“Youth Possess Immense Creativity, Innovation, Skill and Imagination”: Minister Ashish Shelar

Mumbai, April 2026 : Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar highlighted the immense creative potential of India’s youth, stating that young people possess extraordinary creativity, innovation, skill, and imagination. He noted that India’s “soft power” is one of its greatest strengths, clearly reflected in the artworks submitted for the ‘PM Vision to Art’ competition.

Shelar was speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of the national poster design competition ‘PM Vision to Art’, organised by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Maharashtra government on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. The event was held at Ravindra Natya Mandir in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, where 75 winners were felicitated with awards.

The competition aimed to artistically showcase India’s progress and vision while promoting the concept of a “Developed India.” It was conducted between September 20 and November 10 and received nearly 3,000 entries from across the country.

Participants presented artworks based on nine key themes, including Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Yoga, Waves Summit, Make in India, Skill India, and climate change.

The entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel comprising Achyut Palav, Vasudev Kamat, Sudharak Olwe, Prasoon Joshi, Ravi Jadhav, Bharat Dabholkar, Gaurav Dalmia, and Srinivasan Swamy.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Minister Ashish Shelar, Cultural Affairs Secretary Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, and Managing Director of Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Swati Mhase Patil. This was followed by the unveiling of a coffee table book featuring selected artworks from the competition.

Speaking on the occasion, Shelar said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated his life to the service of the nation, and such initiatives are inspired by his vision. He added that the Cultural Affairs Department, along with Chitranagari, successfully implemented the competition.

He further announced that exhibitions of the selected artworks would be organised at various locations across Maharashtra. Additionally, he informed that Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari is undertaking several initiatives as part of its social responsibility, and under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a total of ₹65 lakh will be distributed among seven organisations.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Dr. Kiran Kulkarni emphasised that whether it is prize money or CSR funding, the ultimate goal remains aligned with the nation’s progress. He noted that the artworks submitted in the competition effectively reflect the vision of a “Developed India.”

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Managing Director Swati Mhase Patil.