Essay Writing Contest - Revisiting the Emergency After 50 Years

To commemorate 50 years since the declaration of the Emergency in India (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977), the Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy, Government of India, in collaboration with MyGov, invites school students across the country and abroad to participate in a national-level Essay Writing Contest on the theme:

“Revisiting the Emergency After 50 Years”

Why This Contest Matters

The Emergency remains one of the most defining and debated chapters in India’s post-independence history. Marked by the suspension of civil liberties, press censorship, political arrests, and constitutional changes, it raised deep questions about democracy, governance, and citizen rights.

This contest offers young minds a platform to explore:

• The historical context and decisions that led to the Emergency

• Its impact on democratic institutions and individual freedoms

• The constitutional and political changes it brought about

• Lessons learned, and how they remain relevant in contemporary society

Who Can Participate

• Open to school students in India and students of schools affiliated with Indian boards (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards) abroad.

• Entries will be evaluated in three student categories:

  • Classes 6–8

  • Classes 9–10

  • Classes 11–12

Essay Guidelines

• Theme: Revisiting the Emergency After 50 Years

• Length: 1500 to 2500 words

• Language: As per submission platform guidelines

• Format: Original and unpublished essays only

• Profile Requirement: Participants must have a complete MyGov profile (including date of birth, state, etc.) to be eligible.

Rewards and Recognition

• Certificate of Appreciation: Awarded by the Ministry of Education to selected winners.

• Publication Opportunity: Selected essays may be featured on official government digital platforms as part of a “collective memory archive”, helping engage a wider audience with India’s democratic legacy.

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