Just before 11 am, 15-year-old Veda Poovalliyil prepared for a short story writing competition at St. Thomas College HSS, Thrissur. Her father, Pramod K.V., watched with pride. This event honoured a dream of Veda’s late mother, Joonambika Poovalliyil, who wished to see her daughter become a storyteller. Veda secured an ‘A’ grade, bringing joy to their family. Many at the venue noted that literary contests like short story writing, cartooning, and essay writing do not get as much public attention as stage events. But students prepare seriously nonetheless. Seventeen-year-old Sai Madhav from BSS Gurukulam Higher Secondary School said, “I am always excited to take part in these competitions. There is no room to overthink or feel nervous about anything else. Writing offers immense scope for experimentation.” Nandana S, a Class X student from the same school, agreed that such contests may not attract wide audiences. Yet, she stressed their importance in keeping languages alive. “We are like those behind the curtains—we are here, but no one really sees us. Yet it is through these competitions that some of us begin to fall in love with a new language. That’s how I started exploring Sanskrit,” said the 15-year-old. Pramod added, “These students cannot — and need not — put up a show for the public. Creating stories or cartoons demands solitude. Even if it is not about prizes or publicity, they go home with lasting memories, and that should be the focus.” These quiet competitions may lack glamour, but they carry deep meaning for students and families alike.