Ludhiana, July 17
The University of Hawaii, Honolulu, USA, in association with the East West Center has awarded the certificate of excellence to Jalnidh Kaur, a student of Class X of Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar.

Jalnidh Kaur had participated in “Values for life”, an international essay contest held under the auspices of the Polynesian Voyaging Society recently. She has been granted the title of “Asia Pacific Leadership Programme Junior Fellow”.

The award was presented to her by Nainoa Thompson, executive director of the society, and a member of the Board of Regents for the University of Hawaii.

Participants from nine countries in the age group of 14 to 18 took part. Only four were finally shortlisted.

Jalnidh Kaur was the only winner from India, while the others were from Bhutan and USA. She was the youngest of all the winners.

Jalnidh Kaur was invited to attend the 24th annual pacific educational conference in Honolulu from July 9 to 12. The winners presented their essays on world peace to the delegates and also answered their questions. The topic of her essay was “Nurturing the plant of peace”.

Talking to Ludhiana Tribune, Jalnidh Kaur said she came to know of the contest through the Internet. She filled the form and sent her essay. She got a reply on June 13 that she had been selected.

“I felt on top of the world when I was invited to present my essay in the USA,” said an elated Jalnidh, who wants to become an IAS officer.

Her father Sarabjeet Singh said his daughter had great writing skills.

The Hawaii department of education hosted a dinner in honour of the winners. The airfare, local hospitality and registration of the winners and their guardians for the conference was sponsored by the East West Center in collaboration with Nisei Veterans Endowed Forum Series, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Hawaii.

Jalnidh Kaur attributes her achievement to the god and continuous guidance, support and inspiration of her teachers and parents.