Denied a much-anticipated game of cricket, Harmanan Singh, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Mumbai in India, devised a way to give disadvantaged children the opportunity to play sports. It was a bright summer day – ideal conditions for a game of cricket. My friends and I had a long summer break to go as we started proceedings for the …

“All we wanted was a small playground” Read More »

A small scale venture to promote education can be a first step toward economic opportunity, writes Ishan Agarwal, 20, a Correspondent from Kolkata in India, as he envisions a plan to help the poorest of the poor. India, though termed as a developing country, is plagued by a multitude of social, economic, environmental, infrastructure, political …

“Solving challenges that face my community” Read More »

Mridul Upadhyay, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi, interviews Ayswarrya Ganapathiraman, a student leader and the Asia Representative in the Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA) Steering Committee. He finds that her insight helps to explain the role of the CSA.  Mridul: Hi Ayswarrya! What is the CSA and why is it important? Ayswarrya: CSA is an …

“Interview: a Commonwealth student leader” Read More »

The value of truth has a central role in bringing peace to society, writes Ishan Agarwal, 20, a Correspondent from Kolkata in India, as he reflects on society’s emphasis on materialism and progress.  I am a simple boy. My world revolves around my loving parents, caring friends and motivating teachers. My upbringing has been in a culturally …

“Truth has value in a world of materialism” Read More »

Diwali is a celebration of light that infuses the atmosphere with happiness, but Abhilash Borah, 21, a Correspondent from Assam, India, sees it as a time to reflect on the needs of others and on the power of education. This is the time of celebrations of joy, and the time of life to enjoy the …

“Diwali raises concern about child workers” Read More »

Peace and development are two sides of the same coin, writes Omang Agarwal, 19, a Correspondent from India, as he reflects on how peace affects both individuals and nations. Peace has become a very important issue with reference to the current sufferings being witnessed by fellow “earth-ians” from different countries. The civil wars in Iraq …

“Peace and development” Read More »

Preconceived attitudes can limit the potential of individuals, writes Ishan Agarwal, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Kolkata in India, who argues in favour of challenging bias to allow personal and societal growth.  Often we are prevented from achieving success in a given field or endeavour, not due to lack of talent or skill, but rather due …

“Don’t let prejudice dissuade your ambition” Read More »

Feminism is a controversial issue, writes Omang Agarwal, 19, a Correspondent from India, but he suggests that looking at the women in one’s own family can make a strong argument in favour of gender equality. Feminism in India has been controversial and under fire due to the influence of many traditions, religions, customs and orthodox laws. …

“My reasons for supporting feminism” Read More »

The benefits of development have not been equally distributed, especially when it comes to education, writes Abhilash Borah, 21, a Correspondent from Assam, India, who argues for increased monitoring and continued effort to ensure children have access to quality schooling.  It was one noteworthy wintery day, part of a week studying a 1600-million-year-old geologic structure in …

“Reflections on reaching development goals” Read More »

An enterprising company is working to provide electricity to low income and rural households, writes Naman Sanghvi, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from India. Ironically, the idea developed during a bike trip while making a film about India’s energy industry. Compared to the global average of 2600 kWh, the per capita average annual domestic electricity consumption of rural …

“Cycling India’s coal belt led to solar energy “ Read More »