Max Life Insurance igenius Young Authors’ Hunt receives 5,000 stories

New Delhi, 29 July 2013: Max Life Insurance, one of India’s leading life insurance companies, declared the closure of first round its igenius Young Authors’ Hunt. More than 50,000 children registered for Young Author’s Hunt, of which 5,000 children submitted stories with complete details and registration formalities. The igenius Young Authors’ Hunt aims to promote the writing talent of young Indians and will culminate in a book of stories. Eminent authors, Ruskin Bond and ChetanBhagat, form a part of the expert jury members, while the editorial support is provided by Rupa Publications India.

Talking about this initiative,AnishaMotwani, Director and Chief Marketing Officer, Max Life Insurance said, “These stories are a window into the fantastic world of children – from the story of a stone, to murder mysteries, their imagination and innovation is amazing. More than the competitive spirit that these children have shown by sending in entries so enthusiastically, I’m glad that this generation is dedicating their time to reading and writing. I am extremely happy that we could bring out this dormant talent in these children through Young Author’s Hunt.”

Eminent writer, Ruskin Bond said, “It was a fantastic experience going through the entries sent by children for the ‘Young Authors’ Hunt.’ The simplicity and innocence found in these stories is something we don’t get to read these days. Their intelligence and awareness about matters at even such a young age is incredible and reinforces the importance of imagination and reading at this age.”

Popular writer ChetanBhagat said, “What struck me about the entries was the wide range of their imagination. This was evident from the stories and essays that we received. These included ghost and alien stories to what the youth could do to make India a better country. Using writing as an expression, these children have expressed their love, fears and concerns so beautifully. I hope they keep their love for writing alive.”

igenius Young Authors’ Hunt (Juniors & Seniors) will go through a three-round selection process. Shortlisted participants from Round one will appear for on-the-spot creative writing in Round two in Reliance Web World. The Final Round will have short-listed participants from Round two, who will interact with the jury through video conferenceto be held in September 2013.

Fast Facts:

- 67% of the participants were between 11 and 14 years

- Participation from more than 300 plus cities across India

- Maximum number of participants were from Maharashtra and Delhi,
with Uttar Pradesh being a close third

- The number of fiction write ups are significantly higher than
essays

- Fiction categories were mainly on ghosts, aliens and many stories
are based on International locations