Big Red Education & Penguin Announce Winners Of The National Young Authors Challenge

New Delhi, 13th  May 2026: Big Red Education, in partnership with Penguin Random House India, proudly announces the winners of the first-ever National Young Authors Challenge, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey that brought together young storytellers from across the country.

Launched in September 2025, the challenge set out to empower students in Grades 8–12 to explore their creativity and find their voice through storytelling. Over the past few months, it has evolved into more than just a competition, it has been a platform for expression, reflection, and growth. From first-time writers to seasoned young storytellers, participants embraced the opportunity to share their ideas, perspectives, and imagination with the world.

The results, announced on 20th April 2026, celebrate not only the winners but every student who took the step to write, express, and create. The journey has been deeply inspiring, with students discovering the power of their own voice and the impact of their stories.

The scale and diversity of participation further reflect the reach of the initiative, with 65+ schools, 800+ students across Grades 8–12, 45+ cities, and 1000 +  story submissions contributing to this nationwide celebration of storytelling.

The top 50 selected entries will be published in an exclusive anthology by Penguin Random House India, edited and curated by acclaimed author Vibha Batra, offering these young writers a rare opportunity to see their work in print. Additionally, the next 50 outstanding entries will be featured on Penguin India’s official website, ensuring wider recognition for emerging voices.

As part of the journey, participants also attended an exclusive writing bootcamp held on 28th and 29th March, where they learned directly from leading voices in the literary ecosystem. The sessions were conducted by Shabnam Minwalla, Vinitha, Simran Kaur, and Kavya Wahi, covering the full spectrum of storytelling, from writing and editing to publishing and reaching readers.

The National Young Authors Challenge stands as a testament to the creative potential of young minds in India, encouraging them to think, create, and express without limits.

Looking ahead, Big Red Education is excited for the next season of the National Young Authors Challenge, with the vision of reaching even more students and continuing to help young writers across the country discover and amplify their voice.

*END*

About Big Red Education

 Founded in 2016, Big Red Education is an India-based education firm offering transformative learning experiences beyond the classroom. Its programs prepare high school students to innovate, lead, and make a meaningful impact on a global stage.

About Penguin Random House India

Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books,  from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture.

We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices, including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.

Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.