New Delhi, India – Britannica Education recently concluded its national writing competition, the ‘Young Author Quest (YAQ) 2025’. The event, held in New Delhi, recognized 120 young finalists selected from over 80,000 students. Participants represented more than 80 schools across India.
The competition aims to develop essential 21st-century skills in students. It focuses on encouraging imagination, creativity, and empathy through original writing. Key skills targeted include literacy, communication, and critical thinking.
Award Categories and National Winners
Awards were presented to finalists from Classes 4 to 9. The competition featured three categories: ‘Rising Quill’, ‘Creative Scriber’, and ‘Master Writer’. Judges evaluated entries based on originality, clarity of thought, and purposeful storytelling.
DALIMSS Sunbeam Global School, Delhi Public School Bangalore East, and The Orchid School, Pune, secured first place in their respective national categories.
Individual Category Winners:
| Category | Position | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Quill | First | Ilyaan Shamin |
| Rising Quill | Second | Arham Kapasi |
| Rising Quill | Third | Abhijit Kumar |
| Creative Scriber | First | Taijasi Santra |
| Creative Scriber | Second | Mihika Singal |
| Creative Scriber | Third | Anika Srivastava |
| Master Writer | First | Maya Davele |
| Master Writer | Second | Siddhi Tyagi |
| Master Writer | Third | Koshika Bishit |
Winners received trophies, certificates, and prizes. Prizes included iPads, Lenovo tablets, and Amazon Echo Dots.
Judging Panel and Chief Guest
A panel of judges evaluated the participants’ entries. The panel included Angeline Chauhan, Instructional Mentor, Writer and Editor; Shabnam Dohutia, Executive Editor, Encyclopedia Britannica; and Pragya Pandita, Product and Academic Head, Britannica Education India.
Former IPS officer, social reformer, and author Kiran Bedi attended the event as the chief guest. Bedi addressed the gathering, emphasizing the influence of words in shaping society. She encouraged students to write with compassion, awareness, and a sense of responsibility.
Britannica Education’s Commitment
Utkarsh Mishra, Commercial Director for India and South Asia at Britannica Education, commented on the initiative. Mishra stated the ‘Young Author Quest’ reflects Britannica’s commitment to fostering curiosity and creativity in learners. He added that the high participation reaffirmed the organization’s belief in providing platforms for young minds to express their views.
The event in New Delhi gathered 24 finalists from the Delhi-NCR region. Their parents, educators, and school leaders also attended the ceremony.