About the Contest
Nāgrika's Annual Youth Writing Contest – 7th Edition, titled "My City's Eye Witness," is a national-level creative writing competition organized by Nāgrika, the competition aims to inspire thoughtful conversations about urban life while nurturing the next generation of creative writers.
Eligibility Criteria
The contest is open to:
- Young adults aged 18 to 30 years
- Participants from across India
Writing Details
Participants may submit original entries in the following formats:
- Story
- Essay
- Letter
Word Limit: 1,000–3,000 words
Languages Accepted:
- English
- Hindi
Separate categories will be evaluated for both languages.
Theme
My City's Eye Witness
Write from the perspective of a non-human witness in a public space that has silently observed the city's journey over time. Your writing should creatively capture the stories, memories, transformations, and emotions associated with urban life.
Registration Fee
Participation is Completely FREE
There is no registration fee, making the contest accessible to aspiring writers from all parts of India.
Prizes and Recognition
Outstanding entries will receive attractive cash prizes:
Submission Guidelines
Participants should ensure that:
- The submission is original and unpublished.
- The entry follows the prescribed word limit.
- The writing aligns with the contest theme.
- The entry is submitted before the deadline.
Important Dates
Last Date for Submission
- 31 July 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
Participants are encouraged to submit their entries well before the deadline.
Registration Link:
https://www.nagrika.org/writing-contest
How to Apply
- Visit the official Nāgrika Writing Contest webpage.
- Read the contest guidelines carefully.
- Prepare your original writing based on the theme "My City's Eye Witness."
- Complete the online submission form.
- Upload your entry before 31 July 2026 (11:59 PM IST).
Note
The Nāgrika Annual Youth Writing Contest – 7th Edition provides a wonderful platform for young writers to express their creativity while reflecting on the changing stories of India's cities. By imagining urban spaces through the eyes of silent witnesses, participants can develop meaningful narratives that celebrate memory, community, and civic life.
