The winning cartoons from the competition are arranged for display. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB
It was a few minutes to 11am, almost time for the short story writing competition to start. Fifteen-year-old Veda sat intently at attention, listening to her father Pramod KV As Veda — also known as Vedalakshmi Poovalliyil — rushed inside to attend an event at St. Thomas College HSS, Thrissur, Pramod breathed a sigh of relief.
The pair were there to honor the dream nurtured by Veda’s late mother Joonambika Poovalliyil – to see her daughter grow up to be a storyteller. Their joy knew no bounds when Veda achieved ‘A’ grade.
For many who gather at the venue to participate in literary and artistic competitions such as short story writing, drawing or essay writing, the moments of effort and emotion often go unnoticed, far removed from the glitz and applause of the stage. Nevertheless, students prepare for these events with equal care, even if their achievements rarely attract public recognition.
Seventeen-year-old Sai Madhav, a student of BSS Gurukulam High School, says that while these competitions may lack spectacle, they have their own devoted followers. “I’m always excited to participate in these competitions. There’s no room to think or feel nervous about anything else. Writing offers a huge scope for experimentation,” he says.
Nandana S, a class X student from the same school, agrees. Although such actions may not immediately appeal to the general public, they believe they play a vital role in the preservation and popularization of languages. “We’re like those behind the curtain – we’re here, but no one really sees us. Yet it’s through these competitions that some of us start to fall in love with a new language. That’s how I started researching Sanskrit,” says the 15-year-old.
Students and parents admit that the events may lack outward glamour, but they remain deeply meaningful. “These students can’t—and don’t have to—put on a show for the public,” says Pramod. “It takes solitude to create stories or cartoons. Even if it’s not awards or publicity, they go home with lasting memories and that should be the focus.”
Published – 14 Jan 2026 20:57 IST
