Each year the Mr. Vittal Pundalik Rege Essay Competition is held through the Science Center. This competition is for students in 7th, 9th, and 11th grades and college graduates in order to increase awareness and encourage free thinking about pertinent issues and current events.
The Essay Competition began in 2003 through the generous support of Dr. Lalita Gandbhir from the United States in remembrance of her father, the lateMr. Vittal Pundalik Rege. During August of each year, books about that year's essay theme are distributed to all participating schools. Students are then able to read about the selected topics and prepare well in advance of the competition. The Competition occurs in September, during which annually over 1000 students participate. Awards are presented to the best essay in each grade for each school, as well as the best essay for each grade overall. Each year the topics for the Essay Competition change in light of current events and pertinent issues.