**Mumbai Civic Schools to Host Lord Ram Essay and Poetry Contest**
Maharashtra’s Mumbai civic schools are gearing up to host a series of competitions to highlight the significance of Lord Ram among students. The events, which are scheduled to take place between January 10 and 17, are set to precede the much-anticipated Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
To shed light on the importance of Lord Ram, writing essays, composing poetry, and creating paintings will be among the competitions held under the banner of ‘Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shriram Jeevan Charitra Spardha’, as announced by Maharashtra cabinet minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Emphasizing the historical magnitude of the upcoming temple consecration in Ayodhya, Lodha expressed the intent behind organizing these competitions as a means to familiarize the new generation with Lord Ram and the concept of Ramrajya.
Addressing a press conference at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters, Lodha highlighted that student participation in these competitions is voluntary, emphasizing an inclusive approach. Additionally, he rebuffed allegations of political agenda, stating that the aim is to instill an understanding of Lord Ram, transcending religious and caste boundaries.
In a separate announcement, Lodha revealed plans for the ‘Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krida Mahakumbh’, a sporting event scheduled to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the coronation of the Maratha king. This event, set to be hosted in Mumbai city and its suburbs from January 26 to February 19, seeks to promote traditional sports, train aspiring athletes in local sports, and provide a platform for talented sportsmen and women. The ‘Mahakumbh’ will feature competitions in 16 traditional sports and four demonstrations, open to participants of all age groups and genders. The event boasts a total prize fund of ₹22,62,000, alongside trophies and certificates.
As part of the efforts to enrich cultural and historical awareness among the youth, the various initiatives reflect a commitment to celebrating tradition and heritage while providing a platform for talented individuals to showcase their skills and abilities. Such events hold the potential to inspire a new generation to appreciate the values and rich cultural history embodied by Lord Ram and revered historical figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
