The last paragraph of the kingdom’s long-running short stories competition has been written with three worthy winners picking up the annual prize plaques.
GDN Media’s unique social media platform has proved to be a popular tool for Bahrainis and expatriate residents keen to share their words, photographic skills and general goings-on with the wider community.
And the kingdom’s literary talent has clearly shone through once again as writers of all ages used their imagination to pen powerful short stories much to the delight of thousands of visitors to our social media platform.
We can proudly announce the decisions of our panel of judges for the fifth and final annual contest and each winner will receive a prized wooden plaque in a presentation box to treasure forever.
• www.GDNlife.com Short Story Competition Adult WINNER 2024/25 – Like brushing your teeth by Monisha Vyas
• www.GDNlife.com Short Story Competition U18 WINNER 2024/25 – The Shadow on Briarwood Road by Samiya Ahmad
• And, the winner of the GDNLife People’s Choice Award 2024/25 – the short story that has received the most likes and comments with a staggering 41,000 views – went to Never Be Alone by Joyce Magdalena
Judge Rohini Sunderam, from Bahrain Writers Circle, had no doubt Ms Vyas’ entry would shine and said: “This one, for sure! Simple, moving and with a clear vision.”
Like brushing your teeth won the BD25 monthly prize last September after attracting more than 4,600 views.
Ms Vyas, also known by her pen name Isha, is a young Indian versatile artist, accounting student and writer, born and raised in the kingdom.
Hearing the news that she had picked up the annual award took time though. “It was a day without my phone and a win I’ll never forget!” she explained. “The morning started like any other except, I forgot my phone. Just walked out the door without it. “And, the entire day, I kept hearing: ‘Who even forgets their phone these days?’
“But honestly? It felt … freeing. No scrolling, no endless checking. Just me, being present, soaking in the day for what it was. I hadn’t realised how often I get distracted, every half hour or less, reaching for that little screen. But today, it was different. It was calm. I felt more me. And if I’m being real, it might just become a story like the others I’ve penned down.
“But here’s where it gets magical. I got home, finally reunited with my phone, and the first notification read: ‘Like brushing your teeth’.
I chuckled. It was clearly a typo, I penned down the story a while back. But curious, I clicked and there it was.
“You have won the Annual Adult Short Story of the Year 2025!” the message read.
“I froze. Wait. Me? I re-read it about five times and then just sat there, letting it sink in. A story I wrote, one that began as a casual conversation with someone resonated enough to achieve this? It’s surreal. Truly.
“It’s wild how words, simple thoughts turned into stories, can travel far beyond what we imagine. We all write hoping to connect, to make someone feel something. But to be seen and celebrated for it? That’s a feeling I’ll carry with me forever.
“To every writer on the GDNLife platform your stories have been such a joy to read, each with its own soul and perspective. It’s an honour to be part of this space. To my dear friend who introduced me to this community, thank you. To my parents, readers, supporters and judges, thank you and, of course, nevertheless, the GDN, whose random happy notifications somehow always land at the perfect time. You all make me want to write more. You make the most ordinary day, moments and conversations magical.
“What more could a writer ask for, really? I’m currently diving into the world of art exhibitions, working towards a qualification, and now… maybe a book? What do you think, readers? Could be fun, right?
“Let’s keep writing, keep feeling and keep creating.”
U18 winner Samiya’s The Shadow on Briarwood Road has attracted more then 5,900 views.
Judge Chris Fenton, head teacher of the British Primary Department at Al Noor International School, said: “It’s a winner! A well-constructed story that fits the genre beautifully. Great work!”
The 17-year-old Bangladeshi, who was born and raised in Bahrain, attends Ibn Al Haytam Islamic School and lives in Jidali with her proud parents, salesman Ahmad and housewife Mariyam, and her siblings Afroza, 21, and Rasel, 14.
“Winning feels absolutely incredible,” she said. “I still remember how thrilled I was when my story won the October round, and having won twice before for other stories made the journey even more special. But to now have my work chosen as the best story of the entire year, I’m honestly speechless. It’s such an amazing feeling to know that my writing connected with the judges on that level. I’m so grateful for this recognition and it truly inspires me to keep writing and dreaming big. I feel like I am over the moon. It’s such a huge boost of confidence to keep telling the stories that live in my head. Thank you to everyone who believed in my work!
The People’s Award went once again to Ms Magdalena who also picked up the same prize in 2023.
“I’m extremely happy and beyond grateful to hear the good news as this is my second time winning the accolade,” she said. “Another unexpected blessing.”
The 37-year-old Filipino expatriate has been living in Bahrain for 11 years and says she still always feels at home.
“Bahrain has always been an incredible place to live in and there’s so much to love about this country,” she added.
The Gudaibiya resident added: “This is a story based on personal experience. There are times when my life feels like I am walking in darkness and no single light to be found. I’ve been plagued with fears and my experience of loneliness spiralled into depression, but looking back on this period, as I’m watching the unimaginable number of stars in the night sky, I see hope, I see light and I am at peace knowing that I would never be alone fighting the silent battles.
“Those stars convey to me to handle life challenges with graceful resilience, to look for the silver lining and to find strength and hope to get through unpleasant situations.
“I’m thankful to God Almighty for watching me over and reminding me that there’s always light after darkness, that there’s something good to hold on to. He never leaves my prayers unanswered, and he surrounds me with wonderful people that bring the beauty of light as darkness descends.
As another year unfolds, God has been doing amazing things in my life and I stand in awe of the beauty that life offers. Recently, I successfully passed the Special Professional Nursing Licensure examination, secured the second rank, and have been a member and officers of the Philippine Nurses Association in Bahrain.
“I am thrilled and tremendously grateful that I won the annual People’s Choice Award again. Thank you and here’s to your continued success and innovation!”
GDN Media will shortly be launching an exciting new prize multi-media literary poetry and rap video creation contest. Watch this space!
managingeditor@gdnmedia.bh
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