Auckland House School’s Pritha Doegar Wins Gold at The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition 2026
Pritha Doegar, a Class XII Humanities student of Auckland House School, has brought distinction to the institution by winning a prestigious Gold Award at The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition 2026, one of the Commonwealth’s oldest and most renowned international writing competitions for young people. Her award-winning creative piece, titled “Souls Translated,” explores the power of personal interests in connecting people across cultures and communities.
The 2026 theme, “Common Ground: Better Together,” encouraged young writers to reflect on the shared values, experiences and aspirations that unite people across the diverse Commonwealth. Responding to the theme, Pritha drew upon the prompt of “hobby” and how it connects a person to other people, either locally or across the Commonwealth despite cultural and geographical differences.
An avid reader with a keen interest in creative writing, Pritha has consistently demonstrated a flair for literary expression. Her intellectual interests extend to history, political science and international affairs, reflecting her curiosity about the world and its diverse social, political and cultural perspectives. Her ability to engage with ideas, analyse issues and articulate her thoughts with clarity has contributed to her growing literary accomplishments.
Her Gold Award is particularly significant as she won a Bronze Medal in the same competition last year. Progressing from Bronze to Gold within a year, Pritha has demonstrated her commitment to writing, intellectual growth and perseverance. Her achievement stands out in the 2026 edition, which received a record 53,840 entries from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries.
Pritha’s success highlights the value of nurturing young voices and providing students with opportunities to express their ideas on an international platform. It also reflects how reading, critical thinking and creative expression can foster a deeper understanding of people, cultures and the world around us.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition has been delivered by the Royal Commonwealth Society since 1883. Recognised as the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, it encourages young people to engage with contemporary issues and explore themes rooted in Commonwealth values, fostering empathy, open-mindedness and a spirit of shared responsibility.
Pritha’s achievement is a moment of pride for Auckland House School and an inspiration to aspiring young writers. Her journey from Bronze to Gold reflects not only her growing literary confidence but also the power of curiosity, thoughtful expression and a sustained passion for the written word.
