Odyssey International 2026: A Grand Finale
After four days of ideas, imagination and artistic expression, the International Literary Olympiad ‘Odyssey International 2026’ drew to a memorable close at the Dr Jagdish Gandhi Auditorium, CMS Rajajipuram Campus I.
The concluding ceremony was inaugurated by Chief Guest Justice Syed Qamar Hasan Rizvi, Judge, High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Lucknow Bench, who lit the ceremonial lamp and felicitated the winning participants.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Rizvi fondly remembered his time as a student at CMS Chowk Campus. He reflected on the larger purpose of educational events such as Odyssey, emphasising that ideas cannot be confined and that education must extend beyond the boundaries of the classroom. He further stressed that technological advancement must go hand in hand with the conservation of the environment, energy and natural resources, while sustainable development must be rooted in social justice, harmony and enduring human values.
A Conversation on India, War and the World
The closing ceremony also featured an insightful interaction with Shaurya Chakra awardee Colonel (Dr.) Divakaran Padma Kumar (DPK) Pillay, who spoke about his acclaimed book India at War.
Drawing from a life shaped by military service, strategic thought and public engagement, Colonel Pillay explored the story of a civilisation that has endured invasions, empires, partitions and wars while retaining its distinct identity.
Senior students engaged with him in an open conversation, raising thoughtful questions on Indian diplomacy, military preparedness and India’s relationships with other nations. The exchange offered them an opportunity to look beyond the pages of history and literature towards the complex realities that shape a nation and its place in the world.
Celebrating Excellence
The moment of triumph belonged to St Mark’s Senior Secondary Public School, New Delhi, which emerged as the Overall Champion of Odyssey International 2026, demonstrating remarkable knowledge, creativity and talent across the Olympiad.
View the complete list of event winners
The victorious participants were honoured with trophies, medals and certificates, bringing a fitting close to four days of spirited competition and creative endeavour.
An Ending That Carries Forward the Flame
Expressing her gratitude to the participating students and team leaders, Mrs Nisha Pandey, Senior Principal of CMS Rajajipuram Campus I and Convenor of Odyssey International 2026, invited the participants to return for the next edition of Odyssey.
She reflected that while the Olympiad had come to an end, the inspiration it had kindled for sustainable development, social upliftment and social harmony would continue well beyond the auditorium.
And so, Odyssey came to a close not simply with the celebration of winners, but with a larger idea worth carrying forward: when literature inspires reflection and imagination is guided by responsibility, young minds can become authors not only of stories, but of a better future.
