The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’

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United Service Institution of India

UNITED SERVICE INSTITUTION OF INDIA

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War Wounded Foundation Joint Essay Competition

USI-War Wounded Foundation Joint
Essay Competition 2024

Subject: Caring for the War-Disabled – How will their Treatment Impact Future Recruitment
into the Armed Forces ?

Concept

1.     The essay on the subject should be approached keeping in mind the following:

  • During war when a soldier becomes a battle casualty, his future becomes uncertain. This causes tension and discomfort. All soldiers of the Indian Army need to be assured that if they get disabled, they will be cared for and their careers will be protected. This assurance motivates them to take risks and do their best, by putting ‘country first, and self-last’, thereby ensuring victory in war. Failure to care for the war-disabled and protection of their careers, would  demotivate persons from joining the armed forces. This would have an adverse impact on the motivation and morale of serving armed forces personnel and particularly on the recruitment of personnel into the armed forces.
  • In view of the above, it is of paramount importance that a comprehensive policy is evolved and enunciated that takes care of all aspects of the care and career protection of the war-disabled.

Rules

2.     The competition is open to all members of the Armed Forces of India, the Territorial Army, Assam Rifles and the Senior Division of National Cadet Corps, and the Paramilitary Forces, Police and Civil Administration in India including retired personnel. Entries by foreign nationals are also accepted.

3.     The word limit of the essay is between 3,000 to 4,000 words (including footnotes). The word-length should be shown in brackets at the end of the essay. Entries not exhibiting the number of words or those exceeding the word limit are liable to be rejected.

4.     Essays should be written in the English language and printed on one side of the paper in double space. Hardcopies only should be submitted in TRIPLICATE.

5.     Hardcopy essays will be strictly ANONYMOUS. No detail pertaining to the author is to be mentioned on the hardcopy essay or in the covering letter. One sealed envelope is to accompany the essay with a paper indicating the author’s name, address, email. Service officers are to indicate their personal number, rank, date of commission, unit, address and e-mail. On the outside of the envelope, only the title of the essay is to be written. These envelopes will be opened during the USI Council meeting, after the judges have given their decision. Essays violating the anonymity rule will be rejected.

6.     The essay must be an author’s personal and original effort. Sources are to be cited in the laid down format. Jointly written essays are not accepted.  Winning entries will be run through an anti-plagiarism software.  Entries displaying blatant plagiarism of content and for which a soft copy is not received will be rejected.

7.     Three judges chosen by the USI will adjudicate. Marks will be given on the basis of the following: -

  • The extent to which the contribution throws fresh light on the subject.
  • Whether in the whole or in large part it is in a form suitable for publication.
  • Understanding of the subject.
  • Thought, logic, development of theme.
  • Language/expression.
  • Essays must have relevant footnote references and a bibliography, as applicable. Essay NOT having footnotes or bibliography will be rejected.

8.     The award of the judges will be final. They may
recommend the first prize to the winner (a certificate and cash prize of Rs.15,000/-), as well as a certificate and cash prize of Rs.10,000/- to the runners-up.  Winners of the essay competition will also be given a gratis Life Membership of the USI.  The names of the winners of the essay competition and the winning essays if recommended by the judges for publication will be published in the forthcoming USI Journals.

9.     The Institution reserves the right not to make an award, if none of the essays submitted are of a standard which the judges consider adequate.

10.   Copyright of all essays submitted will be reserved by the USI.

11.   All essays should be sent to the Director General, United Service Institution of India, Rao Tula Ram Marg, Post Bag No.8, Vasant Vihar PO, New Delhi - 110 057, to be received not later than 15 Sep 2024. Softcopies should be emailed to usi.wwfessay@gmail.com. Essays received after last date will not be accepted. The envelopes should be marked as follows:

‘USI-War Wounded Foundation Joint Essay Competition 2024’

12.   For any clarifications/queries please contact the Director CMHCS at usi.wwfessay@gmail.com

Style Sheet

13.       All essays must conform to the CMHCS style sheet, available at https://usiofindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/style-guide-CMSCS-1.doc.