Government of Maharashtra in association with Wattpad India launches a creative writing contest for school students
Mumbai: The Government of Maharashtra in association with private and state-run schools and Wattpad India, the world’s largest social storytelling platform, launches a creative writing campaign inviting participation from school students across the state.
With schools moving online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a reduced scope for students to participate in co-curricular activities. The Maharashtra Government identified this gap and decided to undertake competitions and workshops virtually.
Creative writing is an ideal outlet for young people to express themselves, share their voice, build confidence, and let their imagination run wild. With a community of more than 90 million people worldwide, Wattpad empowers readers and writers to discover and share stories from science fiction to romance and everything in between.
Students 13 and older from across the state are invited to share stories written in English, Hindi or Marathi. The topics are listed below:
● Grade 7 & 8: “Story of Covid Heroes that I have seen around” –
Word Limit 200-250 Words
● Grade 9 & 10: “What do you think of the year 2020 and how can 2021 be better”-
Word Limit 300-350 words
● Grade 11 & 12: “What is your vision of India for the year 2030?”-
Word Limit would be 400-500 words
The winning entries will be published across the Times of India Network and all participating students will receive digital certificates from Wattpad. It will also provide a unique opportunity to students in the remotest areas of Maharashtra to share their stories/outlook with a global audience.
Commenting on the launch of this contest, Mr. Rahul Dwivedi, Director of State Council of Educational Research and Training, (SCERT) Maharashtra, Pune from Government of Maharashtra said “Since reopening of schools ‘virtually’ from June 2020, students have been e-learning their academic curriculum from within the confines of their respective homes. Regrettably, online schooling has led to a devoid of social engagement with other students. As a step to overcome this situation, giving children a platform to express their experiences, thoughts and ideas we are hosting a creative writing contest for students thereby providing them with an opportunity to participate in co-curricular activities and engage with like-minded students.”
Devashish Sharma, India Country Head, Wattpad said “Wattpad is delighted to partner with the Government of Maharashtra to teach students about the power of storytelling. From an increase in user sign-ups to an increase in stories written on Wattpad, there’s been a surge of people turning to storytelling as a way to connect and cope during the COVID-19 crisis. We hope this campaign will encourage students to explore their creativity, share their unique perspectives, and connect with the global Wattpad community, the most diverse readers and storytellers on the planet.”
Students can simply submit their entries on the following links; English, Hindi And Marathi. The last date of submission is January 17, 2021.