Essay and Art Contest on Civil and Human Rights

Over the past few years, this contest has become a space for young people to explore how their identities, traditions, and imaginations connect with justice movements today. This year, we invite students to once again reflect, create, and raise their voices—to show us what dharma in action looks like now. Scholarship Details • Open to high school (grades 9–12) and undergraduate college students • Participants must be part of the South Asian diaspora and living outside South Asia • Students of all religious backgrounds are welcome Eligibility Criteria • Must be a high school or undergraduate student • Must identify as part of the South Asian heritage living outside South Asia • Entries must be aligned with the theme on art and resistance Application Process • Choose your category and division based on your education level • For high school students: Submit an essay (500–800 words) or a visual art piece (painting, collage, digital art, etc.) Complete the Google Form submission with guardian permission if under 18 • Submit an essay (500–800 words) or a visual art piece (painting, collage, digital art, etc.) • Complete the Google Form submission with guardian permission if under 18 • For college students: Choose Track 1 (Social Media Justice Challenge) and post content using required hashtag and tag Or choose Track 2 (Creative Writing or Art Submission) and submit 800–1200 word essay or multimedia/visual art directly to the organizers • Choose Track 1 (Social Media Justice Challenge) and post content using required hashtag and tag • Or choose Track 2 (Creative Writing or Art Submission) and submit 800–1200 word essay or multimedia/visual art directly to the organizers This is a rare opportunity for South Asian students to reflect on their heritage and express themselves through creative expression while earning money to pay for college. If you identify with the requirements and mission, don't miss out on this excellent opportunity.