The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has officially launched a nationwide essay writing competition centered around the theme of “Operation Sindoor – Redefining India’s Policy Against Terrorism” to encourage young citizens to engage in thoughtful discourse on national security and counter-terrorism strategies.
The contest, which began on June 1, 2025, will continue until June 30, 2025, providing a month-long window for participants to submit their entries.
In an announcement made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry shared that the competition is being organized in collaboration with MyGov India and is open to submissions in both Hindi and English.
Each participant is allowed to submit only one essay during the contest period. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to involve the youth in nation-building by inviting their perspectives on key issues of national importance.
The Ministry further revealed that the top three winning entries will not only be awarded a cash prize of ₹10,000 each but will also receive an exclusive opportunity to attend the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2025.
This prestigious event, attended by national leaders, dignitaries, and foreign envoys, marks a significant recognition for the winners.
The contest is themed around Operation Sindoor, a major military and strategic counter-terrorism initiative launched by India.
This operation was initiated in the early hours of May 7, 2025, as a direct and decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, in which 26 Indian citizens tragically lost their lives.
Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes on nine terror infrastructure facilities located within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
These facilities were reportedly being used to plan, coordinate, and launch terror operations against India. The operation was not just a one-off event, but marked the beginning of a series of retaliatory and preemptive actions carried out by Indian forces in response to any further provocations from across the border.
The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has since described Operation Sindoor as a turning point in the country’s fight against terrorism.
The Prime Minister and defence officials have repeatedly stated that India has now established a “new red line” in terms of its counter-terrorism doctrine.
This shift in strategy reflects a “new normal” — one that emphasizes swift, decisive, and proportionate responses to any acts of terror originating from foreign soil, particularly cross-border terrorism.
In the official social media post, the Ministry stated:
“Ministry of Defence invites young minds to make their voices heard! Participate in the MoD & @mygovindia bilingual essay contest on #OperationSindoor – Redefining India’s Policy Against #Terrorism.”
The accompanying poster shared with the post features the official logo of Operation Sindoor and outlines key contest details, including the submission deadline and participation guidelines.
By engaging students, young professionals, and aspiring writers through this competition, the Ministry hopes to promote greater awareness about national security issues while fostering a sense of patriotic responsibility and analytical thinking among the younger generation.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to prepare original, well-researched essays that reflect a deep understanding of the operation’s significance, its geopolitical implications, and its role in shaping India’s modern-day security framework.
