CBSE Expression Series on Atal Bihari Vajpayee – Drawing & Essay Competition (2015)

The CBSE Expression Series is a creative initiative launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to give students a platform for expressing their ideas on important national themes. The series encourages students to participate through essays, poems, and drawings, helping them connect their creativity with social awareness. By engaging young learners in such activities, CBSE aims to nurture values of patriotism, critical thinking, and artistic expression.

About the Vajpayee Edition (2015)

In December 2015, CBSE organized a special Expression Series dedicated to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, poet, and statesman. The event was held on 18–19 December 2015 across CBSE-affiliated schools nationwide.

This competition was designed to help students learn more about Vajpayee’s life, leadership, and vision for India. Through drawings, essays, and poems, participants reflected on his contributions to politics, society, and literature.

Format and Categories

  • Date: 18–19 December 2015

  • Eligibility: Students of CBSE-affiliated schools (Classes I–XII)

  • Medium: English or any of India’s 22 scheduled languages

  • Categories:

    • Classes I–V: Essay/Poem/Drawing (up to 250 words)

    • Classes VI–VIII: Essay/Poem/Drawing (up to 500 words)

    • Classes IX–XII: Essay/Poem/Drawing (up to 700 words)

Entries were submitted online or via mobile app/WhatsApp, while schools without internet access could send photos of handwritten entries.

Topics

Each age group received specific themes related to Vajpayee ji’s life and values, such as:

  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an inspiration for younger generations

  • Vajpayee’s dream of a hunger-free India

  • Vajpayee: the poet, the parliamentarian, and the leader

  • Contribution to international peace and harmony

Awards and Recognition

  • 36 winners were selected (12 from each category).

  • Each winner received a cash prize of ₹2,500 along with a merit certificate.

  • All participants were awarded digital certificates as recognition of their effort.

  • Results were officially announced on 25 December 2015, coinciding with the observance of Good Governance Day.

Winners came from different parts of India, reflecting the national reach of the contest.

Impact of the Competition

The Expression Series on Atal Bihari Vajpayee played an important role in:

  • Encouraging students to engage with national history and leadership values

  • Providing a creative outlet through art and writing

  • Connecting schools with the broader vision of Good Governance Day

  • Inspiring future participation in cultural and literary competitions

Impact on Education

The 2015 Vajpayee Edition of the CBSE Expression Series played a significant role in promoting value-based education in India. By encouraging students to reflect on themes like good governance, peace, and patriotism, the competition aligned classroom learning with civic values. Teachers noted that such initiatives helped develop critical thinking and writing skills, while also nurturing artistic and creative expression among students.

Student Response

The series received wide participation from CBSE schools across India. Thousands of entries were submitted online and via WhatsApp, making it accessible even in rural areas. Students expressed enthusiasm for being able to showcase their creativity while paying tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Winners represented diverse regions, highlighting the nationwide impact of the event.

Continuity of the Expression Series

The Vajpayee edition was part of CBSE’s broader initiative to highlight great leaders of India. Later Expression Series competitions were organized on Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, and other national figures.

Even today, the Expression Series continues with new themes each year, ensuring that students across the country can share their perspectives, ideas, and creativity on topics of national importance.

References

  1. Official CBSE Circular

  2. Times of India Coverage

  3. KV Library Blog