Lockdown Nature Writing Challenges

As a precautionary measure to control the onset of deadly COVID-19, the Government of India has issued a complete lock down for 21 days to the entire country. Considering the welfare of the people, this important decision has been taken and it requires the support of all the citizens of the nation to overcome this crisis.

During this lock down period of 21 days, we will definitely need some hobbies and entertainment to keep boredom at bay. To keep the nature enthusiasts (esp. of Salem district) engaged in a meaningful and safe way, Salem Ornithological Foundation has introduced the Lockdown Nature Writing Challenges.

Have you ever wanted to write and share your memorable experiences with Nature but didn’t find time for that? Now’s the best time and chance to fulfill your wish! Not only you will cherish the memories but will also share your happy moments with everyone!

Instructions to the Challenges

  • Nature enthusiasts (esp. in Salem district) of any age can participate.
  • You can submit your experiences in any of the four forms namely 1. Short story, 2. Essay, 3. Poetry, 4. Drama or Play.
  • Writings should only be in Tamil or English.
  • One person can choose to write any number of writings.
  • Submitted writings will be published in the website of Salem Ornithological Foundation (Editor of SOF reserves the right to make changes in the writing if needed). Once published, you can view and share your writings to anyone and at anytime.
  • Best writings will be helped to get published in some of the leading nature/science magazines.
  • Except poetry, rest of the writings should be at least 250 words.
  • Participants who submit their writings will be sent a certificate at the end of the lock down period.
  • To coordinate this writing challenge, we have created a WhatsApp group. Only those who are interested to participate and write, please send a message to 7598123614 and join the WhatsApp group.

PEOPLE SHOULD STRICTLY NOT GO OUT OF THEIR HOMES CITING THIS NATURE WRITING CHALLENGE AS AN EXCUSE. SALEM ORNITHOLOGICAL FOUNDATION (SOF) DOESN’T ENDORSE PEOPLE GOING OUT OF THEIR HOMES DURING THE LOCKDOWN PERIOD.  SOF INSISTS PEOPLE TO STAY INSIDE THEIR HOMES, BE RESPONSIBLE AND SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT TO THE FULLEST. 

Note: All writings should be typed in Microsoft Word Document and should be mailed to [email protected]. The word file should also contain the following particulars:

  1. Name and Age: …………………………………………………
  2. Occupation: ……………………………………………………
  3. If student, please mention your school/college name:……………………
  4. Taluk & District: ……………. & Salem.
  5. Type of Writing: Short story / Essay / Poetry / Drama or Play
  6. Title of the writing: ……………………………………………..
  7. E-mail: …………………………………………..
  8. Mobile: …………………………………………..

We hope that this Lockdown Nature Writing Challenges will be a good activity to keep you engaged and make you happy by remembering the memories with Nature. For the next 21 days during the lockdown period, the best cooperation which we can render to the Government is to stay safe at home. All the huge difficulties faced by mankind were overcome by unity. Let us all unite, be responsible to curb the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Salem Ornithological Foundation, India.

Header image: Pachamalai Hills photographed by Angeline Mano.