Hindus for Human Rights and the International Commission for Dalit Rights present the

HfHR Youth Voices Contest:

Art, Essay & Expression

A Call to Dream, Create, and Speak Out for Justice

This year, as in several past years, Hindus for Human Rights travelled to Alabama to join the Selma Jubilee—walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge alongside movement elders and new generations, remembering the powerful legacy of the Civil Rights Movement. We go not just to honor the past, but because we see ourselves in that story.

The struggle for civil rights in the United States was deeply connected to the Indian independence movement—and the victories of both led to profound changes in immigration and civil rights law. Those changes made it possible for so many of our families and communities to come to this country, build lives, and work toward justice.

The Student Art and Essay Contest is one way we honor and build on that legacy. 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.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION (Grades 9–12)

Theme: For centuries, people in South Asia have used art—like folk paintings, music, and dance—to speak out against injustice. These art forms have helped communities resist colonial rule, caste discrimination, gender inequality, and government oppression. How do you see that same spirit alive today?

Categories:

  • Essay (500–800 words).

  • Visual Art (Painting, Collage, Digital Art, etc.)

Submit via: Google Form (guardian permission checkboxes for under-18 participants)

Prizes: Top 3 winners in each category receive cash awards, HfHR merchandise, and a feature on our website and newsletter.

Important: For safety, we will not post any minor’s work publicly without explicit guardian consent.

COLLEGE DIVISION (Undergrad)

Theme: For centuries, people in South Asia have used art—like folk paintings, music, and dance—to speak out against injustice. These art forms have helped communities resist colonial rule, caste discrimination, gender inequality, and government oppression. How do you see that same spirit alive today?

Track 1: Social Media Justice Challenge

Think short, creative, and powerful! Sample theme:
“Resisting Oppression: A Hindu Frame of Solidarity”

Acceptable formats:

  • Reels or TikToks (30–90 seconds)

  • Instagram carousels with a short captioned essay

  • Twitter/X/Bluesky/Threads threads

  • Spoken-word or storytelling videos

    Use Hashtag: #HfHRVoices2025 and tag @hindusforhumanrights

Track 2: Creative Writing or Art Submission (Offline Option)

Not into social media? Prefer writing or creating more in-depth? We’ve got you.

  • Creative Writing (800–1200 words):

  • Art (Visual or Multimedia)

Prizes: Same as social media track. All entries are eligible for Grand Prize and category awards.

Bonus: Top entries will be featured on the HfHR website, blog, or newsletter—so your work gets a spotlight even if it’s not shared on social media.