Hyderabad: Entries Open for the 2nd Southasian Commemoration of Doyens of Peace; Winners to Receive Cash Awards and International Recognition
In an effort to promote peace, cultural understanding, and regional collaboration among young people, the Doyens of Peace has announced a call for video entries for the 2nd Southasian Commemoration of Doyens of Peace, inviting youth from eight South Asian countries to participate in a unique cross-border creative initiative.
Young participants aged 13 to 30 years from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are eligible to submit original videos on the theme:
“Digital Stages – Shared Heritage: Youth Connecting Southasia through Culture and Tech.”
The competition aims to encourage young minds to use digital platforms, storytelling, and technology to celebrate the shared cultural heritage of South Asia while fostering peace, friendship, and regional cooperation.
Participants can create videos of five minutes or less in any South Asian language, provided they include English subtitles. The organizers have encouraged a wide range of creative formats, including short plays, skits, narratives, poetry recitations, interviews, documentaries, musical presentations, and other innovative storytelling approaches.
One of the most distinctive features of this year’s competition is the opportunity for youth to collaborate with participants from other South Asian countries to co-create videos. Organizers have also offered to facilitate such cross-border connections, making the initiative a platform for meaningful international youth engagement.
While Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used in parts of the production process, organizers have clarified that the entire video must not be AI-generated, ensuring that originality and human creativity remain at the heart of the competition.
To recognize outstanding contributions, the best video from each participating country will receive a cash prize equivalent to ₹15,000 (in the winner’s local currency). In addition, every participant will receive a certificate of participation, acknowledging their contribution to promoting peace and cultural dialogue.
The last date for submitting entries is July 27, 2026.
Selected videos will be showcased during a live online broadcast and hybrid events simultaneously organized across all eight South Asian countries on August 12, 2026, coinciding with International Youth Day. The celebrations will begin at 10:00 AM IST, providing a regional platform for young voices committed to peace, cultural exchange, and innovation.
Interested participants can submit their videos through the official submission portal and obtain complete guidelines by visiting the Doyens of Peace website.
For further information, participants may contact:
Doyens of Peace Coordinator
Bhumi Sharma
Email: peacedoyenssouthasia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +91 78767 48908
OR
COVA Peace Network
Email: cova@covanetwork.org
The initiative seeks to empower the next generation of South Asian youth by encouraging them to become ambassadors of peace through creativity, technology, and cross-cultural collaboration, reinforcing the idea that shared heritage can build stronger bonds across national boundaries.