Essay Competition: Swatantrata Ka Mantra – Vande Mataram - MyGov - No Registration Fee
Essay Competition: Swatantrata Ka Mantra – Vande Mataram
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with MyGov, is conducting an essay competition as part of the Republic Day Celebrations 2026. The competition encourages students and youth to express their thoughts on the spirit of Vande Mataram and the meaning of freedom.
The theme for the competition is “स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम्”. Each essay must be original and must fall within the required 500 to 600 word range. Essays that do not meet this word limit will be rejected. Entries can be written in Hindi or English, and only Indian citizens are eligible to participate. Each participant can send only one entry. Any form of copying, impersonation, or multiple submissions will result in disqualification. Individuals involved in organizing the competition, including their immediate family members, are not allowed to participate.
The Screening Committee of the Ministry of Defence will evaluate all entries. Their decision will be final and cannot be challenged. The competition begins on 20 November 2025 and will close on 31 December 2025 at 11:45 PM.
Prizes will be given as follows:
• Top 3 winners will receive ₹10,000 each.
• 27 participants will receive ₹5,000 each as consolation prizes.
Winners must submit the required documents, such as ID proof and bank details, to claim the prize money.
The top 200 participants will receive an invitation to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. Each invited participant can bring one companion who may be a parent, spouse, or relative. Children below 5 years will not be permitted. Participants will bear their own travel, food, and accommodation expenses. Delhi Metro travel for the parade-day trip will be free upon showing the e-invitation.
All participants must provide a valid email ID and mobile number, which will be used for all communication. The same mobile number or email cannot be used by more than one participant. Those selected among the top 200 will later be asked to provide personal details for themselves and their companion, including name, date of birth, nationality, contact details, government ID number, and full address.
This competition offers students and young citizens a chance to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the powerful message of Vande Mataram, while also getting an opportunity to be part of the Republic Day celebrations.
