National Essay Writing Competition for Young Scholars
Shaheed Baji Rout: Remembering Unsung Heroes and Young Revolutionaries of India
In commemoration of the birth centenary celebrations of Shaheed Baji Rout, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) invites entries for the National Essay Writing Competition for Young Scholars on the theme: “Shaheed Baji Rout: Remembering Unsung Heroes and Young Revolutionaries of India”.
The competition seeks to provide young scholars with an opportunity to explore and critically engage with the life, contributions, courage, and legacy of unsung heroes and young revolutionaries who played significant roles in India's freedom struggle, whose stories remain less represented in mainstream historical narratives.
The essays are invited on the following themes:
Shaheed Baji Rout: Life, Legacy and Martyrdom
Unsung Heroes of Bharat’s Freedom Movement
Young Martyrs and the Spirit of Patriotism
Contribution and Achievements of Young Freedom Fighters
Leadership and Youth Empowerment
The competition will be organised in the following categories:
1. Undergraduate Students
2. Postgraduate Students
The initiative commemorates the sacrifice and legacy of Shaheed Baji Rout & inspires youth for nation-building, patriotism and selfless service. The essay competition, in revisiting the legacies of unsung heroes, also engages with the process of decolonisation of Indian history and creates greater awareness of India's freedom movement and the contributions of lesser-known heroes and young revolutionaries. The competition encourages research-oriented historical enquiry and critical study.
IMPORTANT DATES
| Commencement of Online Applications | 10th September 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | 30th September 2026 |
The top 25 entries from each category will be compiled in book form and published by the ICSSR.
For Technical assistance, email to cc [at] icssr [dot] org
