Kalyan: As many as 1,235 students from across Maharashtra participated in a storytelling competition organised to encourage creativity and writing skills among young learners. The competition was held as part of the ‘Author and Young Reader Festival 2026’ jointly organised by Paai Friends Library, Dombivli, and Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation at Tilaknagar Vidya Mandir in Dombivli.

The event was inaugurated by Kalyan Rural MLA Rajesh More. Students from Dombivli, Kalyan, Thane, Badlapur, Ambernath, Vashi, Koparkhairane, Nerul, Panvel, Dahanu, Borivali, Dadar and districts including Jalna, Chandrapur, Amravati, Sangli, Ahilyanagar and Nanded participated in the competition.

The contest was conducted in three categories, Classes 4-5, Classes 6-7 and Classes 8-10, and in Marathi, Hindi and English languages. Students were given an opportunity to transform their imagination into original stories, receiving an enthusiastic response.

MLA Rajesh More congratulated the participants and parents for encouraging young talent. He urged students to develop their writing skills through regular reading of quality literature in different languages.

All participants received writing kits, stationery items and refreshments. The organisers also made arrangements for parents. The event was successfully conducted by the Paai Friends Library team and the competition coordination committee.