Category: Questioning ‘Dis’Ability: Challenging Stereotypes Through Real Stories

Presented by YLAC (young leaders for active citizenship)

Choose this category if you are: 

• A young person with disabilities who has a personal story of generosity.
• A young person without disabilities who has contributed meaningfully to support Persons with Disabilities.

If your story challenges perceptions of disability — through action, care, or advocacy — this is the category for you.

The winner from this category will get: 

• Rs. 50,000 to grow your impact!
• Fully funded admission to YLAC’s “Policy in Action” program – a month-long engagement for young professionals and university students delivering core skills in policy analysis, advocacy and leadership, and the experience of working on live projects for policymakers (MPs, MLAs, ministries and other government institutions).
• One hour Q&A with Nipun Malhotra, one of India’s leading disability rights advocates, and Director, Policy and Programs at YLAC.

Category: Dharti se Dosti: Generosity in a Warming World

Presented by: Youth Ki Awaaz

Choose this category if you are:

• A young person who has used storytelling or public action to protect our planet in the face of climate stress.
• If your story shows climate care, through words, music, art, or action, this is just the category for you.

The winner of this category will get: 

• Rs. 50,000 to grow your impact!
• 1:1 Mentor Lab with a Youth Ki Awaaz expert to polish your narrative for maximum reach and help you build and scale your advocacy campaign.
• Feature article & social blast on Youth Ki Awaaz (50 M+ monthly reach).
• YKA Merch Pack + a hand-picked bundle of the best new books on climate and social change.

Category: BulandBol: Voices from rural India

Presented by: Video Volunteers

Choose this category if you are:

• A young person from a village or small town who has done any kind of helpful or generous work for others.
• A young person who is working to support rural India in different ways.

*Young people from Dalit, Adivasi, and other marginalized backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

If your story is about helping your village, community or town through action, care, or support, this is just the category for you.

The winner from this category will get: 

• Rs. 50,000 to grow your impact!
• Mentorship Calls: Two friendly one-on-one video calls (45 mins each) with mentors from the Video Volunteers team to guide you on your work, ideas, and dreams.
• A letter of appreciation: A signed letter recognizing your community work — useful for jobs, fellowships, or future opportunities.
• Social Media Feature: An interview and feature on the Video Volunteers Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook so your story can inspire others across India.

Category: The Invisible Force: Stories of women and girls rising — and those who helped them get there

Presented by: KARM

Choose this category if you are: 

• A young woman who is leading or doing any kind of work for their community.
• A person of any genders who is supporting or standing up for women and girls.

If your story uplifts women and girls in any way, this category is for you.

The winner of this category will get: 

• Rs. 50,000 to grow your impact!
• A one-hour virtual Q&A session with KARM founders: Radhika Bharat Ram or Kartik Bharat Ram.
• A one-day volunteering experience at the Blind Relief Association, Delhi
• If the winner is a woman, in addition to the above two prizes, she will receive an invitation to the upcoming KARM Conclave in October, New Delhi. A unique event for young women with a focus on financial independence, access to mentors and real stories of professional journeys.

Category: Lift As You Climb: Stories of youth supporting youth — in studies, skills, or life

Presented by: The IITian Couple 

Choose this category if you are: 

• A young person who has supported someone else’s journey — through teaching, mentoring, career guidance, or any act of helping someone grow.

If your story is about helping someone grow—in studies, career, or life—this is the category for you.

The winner of this category will get: 

• Rs. 50,000 to grow your impact!
• A 1-hour online workshop with IITian Couple on storytelling and content creation
• Co-creation of a content piece for the winner’s page

Category: Voices for Change: Voices that carry change, one story at a time

Presented by: Rotaract Club of Bangalore

Choose this category if you are:

• A young person who has spoken up or taken a stand — through writing, storytelling, art, or public action.

If your story supports a cause through advocacy, shifts perspectives, makes space for others to be heard, or creates impact in another way, this category is for you.

The winner of this category will get: 

• Rs. 50,000 to grow your impact!
• Special feature: Your story will be featured on Rotaract Club of Bangalore’s digital platforms and newsletters 
• Global reach: Your story will be shared with the broader Rotary/Rotaract network across India and globally
• A letter of appreciation: A signed letter recognizing your community work — useful for jobs, fellowships, or future opportunities.

Category: Acts of Care & Courage: Stories of building queer care, connection, and community

Presented by: Gaysi Family

Choose this category if you are: 

• A young person from across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum—lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex, ace, and more—who has a story of generosity, care, or support.
• A young person who has taken action—big or small—to uplift queer communities is welcome to apply.

If your story is about creating support or connection for queer folks, online or offline, this is the category for you.

The winner of this category will get:

• Rs. 50,000 to grow your impact!
• Editorial and Creative Mentorship: Personalized feedback and support from Gaysi mentors to develop your story
• Special feature: Your work featured on Gaysi’s website and/or social media platforms, reaching our vibrant queer and allied audiences.