At Via News Didi, we believe in the power of student voice. Whether it's about vaping teenagers, cheating in exams, queer representation in the media or women in sports - we want to hear students’ opinions on the questions that matter.
If you’re a student in grades 6-12,
write a love letter to a piece of media (film/book/music/tv show) that has your heart.
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Whether it’s a late-night binge, or a show you’re re-watching for the 10th time, a movie that you watch when you need those good feels, or a book that you frequently contemplate writing fan-fic for - we’re waiting for you to show us how much it means to you, and why.
How do I write this love letter?
(What we're looking for)
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This love letter is essentially a type of opinion piece. It must tell readers about the piece of media you’re in love with and show them why you love it.
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​​You can frame its as a letter of appreciation or gratitude. Remember to address it to the piece of media you’ve chosen!
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We strongly recommend reading these 2 samples before you get down to writing :
Dear Little Women | Dear 'A Man Called Ove'
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More specifically, here's what we’re looking for, in your love letter to a piece of media
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A description of your chosen media
Your readers won't know about every piece of media that exists out there. So, tell us, even in a sentence or two:
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what genre this media falls within (comedy, horror, action, romance etc)
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what category this media belongs to (a film, book, TV show, song)
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when it was released, who wrote it/stars in it, or any other information that you think is central to readers understanding what you’re talking about
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2. Your opinion of your chosen media
Your letter should clearly explain what you feel about this piece of media, and why/how it makes you feel this way.
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3. Your favourite moments/ scenes/ incidents/ characters from your chosen media
Tell readers what you admire, appreciate, look for, aspire to in this chosen media. We want to be able to visualise these moments, be privy to these experiences, say hello to these characters, maybe even read the dialogues most associated with them!​​
Can you give me some writing tips?
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Tip #1 - You’ve probably heard this one before - but we can't stress it enough. Show, not tell!
​Paint a picture with your words. Instead of saying that this TV show makes you laugh, cry and think at the same time, show us what that looks like - maybe through a specific moment that elicited these emotions, or characters and their actions that brought you to this revelation.
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Tip #2 - Keep it real.
Choose your words based on what you really think or feel, without worrying about making it sound fancy, flowery or impressive.
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Tip #3: Show us your why
What is your main reason to write this love letter? Are you expressing gratitude, getting more readers interested in your chosen media, or just sharing your (unpopular) opinion about it?
Your goal with the letter will also influence the words you would choose, and even the way you would construct your sentences. For example, short sentences could convey directness or irritation, while words with slow movements could help set a relaxed tone to your sentences.
Other Important Guidelines
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The entry submitted must be between 300-500 words
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There is no participation fee
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We will consider original work only. No plagiarised writing shall be accepted.
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Each entry will be passed through a plagiarism check, including one for AI-generated content.
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Any entry that carries more than 10% AI-generated content will be disqualified.
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No more than 1 submission per student will be considered.
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Writer must be a student in Grade 6-12 in India
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Last date to submit entries is 31st July 2025
How will my writing be judged?​
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CRITERIA #1 : Follows Contest Guidelines
Original work from a student in Grade 6-12, between 300-500 words. (Any entry that carries more than 10% AI-generated content will be disqualified.)
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CRITERIA #2 : Clarity of Stance
Clearly indicates writer's feelings and/or opinion about the piece of media
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CRITERIA #3 : Addressed to a Piece of Media
The letter is clearly addressed to a film, book, TV show or song
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CRITERIA #4 : Appropriate Grammar
Entry uses voice, language, style and tone appropriate to its purpose and features correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
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CRITERIA #5 : Uses Descriptive Language
Writing shows readers the writer’s stance through descriptions of key scenes, feelings elicited by the content, or changes occurring in the writer as a result of the chosen media.
What if I win?​
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The top 5 entries will be published on our website and shared with all the readers of the Via News Didi newsletter.
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The top 2 students will get :
​(a) a book voucher worth Rs.1500
(b) a free pass to join the November cohort of the Media Makers Fellowship!
No application form + 20% discount on the Fellowship Fee
Previous Writing Contests​​
​For our 1st Writing Contest we asked students to complete a sentence -
“If my school had its own newspaper…” and here’s what they told us.
For our 2nd Writing Contest are here. We asked students:
What is one thing you know to be true about your mental health?
Here are the winning responses :
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My whole life, I craved for everyone to like me. So much so that if you wanted my opinion on something, I would have said what they wanted instead of what i wanted, because i wanted to fit in. Eventually, i went through a terribly lonely month and i needed company. The ones I used to change myself for, proved that there was no reason for me to chase them like a puppy who craved the attention of a neglecting owner. Now, healing, I am trying to establish my own path, with myself speaking up for me from within me.
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By Bhumika Chouhan, Grade 9
With time, it becomes crucial for us, especially teenagers, to be aware of our mental health which I think I have achieved. I have often heard my peers saying things very casually like- “I am depressed” or “My anxiety is at it’s peak”. This, I believe are extreme terms. At this age when we often form mindsets, it is vital that we identify what we are feeling, recognise the distinction and most importantly, know how to manage it. I have learnt that reliable adults and experts like counsellors should be our point of contact for such circumstances.
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By Tejaswini Subhash Chandane, Grade 11
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You can read our top 5 entries here.