Big Stories Start With Small Ideas—What Will Yours Become? ✨📖
2 min read
Keekli Charitable Trust brings you the Pan-India Short Story Writing Competition 2026, inviting young storytellers (under 20) from across India to share their voice, creativity, and imagination. Whether it’s a story rooted in culture or a world of your own making—this is your moment to shine. Last date for submission: 31 March 2026.
Jury Spotlight
Sonia Dogra is a writer, poet, and editor with over a decade of experience across education and publishing. After transitioning from teaching to freelance editing in 2016, she has mentored writers, co-edited anthologies, and contributed to several literary platforms in India and abroad. Her writing beautifully captures the nuances of everyday life, and she was shortlisted for the Rama Mehta Writing Grant 2024. Her debut book Kuhu: Learn to Deal with Life! marks her journey into long-form storytelling.
Alok Singh is a former journalist turned humour storyteller who has been actively performing in the open mic circuit since 2018. Known for his observational humour and engaging stage presence, he brings a refreshing, real-world lens to storytelling.
Vikas Prakash Joshi is a natural storyteller whose love for stories began in childhood. His writing creates relatable worlds for young readers, reflected in his books My Name Is Cinnamon, The Ganpati Idol Mystery, and Secrets Beneath the Surface.
Competition Details:
• 1,000–2,500 words | English or Hindi | Submit in Word format
• Themes: Open / culture / folklore / travel / memoir
• Top entries get published + mentorship opportunities
• Complimentary copy of the anthology for selected writers
📩 Submit your story: secy.keeklitrust@gmail.com
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