Nehru Centre Library Mumbai and MomSays present A Book I Wrote – 2026

‘A Book I Wrote’ is an annual initiative of Nehru Centre Library and MomSays to encourage children to write, and give them a sense of accomplishment by creating a beautifully designed book with their poems and stories. These books are a testament to the fact that children have the ability to ‘author’ their ideas.

The book comprises winning poems and short stories written by children between 6–11 years of age as part of Nehru Centre Library and MomSays’ Inter-school Children’s Day writing competition.

ABIW – 2026: Things that I Never Want Changed

We are all witnessing a transformation, with AI and robotics fast becoming part of our everyday lives. Some of these technologies will have a drastic impact and may even replace certain aspects that we consider as human.

In such a world, what do children want to hold on to that they never wish gets replaced?

Will a robotic pet bring us the same joy? Will an AI tutor replace the gift of learning our teachers give us? Will playing a game with a robot be as fun as playing with your best friend?

By writing about what children would love to hold on to, we want to draw their attention to the aspects of human interactions that bring them joy and that they truly cherish.

For this year's competition, the child must write on the above-mentioned theme, adhering to 100 words for poems and 300 words for short stories.

Please fill in the form below to enter the competition. The competition begins on 6^th July, 2026 and ends on 20^th July, 2026.

Wishing everyone the very best!

Note: There will be 2 stages of selection:

1. Stage 1: The submitted poems and short stories will be shortlisted.
2. Stage 2: Children whose poems or stories have been shortlisted will be required to submit a video recording of themselves reading their poem or story. The winning entries will be selected based on the video submission.

• Please note: Submission of a video recording of the child narrating their shortlisted poem or story is mandatory.
• Nehru Centre Library will inform the shortlisted parents/teachers via the email address provided at the time of submission with details regarding the video requirements, such as the duration and format of the video.