We are proud to announce that EHC Student, Nabihah Begum, has been awarded first place in the poetry category of the inaugural Ikigai 2024 competition, hosted by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). Her prize included £500 and the opportunity to showcase her work at the festival in London.

The Ikigai competition was designed to inspire creativity among young people, inviting pairs—one under 18 and one over 18—to explore the connections between people, nature, and infrastructure through artistic expression. With five categories available, the event attracted numerous entries from talented young poets.

Nabihah’s poem, titled “Echoes of Eternity,” captivated the judges with its compelling narrative that intricately weaves together themes of nature and modern life. The judges praised her work as a standout example of how poetry can reflect contemporary challenges and aspirations.

The competition’s theme “Making connections for a nature- and people-positive world” aims to engage young generations in important discussions about sustainable development and civil engineering’s role within it.

Nabihah discovered the competition through Elliott Hudson College’s weekly Student Bulletin and teamed up with fellow student Zymal Mahmood. The two were thrilled to attend the awards ceremony in London, where they received their accolades from former Dragon’s Den judge Deborah Meaden.

“Winning this competition is an incredible honour,” Nabihah shared. “I hope my poem inspires others to consider our relationship with the environment.”

The Ikigai 2024 festival was held at One Great George Street (OGGS) in London, where finalists presented their works and engaged with attendees in a celebration of art and innovation.

As the first festival of its kind organized by ICE, Ikigai 2024 aims to foster essential connections between civil engineering, nature, and the arts, paving the way for a more sustainable and harmonious future.

Elliott Hudson College is immensely proud of Nabihah’s achievement, showcasing the talent and creativity of its students. With her remarkable voice, Nabihah Begum stands as an inspiring example of how young people can influence conversations around sustainability and creativity in today’s world.

“Echoes of Eternity”
by Nabihah Begum and Zymal Mahmood

In a world where nature’s beauty shines,
And people’s hearts align,
Bridges of hope and roads of dreams,
Connect us all, or so it seems.

Trees whisper tales of ancient times,
As cities grow with rhythmic chimes,
Beneath the sky, where dreams take flight,
In harmony, nature and cities unite.

Beneath the canopy of green,
A world where love is often seen,
Where buildings rise with gentle grace,
And parks invite a joyful embrace.

In this realm of harmony and light,
Where nature’s song and city’s might,
Blend to form a world so bright,
With infrastructure built just right.

In a realm where nature’s hues,
Merge with cities, not to confuse,
Bridging hearts and minds anew,
In a world where all your dreams come true.

Where rivers flow, and forests stand,
Amidst the buzz of a bustling land,
Where roads wind through hills and streams,
In a symphony of hopes and dreams.

In this tapestry of green and gray,
Where nature thrives in the urban fray,
A harmonious world, so grand,
With infrastructure hand in hand.