The Book Guild of Madurai, a formal network of book readers, book writers, book enthusiasts and literary loving people, recently held a story writing competition for students in the city.
The number of participants and the writings that emerged was an eye-opener, says Nicholas Francis, Founder Director of The Book Guild of Madurai.
“In order to meaningfully engage the present generation of students in an activity that enhances the quality of life, connects them with the environment and promotes the history and culture of the city we live in was our intention for organising this competition,” he says.
Students were classified into different categories, from Class VI to VIII; Class IX to XII and those in college.
For the competition, a collage of photos of Madurai on various themes like tourism, culture, heritage and festivals were displayed on a banner and based on their imagination, students were asked to write a story in either English or Tamil.
Dr. S. Vanathi, former principal of Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College, while presenting prizes to the winners, said it was a pleasing moment to see first hand the joy of the students as they wrote about their city.
The prize winners: Category A (Class VI to VII) Tamil Story Writing: 1st Prize- A. Ashiya Sherin, Xavier Matric School, 2nd Prize –V. Riya Rakshini, Saradha Vidhyavanam.
English Story Writing: first prize- C.B. Kaviyalini, Idhayam Rajendran School, second prize –S.A. Tjanushika, Idhayam Rajendran School and third prize – T.N. Shaindhavi, Idhayam Rajendran School.
Category B (Class IX to XII) Tamil Story Writing: first prize- R.Venu Sabrees, VHNS,School, second prize – V. Yogesh Raja, VHNS School and third prize - S. N. Kaviya, VHN Girls School.
English Story Writing: first prize- Sajeetha, Guhan Matric School, second prize – C. Kavithayini, VMJ School and 3rd Prize – J. Adira, VMJ School.
Category C (College Students) Tamil Story writing: first prize- C. Saravanavel, Yadava College, second prize – K. Alagupandi, Yadava College and third prize - A. Pavithran, Yadava College.
Mr. Francis said that the stories by the students would be curated and published so that it could be showcased to the society.
Published - October 14, 2026 05:40 pm IST