Daya: A Creative Expression of Compassion
Submissions open July 1 to August 15, 2026. Open to participants worldwide.
About the competition
SikhNet Stories has spent the past few months exploring the theme of compassion through animation and storytelling. This summer, we invite young creators to carry that spirit forward in their own voice. Whether you write, draw, film, sing, or speak, this is your space to reflect on what Daya means to you and share it with the world.
Selected entries will be featured on SikhNet, and the strongest submissions may be adapted into future SikhNet Stories content.
Who can enter
Open to ages 5 to 19.
Submissions are divided into three age groups, with separate prizes and judging for each.
Early Creators: ages 5 to 8
Emerging Creators: ages 9 to 12
Youth Creators: ages 13 to 19
Individual and group submissions are both welcome.
Two ways to express your idea
1. Category A: Create and Express (Audiovisual)
Submit your idea through video, audio, music, animation, performance, or visual art.
Short film or video
Podcast or audio story
Song or musical compositionAnimation
Digital or hand-drawn artworkSkit or performance
AI tools are permitted. You must include a short note explaining your idea, your process, and your creative contribution.
2. Category B: Write and Reflect (Text)
Express your ideas through writing.
Short story or script
Poetry or spoken word
Article or reflection
Essay
AI may assist with brainstorming or light editing, but your submission must reflect your own original voice.
Theme: Daya
Your submission should explore Daya in a way that feels real and meaningful to you. Draw from everyday life, imagination, Sikh history, or the world around you. Some questions to consider:
- What does compassion look like today?
- How do we practice Daya in real life?
- What challenges test our compassion?
- How can small acts create big change?
Reflection (required)
Along with your submission, all participants must include a short-written response to the following:
"What does Daya mean to you, and what inspired your piece?"
Prizes and recognition
Grand prizes
6 total, one winner per category per age group. Estimated value $250 each.
Second prizes
6 total, one runner-up per category per age group. Estimated value $100 each.
All participants receive
Digital certificate of participation
SikhNet KDP storybook Bibi
SikhNet coloring book
Selected entries will also be featured on SikhNet. Audio submissions may be shared on SikhNet podcasts, written work may be published as articles, visual art may appear in a digital gallery, and video submissions may be shared across SikhNet platforms.
How entries are judged
A diverse judging panel will evaluate all submissions. AI usage is not judged separately; all entries are assessed within their category.
- Connection to the theme: Does the work genuinely explore Daya?
- Originality: Is the idea and perspective the participant's own?
- Emotional impact: Does it move, inspire, or resonate?
- Creativity: How the participant chose to express their idea
- Effort and clarity: Care, intention, and quality of expression
Key dates
- July 1, 2026: Competition opens
- August 15, 2026: Submissions close
- September to October: Review and judging
- October to November: Winners announced and selected work published
Your story belongs here
Compassion is not just a concept. It is something we live. Submit your work and share what Daya means to you.
Click on your preferred category to upload your entry and details
Questions? Reach us at [email protected]