New York Life honors 15 winners of essay competition on India

New York, Oct 13 (UNI) New York Life Insurance Company, which has a joint venture in India with Max India, has held a reception to honor the 15 winners of the 'Bharat Yatra VI, Journey to India' essay competition.

Entrants, in the age group of 18-23, were asked to submit a 1,500-word essay about India's development and the challenges associated with its economy, education, culture, environment and other important aspects of daily life there.

New York Life's Asian Indian Market created the 'Bharat Yatra' contest to instill a sense of giving back to the community among second-generation Indian-Americans and sponsored an all-expense paid trip to India for the winners.

The 30-minute video unveiled at the weekend reception, 'Seizing Our Destiny: A Documentary', captured the group's visits to various institutions serving the deprived and the physically challenged.

'' The sixth annual essay contest and trip to India is further evidence of New York Life's active involvement in the Indian community and our unwavering commitment to its people,'' said Chris Blunt, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Life and Annuity Department.

''I'm pleased that New York Life Insurance gave these students an opportunity to feed their thirst for knowledge, and I am sure they will return the favour by changing the world for the better,'' Chris added.

Kunal Kothari of the Dil Se Foundation (a byproduct of the essay competitions held earlier), honored Chris Blunt with the traditional Indian shawl.

Ashwin K Verma, corporate vice president of the Agency Department and chief marketing officer of cultural markets at New York Life, cited his organisation's growing bond with India and the Indian-American community.

''By giving Asian-Indian students the chance to visit their homeland, the company is strengthening its connection to India and its people, culture and heritage. I'm proud to be part of this enriching experience,'' he said.

He added that the documentary will enable thousands of Asian-Indian children in the United States to see India through the eyes of these talented students.

The contest is sponsored in conjunction with the India Tourism Office in New York and Air India.

This year's 15 winners visited Maharashtra, whereas earlier groups toured Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Karnataka.

The latest trip, which took place between July 20 and August 4, taught the younger Indian-Americans about India's economy, education, culture, environment and other important aspects of daily life as they travelled the land and met with non-governmental organisations, community leaders and other dignitaries.

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