The Yuva Program of FIHCR is proud to announce the launch of the Sri Aurobindo Annual History Essay Competition on 23rd October 2024. This competition encourages students to explore India’s rich history through engaging topics, helping them better understand and appreciate our heritage.
About Sri Aurobindo Ghosh
Sri Aurobindo Ghosh (1872–1950) is known for his work as a spiritual visionary but he also played a prominent role in India’s fight for independence. After completing his education in England, he returned to India in 1893 and became a leader in the nationalist movement, advocating for Poorna Swaraj through the newspaper Bande Mataram. In 1910, he shifted his focus to spiritual work and moved to Pondicherry, where he developed “Integral Yoga,” a practice aimed at transforming human consciousness.
He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in two categories, Literature and Peace. FIHCR honours the legacy of Sri Aurobindo by launching the History Essay Competition in his name, hoping that his life and work, which spanned both India’s struggle for independence and the spiritual upliftment of humanity, will inspire many children to explore and appreciate India’s rich heritage.
Sri Aurobindo Annual History Essay Competition
Launch and Announcement
The Sri Aurobindo Annual History Essay Competition is now officially open for entries. Entries must be submitted by 3rd January 2025.
Eligibility
The Competition is open to secondary school students from grades 6 to 9. A valid school ID or Aadhar Card will be required for participation.
Students will be divided into four groups based on their grades.
- Group 1: Class 6
- Group 2: Class 7
- Group 3: Class 8
- Group 4: Class 9
Topics
The topics for each group are as follows:
Group 1 (Class 6):
Topic – “My visit to a famous Indian monument and what I learned about its history.”
Group 2 (Class 7):
Topic – “My favourite historical figure from Indian History and why he/she inspires me.”
Group 3 (Class 8):
Topic – “Ancient Indian Innovations and their Impact on the World.”
Group 4 (Class 9):
Topic – “An Unsung Warrior of the Indian Freedom Struggle I did not learn about in school.”
Language & Word Limit
The competition will be conducted in English for the year 2024-25. Word limit is as follows:
Group 1 & 2: 500-700 words
Group 3 & 4: 700-900 words
Deadline for Submission
The deadline for submission of entries is January 3, 2025, 09:00 pm IST.
Announcement of Winners
The winners for each group will be announced in March 2025 on our website and social media handles.
Prizes
Two winners from each group will receive a cash prize, a book, and a certificate. Selected essays will be featured in our upcoming anthology. All participants will receive digital participation certificates.
Topics
The topics for each group are as follows
Group 1
My visit to a famous Indian monument and what I learned about its history.
Group 2
My favourite historical figure from Indian History and why he/she inspires me.
Group 3
Ancient Indian Innovations and their Impact on the World.
Group 4
An Unsung Warrior of the Indian Freedom Struggle I did not learn about in school.
Entry Submission
Please click on the ‘Submit’ button below to send your entries.
Timeline of Essay Competition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Sri Aurobindo Annual History Essay Competition
How do I submit my essay?
Essays must be submitted online via a designated Google Form. Participants will need to fill in their identification details, including their name, grade, school, address, and contact information.
Can essays be handwritten, or should they be typed?
Essays must be typed and uploaded as PDF and Word files in the submission form. Scanned copies of handwritten essays will not be accepted.
Is there a fee to participate in the competition?
No, there is no participation fee for this competition. It is free for all high school students.
Can I submit more than one essay?
No, each participant can submit only one essay.
Can I submit an essay for a different group?
No, each participant must submit their essay for the group that corresponds to their grade level.
What should be included in the identification details?
Participants must provide their name, grade, school name, contact information and a copy of their School ID when submitting their essay.
Can I resubmit my entry before the deadline?
Yes, participants have the option to resubmit an entry through the same form. However, only the final entry will be considered for evaluation.
Will I get a confirmation email upon submission?
All participants will receive a copy of their responses via email after submission.
Is it okay if I use ChatGPT or other AI programs to help me write my essay?
No, any entries generated by AI softwares will be automatically disqualified.
Will I be given feedback for my essay?
No, we will not be able to give individual feedback to participants.
How will I know if I have won?
The winners will be notified through email.
Can I modify the essay topic?
No, participants must submit the essay for the given topic corresponding to their group.
What happens if my essay exceeds the word limit mentioned?
Participants are encouraged to adhere to the specified word limit. However, they will not be disqualified if they exceed or fall short of it by a reasonable margin (up to 20 words).
Who do I contact if I have more questions or if I am unable to submit my essay?
If you have any queries or if you’re facing any difficulties while submitting your essay, please write to us at [email protected]