Talented artists up to 15 years of age representing various schools and theatre clubs across Maharashtra are participating in the preliminary round of the annual Maharashtra State Children's Drama Competition that is being held across various parts of the state.

Being organised by The Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DCA), Government of Maharashtra (GoM), the inaugural round of the Navi Mumbai centre with 23 drama groups is being held at the Marathi Sahitya Mandir Sabhagruh, Vashi. The same was inaugurated by Chief Guest Prof. Varsha Bhosale - Member of the Government's Drama Grants Committee and General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party Mahila Morcha with the lighting of the traditional lamp and floral tribute and prayers to Lord Natraja in presence of Guest of Honour Subhash Kulkarni - President, Marathi Sahitya Sanskruti and Kalamandal,  Judges of the competitions  Juhi Barve - Actress (Sangli), Vijay Shingane - Actor/ Director (Nashik) and Chandrakant Shnandane - Makeup artist (Ahilyanagar), Machindra Patil - Programme Officer, DCA , Rakesh Talgavkar, Mukund Joshi and Priyanka Phansopkar - all coordinators.

In a recorded video message Adv. Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs, GoM stated that Maharashtra has been the epi-centre of the Drama moment across India over the years and all the renowned artists in the industry have been initiated through the Children Drama moment from a very early age.

He further highlighted that the Maharashtra State Children's Drama Competition which has been organised by the State Cultural Department for 21 years now, across 10 centres in Maharashtra will showcase over 350 plays on various themes including social during the course of the inaugural round.

In his concluding message Adv. Ashish Shelar further opined that such competition for children will certainly instill cultural values and foster community integration. On behalf of the Minister of Cultural Affairs, GoM he wished all the participants, judges and those behind the scene all the best for the same.

The proceedings for the Navi Mumbai centre (Kalyan Dombivali, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation  region and Raigad District) kicked-off with ‘Pustak Bistak’ written by Nachiket Dandekar and directed by Omkar Bhagat was staged by Uday Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Dombivali. Vashi based Sulu Natya Sanstha Vashi ‘Ma ‘ written by Vaibhav Jadhav and Directed by Dhamdeep Jadhav too was showcased by the city based young artist on the opening day.

Photo Cover: Machindra Patil - Programme Officer, DCA, GoM felicitated all the dignitaries including Chief Guest Prof. Varsha Bhosale (4th from Left) - Member of the Government's Drama Grants Committee.

Photo Above: Talented artists perform during the course of Maharashtra State Children's Drama Competition 2024-25 that is also being held in Navi Mumbai