New Delhi: The defence ministry has announced an essay competition on the theme of Operation Sindoor, scheduled to run from June 1-30.The top three winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each and an exclusive invitation to attend the 78th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.“Ministry of defence invites young minds to make their voices heard! Participate in the MoD & @mygovindia bilingual essay contest on #OperationSindoor – Redefining India’s Policy Against #Terrorism,” the ministry said in a post on X.“Top 3 winners will receive Rs 10,000 each and get an exclusive chance to attend the 78th #IndependenceDay celebrations at #RedFort, Delhi!” it added.Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.The operation continued to serve as the framework for all subsequent counter-actions against Pakistani aggression.The PM Narendra Modi-led central government has set new benchmarks in tackling terrorism, with Operation Sindoor marking a shift in India’s counter-terrorism approach. The government has said that India has drawn a “new red line” and established a “new normal” in responding to both domestic and cross-border terror threats.The announcement further added: “Competition Dates: June 1–30, 2025. One entry per person | In Hindi or English. Participants can submit their entries via https://mygov.in.”