Teen thinker ranks among global best at Commonwealth Essay Competition

Sidharth Singh, a Class IX student of Sacred Heart Convent International School in Ludhiana, has earned the Silver Award at the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025, the world’s oldest international writing contest.

The Royal Commonwealth Society selected him for the honour after a rigorous review by an international panel of judges.

This year’s competition drew 53,434 entries from more than fifty countries, making it one of the most competitive editions in recent years. Only the top few participants are recognised with the ‘Silver’ distinction, placing Sidharth among the strongest young writers across the Commonwealth.

What gives this achievement extra weight is the calibre of the signatories on his certificate. Sir Ben Okri OBE, celebrated Booker Prize winner; Imtiaz Dharker, an internationally-acclaimed poet, and Janet Cooper OBE, Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society. Their approval reflects a standard of writing that is thoughtful, nuanced, and globally aware.

The annual contest encourages young people to think deeply about the values that shape the Commonwealth. Themes often draw students toward conversations on equality, community, leadership and inclusion.