RIYADH / THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — In a major international effort to counter the growing threat of youth nicotine dependency, RISA, the global anti-drug initiative of the Subair Kunju Foundation, has announced a high-profile online elocution competition targeting Indian students at home and abroad. Timed to coincide with the global observance of World No Tobacco Day, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recognized NGO is inviting student orators from Grades 8 to 12 across India and International Indian Schools throughout the Middle East to raise their voices against substance abuse.
The competition centers on the timely and critical theme, “Unmask the appeal! Stop Nicotine/Tobacco Addiction!” Designed to challenge the clever marketing and social glamorization of tobacco products, the live final event is scheduled to take place virtually on June 13, 2026. Reflecting the diverse footprint of the diaspora, the event will feature separate tracks in both English and Malayalam, kicking off simultaneously at 4:00 PM Saudi Arabian time (6:30 PM Indian Standard Time).
Organizers have outlined a rigorous, multi-tiered selection process to ensure the highest caliber of competition. Aspiring participants are required to submit an original video recording of their speech, capped strictly at three minutes and a file size of 500 MB, alongside their registration form. To maintain strict academic and creative integrity, the Foundation has stated that any submissions previously broadcast on other platforms or circulated on social media will be automatically disqualified. The registration window opens on May 29 and will close on June 7, with entries accepted exclusively through the official portal at https://link.skf.onl/wntd26 .
Following a comprehensive preliminary screening by an expert panel, only the top 30 contestants will secure a coveted spot in the live virtual finale. The ultimate winners of the event will be revealed on June 17, a date that holds deep institutional significance as the Subair Kunju Memorial Day. Excellence will be heavily rewarded, with top performers receiving the prestigious Subair Kunju Memorial Cash Award alongside official commendation certificates.
To manage the complex logistics of this cross-border initiative, a dedicated subcommittee has been established under the leadership of Foundation Chairman Dr. Abdul Azeez. The organizing body brings together prominent academic, medical, and community voices, including RISA Consultant Dr. Bharathan A.V., Clinic Activity Coordinator Dr. Thampi Velappan, and Dr. Raju Varghese. School Activity Conveners Mrs. Meera Rahman and Mrs. Padmini U. Nair are coordinating institutional outreach, supported by RISA State Coordinator Karunakaran Pillai and Georgekutty Makkulath. Additionally, the seamless digital execution of the live stream and screening process is being managed by a specialized RISA IT team consisting of Engineer Jaheer Basheer, Sanoob Ahmed, and Zain Abdul Azeez.
Beyond the immediate thrill of competition, the initiative serves a broader, long-term philanthropic objective. RISA views this event as a launchpad to empower articulate youth from Kerala and the Arabian Gulf, transforming them into proactive ambassadors for healthy, drug-free lifestyles within their communities. Exceptional speakers identified during the program will earn an exclusive induction into ‘RISA-TAG’, the Foundation’s premier international campaign platform for youth advocacy.
For further details regarding registration guidelines, technical requirements, or institutional partnerships, interested schools and students can reach out directly via WhatsApp at +91 8301050144 or explore the comprehensive event brief on the official website at https://skfoundation.online/wntd26 .
