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College Video Competition 2026

My Bharathapuzha, My Vision

One River. Many Voices. A Brighter Future.
Every river has a story. Tell yours through the power of film.
Video duration : 12–15 minutes
Submission deadline : 12 November 2026
Who can participate? : College students
Recognition: Three selected entries
Submit Your Entry Official Contest Rules

About the Competition

Every river has a story. What is yours?

Bharathapuzha, fondly known as Nila, is more than a river. It is an integral part of Kerala's cultural heritage, ecological landscape, history, livelihoods and collective memory.

Through My Bharathapuzha, My Vision, college students are invited to explore the many stories of Nila through original video production.

What does Bharathapuzha mean to you? What stories do its banks hold? What challenges threaten its future? And what would it take to restore the river and preserve its significance for generations to come?

Create an original documentary, fictional short film, interview-based production, animation or other creative video that expresses your perspective on Bharathapuzha.

This competition aims to bring young voices into the conversation about river conservation, cultural heritage and the future of Nila. It gives students an opportunity to combine creativity, research and filmmaking to communicate ideas that deserve to be seen and heard.

You do not need expensive equipment or a professional film crew. A compelling story, thoughtful execution and a meaningful connection to Bharathapuzha are what matter.

Pick up your camera. Find your story. Show us your vision for Nila.

View Official Contest Rules

COLLEGE YOUTUBE VIDEO COMPETITION 2026

What can you create?

Documentary — Discover the River

Explore Bharathapuzha's ecology, water resources, biodiversity, conservation efforts, local livelihoods or the challenges facing the river. Use credible sources and authentic accounts to communicate the issues that matter.

Fictional Short Film — Stories Inspired by Nila

Create an original narrative inspired by Bharathapuzha. Use characters, dialogue, drama, mystery or imagination to tell a story connected to the river and its people.

A Vision for the Future — Imagine What Is Possible

Show us a future in which Bharathapuzha is healthier, its ecosystems are protected and communities thrive alongside the river. Present your ideas through storytelling, documentary, visualisation or a fictional future.

Creative Visual Storytelling — A Different Perspective

Use original animation, visual poetry, music, illustrations or experimental filmmaking to communicate an idea about Nila. All included material must comply with the competition's copyright rules.

Voices of the River — People and Perspectives

Interview farmers, artists, elders, residents, researchers or conservationists. Capture their experiences, memories and perspectives to present the human story of Bharathapuzha.

COLLEGE YOUTUBE VIDEO COMPETITION 2026

Key dates and submission

The *My Bharathapuzha, My Vision* video competition invites participants to share their creativity and vision for the future of Bharathapuzha. Please review the following submission requirements carefully before submitting your entry.

Submission Deadline: 12 November 2026, 11:59 PM IST.

Video Duration: 12–15 minutes, including opening and closing credits.

Submission Method: Complete the online registration form and provide a Google Drive link to your final video, with access enabled for the competition organisers.

Important: Late submissions will not be considered. Participants are responsible for ensuring their video link works correctly and remains accessible throughout the judging process.

Three stories. Three recognitions. One river.

Recognition, Opportunities & Beyond

Recognition for the Top Three

The three selected entries will receive the following recognitions from FoB:
  • Voice of Nila: Recognises the entry that demonstrates outstanding storytelling, originality and a compelling connection to Bharathapuzha.
  • River Guardian: Recognises the entry that highlights the importance of river conservation, ecological awareness and the protection of Bharathapuzha.
  • Young Visionary: Recognises the entry that presents an inspiring, imaginative and forward-looking vision for the future of Nila.
Each recognised entry will receive a certificate of recognition from Friends of Bharathapuzha (FoB).

An Opportunity to Meet Dr. E. Sreedharan

The creators of the three selected entries will be invited to meet Dr. E. Sreedharan and share their ideas and vision for Bharathapuzha. The meeting will be coordinated with the selected participants once the arrangements are confirmed.

Special Screening at FoB Events

Winning entries will receive a Special Screening at official FoB events, providing an opportunity for their stories to reach a wider audience and contribute to conversations about Bharathapuzha.

Digital Showcase

FoB will feature the three recognised entries on its official website and digital channels. Promotional excerpts, trailers and creator profiles may also be published in accordance with the copyright licence and consent provided at registration.

ABOUT US

How Will Your Video Be Judged?

Every eligible entry will be evaluated using the following published scoring system.

The judging panel will assess each entry against these criteria. Social media popularity, views, likes and the size of a creator's audience will not affect the score.The three entries with the highest final scores will receive the three recognitions, with category allocation based on the judging panel's assessment. In the event of a tie, the higher score for storytelling and narrative structure will determine the ranking; if still tied, originality and creativity will be used as the next tie-breaker. Total: 100%

25%

Storytelling and narrative structure

20%

Originality and creativity

20%

Connection to Bharathapuzha

15%

Research, insight and authenticity

10%

Visual and audio execution

10%

Emotional impact and clarity

ask something

Got Questions?

Discover how FOB is working tirelessly to revive Bharathapuzha.

FoB will publish its AI policy before submissions open. The policy should specify whether AI-assisted editing and subtitles are permitted, whether AI-generated footage, narration, music or major creative elements must be disclosed, and how deceptive or infringing content will be handled.

Yes. Professional equipment is not required. Storytelling, originality, clear sound and a meaningful connection to Bharathapuzha matter more than expensive equipment.

Yes, subject to the final rules. Teams may include up to four eligible college students and must nominate a lead participant.

Yes, if the final published rules permit Malayalam entries. English subtitles are recommended to make the video accessible to a wider audience.

Not automatically. You must have the rights or permissions required for your video and FoB's permitted uses. Music licensed only for a particular platform or account may not be cleared for other screenings or republication.

No. FoB may feature selected entries or excerpts in accordance with the competition rules and the licence granted. Submission does not guarantee publication.

No. The proposed opportunity is for the creators of the three selected entries, subject to confirmation of his availability and the meeting arrangements.

It is a showing of selected winning entries at an official FoB event, subject to scheduling, technical arrangements and applicable permissions.

The recommended rule is one entry per participant, whether individual or team-based, unless FoB expressly announces otherwise.

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