9th Grader Wins National Prize for Tribal Hero's Story

A ninth grader from Kozhikode, Kerala, is heading to New Delhi this week to accept a national prize for telling a story that needed to be told.

Aradhya Krishna, a student at PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1 Calicut, won top honors in the short video category at Veer Gatha 5.0, a nationwide competition organized by the Ministry of Education. Her entry focused on Alluri Sitarama Raju, a tribal leader who fought for India's independence but remains lesser known in history books.

What set Aradhya's video apart was how she combined deep historical research with creative storytelling. Judges praised both the factual depth and the engaging way she brought Raju's sacrifices to life on screen.

The competition invited students across India to honor unsung heroes through various formats. Aradhya competed against entries from classes 9 and 10 nationwide, making her win particularly impressive.

She'll receive her award on January 24 in New Delhi at a special ceremony. Her school, part of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan network, celebrated another milestone this year with three national prizes total, including two from the Ernakulam region.

Why This Inspires

Aradhya's victory shows how young people are reclaiming forgotten stories and giving voice to overlooked heroes. By choosing to spotlight a tribal freedom fighter, she reminded us that India's independence struggle included countless brave individuals whose names rarely make it into textbooks.

Her success also proves that students don't need fancy equipment or big budgets to create impactful work. Good storytelling, thorough research, and genuine passion can shine through any medium.

At a time when history sometimes feels distant or boring to young learners, Aradhya found a way to make it compelling and relevant. She turned a school assignment into a tribute that honors both the past and the power of creative expression.

This ninth grader from Kerala just proved that the next generation is ready to tell the stories that matter.