Opportunity brief
About The Policy Play
The Policy Play is an online vlog competition hosted as part of Colloquy 2026, the annual event of Kautilya School of Public Policy. The Policy Play introduces a more engaging and accessible format of policy dialogue. By foregrounding storytelling within the policy space, the program aims to capture lived experiences and ground-level realities, enabling participants to better understand how policies are interpreted, implemented, and experienced on ground.
Eligibility and Participation
- Open to all.
- Individual and group submissions accepted (maximum 3 members per group).
- Each participant or group may submit only one vlog entry.
- Work must be original and adhere to ethical guidelines.
Storylines
- Stories shaped by how economic policy is formed and how it impacts trade, markets, society, and institutions.
- Stories shaped by leadership, governance, and institutions.
- Stories shaped by kinetic and non-kinetic warfare, international relations, geopolitics, culture, and more.
- Stories shaped by technology, technological infrastructure, cyber-security, digitalisation, connectivity, and how it impacts governance and the citizenry.
- Stories shaped by sustainability, changes in governance to adapt to emerging environmental threats, SDG issues, and responsibility.
- A multidisciplinary approach with a mixture of one or more of the above storylines is also encouraged.
Format & Duration
- Duration: 5 minutes (grace time of 1 additional minute; max 6 minutes)
- Dimensions: 16:9 (landscape)
(consistent throughout) - Video Type/Extension: .mp4
Content Guidelines
- The vlog must be original and unpublished.
- Acknowledge external data, quotes, institutions, or references in end credits and submit a PDF with sources.
- Submit video consent forms for identifiable individuals.
- Content must not include defamatory, offensive, discriminatory, or politically inflammatory material.
- Plagiarism will lead to immediate disqualification.
- AI Usage Permitted up to 1 minute; must be self-declared; fully AI-generated vlogs will be rejected.
Judging Criteria
Simple, clearly recorded submissions that follow the guidelines are considered. Visuals must match the storyline so that narrative strength is not disrupted by unrelated shots. High-end editing, special effects, or production quality will not provide a competitive edge.
Timeline
- 1st September 2026: Last date for registrations
- 7th September 2026: Deadline to submit the vlogs
Registration
- Team Size: Individual or a team of up to 3 members.
- Registration: Register under one participant's name and add the remaining members' details in the Remarks box.
Submission Process
All vlogs must be submitted before 7th September 2026 via a Google Form shared with the registered participants.
Vlog must include:
- Title of vlog with selected storyline
- Disclaimer: "The views and opinions expressed in this are those of the creators and do not reflect the position or views of Kautilya School of Public Policy and its affiliates."
- End credits acknowledging any external data, institutions, or references.
Final Submission should include:
- All vlog contents mentioned above.
- PDF acknowledging the use of any external data, quotes, institutions, or references (if any).
- Video consent of individuals (if any).
- All in a .zip folder named with your assigned team ID.
Awards
Critic's Choice Awards
One winner will be selected under each of the three segments by a panel of judges.
Awards:
- Best Storytelling
- Best Field Reporting
- Most Promising Policy Voice
Each winner receives:
- Cash prize of ₹ 5,000 per segment
- Digital Certificate of Recognition
Audience Choice Awards
All submitted vlogs will be uploaded online, organised by storyline. Audiences will vote by grading entries on a scale of 1 to 10. The top-rated vlog from each segment receives a shout-out on KSPP's official social media handles and a Digital Certificate of Recognition.
All Participants will receive a Digital Certificate of Recognition.