A test for the might of the pen

Asianet Radio has announced a literary competition in various categories for expatriate Malayalee writers. Participants have been invited to send in their short stories, poems, one-act plays/drama, scripts and essays. This competition is open to writers working in the Malayalam language all over the UAE. The topic for the essay competition is "Role of expatriate Indians in the progress of our nation".

Moideen Koya K.K. of Asianet Radio said this is the first time that a competition of this kind has been organised in conjunction with Atlas Jewellers for Malayalee writers. The goal is to encourage literacy in Malayalam and help writers who do not get the right kind of exposure with research and communication.

The last date for entries is June 15. Names of winning entries will be announced by the last week of August or the first week of September and a formal function will be held in October to award the winners with cash prizes and certificates.

Prominent writers will be flown in from Kerala for attending the programme. They will judge the entries on the basis of writing talent and universality of appeal in content. Ten best entries from each category will be broadcast on the radio.

Koya said there were plans to release a souvenir at the awards function. Participants will also be invited to read and hear the contributions of others. The winners will be introduced at a special programme scheduled to be telecast on television after the competition is over.

For more information, contact the convenor, Asianet Atlas literary competition, on 050-4995861. Entries can be sent to P.O. Box 62787, Dubai.