AICU Launches National Essay Competition on “Church and Indian Democracy”

Panaji, June 18, 2026: The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has announced a nationwide essay writing competition on the theme “Church and Indian Democracy,” inviting members of the Catholic community across India to reflect on the relationship between faith, citizenship, and democratic values.

The initiative aims to encourage Catholics to engage critically and creatively with the role of the Church in strengthening India’s democratic fabric while promoting dialogue on responsibility, participation, and hope in contemporary society.

Open to Catholics from all parts of the country, the competition seeks to provide a platform for writers to articulate their perspectives on how Christian values can contribute to the flourishing of democracy and the common good.

According to the organisers, essays must be written in English, typed, and limited to 500–700 words. Entries should be submitted in PDF format via email to aicufile@yahoo.com.The deadline for submissions is July 20, 2026, and the results will be announced on August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day celebrations.

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To encourage wider participation, AICU has announced cash prizes and trophies for the top three winners. The first prize carries ₹10,000, the second prize ₹7,000, and the third prize ₹5,000. In addition, ten consolation prizes of ₹1,000 each will be awarded.

All participants will receive certificates, while the winning essay will be published both in print and on social media platforms along with the author’s photograph, giving wider visibility to the writer’s contribution.

Organisers emphasised that all entries must be original and unpublished. They cautioned that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in preparing essays will result in disqualification. The judging panel’s decision, they added, will be final and binding.

The competition reflects the AICU’s ongoing commitment to fostering intellectual engagement, informed citizenship, and active participation within the Catholic community. By inviting Catholics to explore the intersection of faith and democracy, the organisation hopes to stimulate meaningful reflection on the Church’s mission in India’s pluralistic and democratic society.

For more details, participants may contact: Flavy Dsouza at 99643 19065, Cedric Mathew at 72478 53203, Elias Vas, National President, at 09822153833, and Lancy DCunha IPNP at 9243301989.

By Catholic Connect Reporter