HT The Next Voice is a national-level platform by Hindustan Times for young wordsmiths from Classes 3 to 12. Show us your skills in spoken word, poetry recitation and storytelling on a stage that celebrates creativity, confidence and purpose.

More than a contest, it’s a movement to inspire thoughts, spark change and shape the conversations of tomorrow. Express yourself freely on topics that truly matter — from water conservation to digital safety and climate change.

What Makes The Next Voice Special?

What are the categories of The Next Voice and eligibility criteria?

Spoken Word - In this performance-based form of poetry, your delivery is just as important as the written piece. It also includes elements of storytelling and drama to create an engaging experience. Tone, pace, pauses, gestures and body language all contribute to the overall impact. Only self-composed entries will be accepted.

• Class 6 to 8
• Class 9 to 12

Poetry Recitation - It’s the art of presenting a poem aloud—either from memory or by reading—with clarity, emotion and expression, to convey its meaning and mood to the audience. Entries may be original or based on another poet’s work. In the case of the latter, attribution is mandatory. Entries without proper credit will not be considered.

• Class 3 to 5
• Class 6 to 8
• Class 9 to 12

Story Telling - One of the oldest forms of performance, storytelling allows you to animate a narrative through your voice, gestures, movement and intensity. You turn words into a living experience for your audience.

• Class 3 to 5
• Class 6 to 8
• Class 9 to 12

What are the themes?

• Kindness Matters
  Showcase how a simple act of kindness can brighten a life or change the world.
• Save Water, Save Life
  Express the need for water conservation and remind the world why every drop counts.
• Environmental Pollution
  Highlight how pollution harms our planet and how it can be fixed.
• Road Safety
  Raise awareness on why safety on roads is extremely crucial.
• Right to Learn
  Stand up for every child’s right to education because learning should never be a privilege.
• Respect Public Places
  Tell a story or recite a verse about keeping public spaces clean, safe and welcoming for all.
• Being Safe Online
  Express the importance of staying alert, respectful and secure in the digital world.
• Climate Change
  Deliver a powerful message on how climate change affects us all and what must be done.
• Freedom of Speech
  Celebrate the power of free expression and the right to speak up.

How to Participate ?

Phase I – Participation

• Register on the website or through your school.
• Choose class group and category (Spoken Word / Poetry Recitation / Storytelling).
• Upload a 2-minute video based on the selected theme.
• Submit the entry and pay a registration fee of ₹199 (for direct website entries).

The contest begins with an all-digital first phase, where you can register either through your school or directly on the website. Once you've selected your class group and category, simply upload a 2-minute video performance on the theme you’ve chosen. To complete your entry, just fill out a short form and pay a registration fee of ₹199 per entry. It’s that easy to get started!

Phase II – Semi-Finale

• Top 20% of participants (as shortlisted by the jury) will move to the Semi-Finale.
• Semi-finalists can invite votes by sharing their entries with friends and family.
• Finalists will be chosen based on a combination of jury scores and public votes.

If your entry is among the top 20%, as decided by the jury, you’ll move on to the semi-final round. At this stage, you’ll need to gather support by sharing your performance and encouraging others to vote for you. Finalists will be chosen based on a fair mix of jury scores and public votes — so every point and every vote counts!

Phase III – Finale

• 3 finalists from each class group and category will qualify for the Grand Finale (Total 24 finalists).
• Finalists will perform live at an on-ground event.

In the grand finale, a total of 24 finalists — 3 from each class group and category — will perform live on-ground in Delhi-NCR. Don’t worry about the logistics — Hindustan Times will take care of your travel and accommodation, so you can focus on giving your best performance.

Why should you participate?

Extraordinary cash prizes from a pool of ₹12 lakhs await the winners from each class group and category – ₹75,000 for 1st place, ₹50,000 for 2nd and ₹25,000 for 3rd. Plus, you could be featured in Hindustan Times, giving your talent national recognition. To celebrate every step of your journey, you’ll receive certificates at each stage — from participation to the semi-final and final — making every milestone meaningful and memorable.