The Ministry of Defence has officially unveiled a national essay competition focusing on Operation Sindoor, a military campaign that has significantly reshaped India’s approach to counter-terrorism. The contest will be held from June 1 to June 30, 2025, and invites participants to share their thoughts in either English or Hindi.
According to the ministry, the initiative is aimed at engaging youth and encouraging them to reflect on the implications of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in retaliation to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that took 26 lives. The operation, conducted on May 7, targeted nine militant camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It marked a pivotal moment in India’s military response to terrorism and has since become the model for all future countermeasures.
Participants have the opportunity to win a cash reward of $120 each (approximately ₹10,000) if they rank among the top three winners. Beyond the cash prize, winners will be specially invited to India’s 78th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort—highlighting civic pride and patriotism.
Promotional posts on social media by the ministry described the contest as a platform for “young minds to make their voices heard.” The campaign is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Defence and MyGov India, a citizen engagement platform.
The central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emphasized that Operation Sindoor represents a “new red line”—a defining shift in how India responds to terrorism, both from within and across its borders. Officials have referred to this as establishing a “new normal” in national security strategy.
Entries must be submitted through the MyGov website, and each participant is allowed only one submission. The contest not only promotes awareness but also encourages deeper civic participation in India’s ongoing battle against terrorism.
