The-Jeddah-based Mohammad Abdulrahman Sahib Memorial Symposium Committee will organize an essay competition and symposium under the theme “Feel India 2014” next month to enlighten the public about Abdurahman Sahib’s vision and his contributions to the Indian independence struggle.

“The essay competition is exclusively for students of Indian schools in Jeddah, including girls schools,” said Abdul Rahman, chairman of the committee. The impact and importance of Abdulrahman Sahib’s vision for a long lasting secular, democratic, developed, progressive and united India is the key topic of the competition.

“This is the first ever essay competition held to enlighten the youth and teens while refreshing the memories of the seniors about the outstanding contributions of Abdulrahman Sahib toward India’s freedom movement,” Chairman Rahman told Arab News.

Contestants have been classified into three groups: Group A contains students from classes five to seven, Group B contains students from classes eight to ten, and Group C contains students from classes eleven and twelve.

Applicants can send scanned copies of their essays (not exceeding five A4 pages) along with a copy of their school ID to [email protected] and [email protected] to enter. Participants should submit their essays on or before December 5th.

Contest organisers noted that “essays can be written in both Malayalam and English,” adding that top scorers from each group would be given a chance to present their papers at the symposium to be hold December 12th, while other winners will get certificates and prizes.

Abdulrahman Sahib, nicknamed “The lion of Kerala”, was a charismatic leader, freedom fighter, writer, educationist, orator, journalist, social reformer, environmentalist, teacher, printer and publisher. His uncompromising stand bothered the British, and he was tortured and imprisoned for many years. He died on Nov. 23, 1945 at the age of 47.

Abdul Rahman said the symposium will be addressed by community leaders, writers, academicians, journalists, professionals and diplomats.