Yuvabharathian secures first prize in International Peace Essay Competition

Melissa Angel Reuben of Grade 10 from Yuvabharathi Public School participated in the second edition of the Istanbul Rotary Peace Essay Competition organised by the Istanbul Rotary Club, a leading club in Rotary District 2420. The competition aims to raise awareness among youth and motivate them to develop ideas for maintaining peace and fostering a culture of peace. This international competition invited high school students to explore how education can contribute to the development of a lasting culture of peace. This year's topic was "A Gateway to Peace: An Education-Based Roadmap Shaped by Youth".

Melissa has been awarded First Place in this International Rotary Peace Essay Competition. Her essay was chosen from 482 submissions across 26 countries, making a meaningful global impact in promoting peace and unity. As part of this prestigious honour, Melissa was invited to Antalya and later Istanbul, Türkiye, where she received the First Prize and addressed the international gathering at the Rotary Peace Summit 2026. The President of the Istanbul Rotary Club, Prof. Dr. Uğur Haklar, presented her with a cash prize of 3,000 US dollars in recognition of her outstanding achievement. The Istanbul Rotary Club also recognised her as one of the Top 10 Voices for Peace, and she was presented with a special book, On Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, an inspiring reflection on leadership and shared human values.

The author of two books titled "In Too Deep" and "Don't Call It Love", Melissa shines as an icon of youth excellence, global recognition, and the power of young voices in shaping a hopeful future.