The West Bengal Lok Bhavan has launched a state-level essay competition for students, focusing on the communal violence that took place in Calcutta in 1946 and the historical events surrounding Direct Action Day.

The initiative, being conducted through the Governor’s Secretariat, is open to students studying in schools, colleges and universities across West Bengal. Entries will be accepted in both English and Bangla, with separate awards available for each language.

Two Student Groups, Two Essay Themes

The competition has been divided into two sections.

Students studying in Classes 10 to 12 will be asked to examine the reasons behind and the consequences of the 1946 Calcutta violence. Their essays should contain between 3,000 and 4,000 words.

The second section is intended for college and university students. Their essays will address Direct Action Day, the political circumstances surrounding the All India Muslim League’s call for the event, and its wider historical implications. Submissions in this category should be between 5,000 and 6,000 words.

Both subjects are available in English and Bangla, allowing participants to choose either language for their submission.

Cash Awards Across Both Languages

The organisers have announced substantial monetary awards for the winners.

The prize structure will be applied independently to English- and Bangla-language entries.

Eligibility and Submission Rules

Participation is restricted to students enrolled at educational institutions situated in West Bengal. Every participant may submit only one essay and must select either English or Bangla.

Essays may be prepared either by hand or electronically, but only one side of each page may be used. A signed physical copy must ultimately be submitted.

Participants must attach a separate information sheet containing their name, residential address, academic class or discipline, institution, email address and telephone number. School students are additionally required to provide a parent or guardian's contact details.

To preserve anonymous evaluation, personal information such as the student's name or institution should not be included within the essay pages.

Original Work and AI Restrictions

The organisers require every participant to submit a signed declaration stating that the essay is their own work.

Students must also acknowledge the sources and references used in preparing their submissions. The rules specifically prohibit the use of generative artificial intelligence or AI-produced material in preparing an entry.

Plagiarism, unauthorised reproduction and failure to properly credit sources may result in disqualification. Entries will be evaluated according to factors such as research quality, factual reliability, independent thinking, analytical ability, organisation and writing quality.

Submission Deadline and Venue

Submissions will be accepted through post or courier. Participants will not be permitted to hand-deliver their essays.

The outer envelope should clearly identify the submission as part of the 2026 state-level essay competition and specify the student’s category and chosen language.

Winners to Be Honoured on Republic Day

The winning participants are scheduled to receive recognition during the At Home Reception at Lok Bhavan on January 26, 2027.

The initiative represents Lok Bhavan’s first statewide essay competition of this kind. By inviting students to research and analyse a deeply contested period in Bengal’s modern history, the organisers aim to encourage historical inquiry, independent research and critical thinking among young people across the state.