The age-old charm of letter writing is returning to the spotlight with the launch of the Dhai Akhar National Level Letter Writing Campaign 2025, a nationwide initiative that encourages creativity, originality, and self-expression among participants. Organized annually by India Post, the competition serves as a reminder of the power of the written word, while also providing a platform for individuals, especially the younger generation, to reconnect with post and philately.
Running from September 8 to December 8, 2025, the campaign this year is centered around the theme “Letter to My Role Model.” Letters can be penned in English, Hindi, or any vernacular language. While the maximum word limit for A4-sized paper submissions is 1,000 words, entries written on Inland Letter Cards (ILC) are capped at 500 words. The emphasis on handwritten submissions reinforces the campaign’s mission of preserving the personal touch of traditional correspondence, with typed or AI-generated letters explicitly disqualified.
The competition is divided into two categories based on age: below 18 years and above 18 years, with further subcategories for both Inland Letter Cards and envelope-based entries. All submissions must carry the participant’s self-certification of age as on January 1, 2025.
Participants must also ensure proper postage for their entries, embossed envelopes or envelopes with affixed stamps in the case of A4 letters, or standard Inland Letter Cards for ILC submissions. Entries are to be addressed to The Chief Postmaster General, WB Circle, Kolkata – 700012 and must reach before the December 8 deadline.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Postal Division falls under the West Bengal Circle, which also includes Sikkim. At the Circle level, three best entries from each category will be shortlisted and awarded cash prizes ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000. These winning entries will then move on to the national stage, where the top three submissions in each category will be recognized. National-level winners stand to receive ₹50,000 for first prize, ₹25,000 for second prize, and ₹10,000 for third prize.
Highlighting local talent, the A&N Islands Postal Division recalled the achievement of Nidhi Sikdar, a Class IX student of Mahatma Gandhi International School, Sri Vijaya Puram, who won the first prize in the West Bengal Circle during last year’s competition. Her recognition has served as an inspiration for many aspiring participants from the Islands.
Officials emphasized that the competition is not just about winning prizes but also about nurturing empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate thoughts meaningfully. By writing to their role models, participants are expected to reflect deeply on personal values, inspiration, and aspirations.
In addition to encouraging young writers, the campaign also aims to rekindle interest in India Post services such as Inland Letter Cards and philately, offering an alternative form of creative expression in an age dominated by digital communication.
For further details, interested participants can reach out to the Office of the Postmaster General, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sri Vijaya Puram (744101), or contact 03192-232346.
With the December 8 deadline approaching, officials are expecting a surge of handwritten letters from across the Islands, reflecting diverse voices and stories shaped by the unique experiences of their writers.
