile is the chosen vehicle for all ambiguities.
- Just because you have a choice, it does not mean that any of them has to be right.
Philosophical
- The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.
- You can not step twice in the same river.
- A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ship is for.
Miscellaneous / Mixed
- Forests are the best case studies for economic excellence. (Environment / Economics)
- Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world (Literature / Socio-political-economic impacts)
- History is a series of victories won by the scientific man over the romantic man (History / Values / Philosophy)
2021
Philosophical
- Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of me.
- Philosophy of wantlessness is Utopian, while materialism is a chimera.
- The real is rational and the rational is real.
- Hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.
History / Culture
- History repeats itself, first as a tragedy, second as a farce.
Science and Technology
- What is research, but a blind date with knowledge!
Miscellaneous / Mixed
- There are better practices to “best practices”. (Multiple Themes)
- The process of self-discovery has now been technologically outsourced. (Philosophy / Technology)
2020
Value based / Ethical Issues
- Life is long journey between human being and being humane.
Philosophical
- Mindful manifesto is the catalyst to a tranquil self.
- Ships do not sink because of water around them; ships sink because of water that gets into them.
- Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
History / Culture
- Culture is what we are, civilization is what we have.
Social Issues
- There can be no social justice without economic prosperity but economic prosperity without social justice is meaningless.
- Patriarchy is the least noticed yet the most significant structure of social inequality.
Miscellaneous / Mixed
- Technology as the silent factor in international relations (Technology / International Relation).
2019
Value based / Ethical Issues
- Values are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be.
- Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success.
Philosophical
- Wisdom finds truth.
History / Culture
- South Asian societies are woven not around the state, but around their plural cultures and plural identities.
Social Issues
- Best for an individual is not necessarily best for the society.
- Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for its backwardness.
Science & Technology
- Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunities through reskilling and upskilling.
Media
- Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy.
2018
Value based / Ethical Issues
- A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
- A people that value its privileges above its principles lose both.
- “The past’ is a permanent dimension of human consciousness and values.
- Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life.
Philosophical
- Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it.
Social Issues
- Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.
Environment
- Alternative technologies for a climate change resilient India.
IR & Security
- Management of Indian border disputes – a complex task.
2017
Philosophical
- Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.
Social Issues
- Fulfilment of ‘new woman’ in India is a myth.
Media
- Social media is inherently a selfish medium Domain.
IR & Security
- Has the Non- Alignment Movement (NAM) lost its relevance in a multi-polar world Domain.
Economy
- Farming has lost the ability to be a source of subsistence for majority of farmers in India Domain. (Agriculture)
- Impact of the new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India Domain.
Education
- Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms.
Polity & Governance
- We may brave human laws but cannot resist natural laws Domain.
2016
Value based / Ethical Issues
- Need brings greed, if greed increases it spoils breed.
Social Issues
- If development is not engendered, it is endangered.
Science & Technology
- Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run Domain.
Economy
- Near jobless growth in India: An anomaly or an outcome of economic reforms.
Polity & Governance
- Water disputes between states in federal India Domain.
- Cooperative federalism: Myth or reality India.
Miscellaneous / Mixed
- Digital economy: A leveller or a source of economic inequality. (Technology / Economy)
- Innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare Domain. (Technology / Economy / Social Sector)
2015
Value based / Ethical Issues
- Character of an institution is reflected in its leader.
Philosophical
- Lending hands to someone is better than giving a dole.
- Quick but steady wins the race.
Science & Technology
- Technology cannot replace manpower.
Economy
- Can capitalism bring inclusive growth?
Miscellaneous / Mixed
- Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever devil. (Education / Ethics)
- Crisis faced in India – moral or economic. (Morality / Economics)
2014
Value based / Ethical Issues
- With greater power comes greater responsibility.
Philosophical
- Words are sharper than the two-edged sword.
Media
- Is sting operation an invasion on privacy?
Economy
- Was it the policy paralysis or the paralysis of implementation which slowed the growth of our country?
- Tourism: Can this be the next big thing for India?
Education
- Is the growing level of competition good for the youth?
- Are the standardized tests, good measure of academic ability or progress?
Miscellaneous / Mixed
- Dreams which should not let India sleep. (Multiple themes)
- Fifty Gold’s in Olympics: Can this be a reality for India? (Sports / Governance)
2013
Philosophical
- Be the change you want to see in others – Gandhiji
Science & Technology
- Science and technology is the panacea for the growth and security of the nation.
Economy
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product) along with GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness) would be the right indices for judging the well-being of a country.
Miscellaneous / Mixed
- Is the Colonial mentality hindering India’s Success? (History / Culture / Growth & Development / Ethics)
