Belapur: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) organised a poetry recitation competition as part of the Classical Marathi Language Week, providing a platform for residents and civic employees to showcase their appreciation of Marathi literature.

Mayor Sujata Patil, speaking at the prize distribution ceremony, emphasised the importance of preserving and promoting Marathi. While acknowledging the significance of English in today's world, she urged citizens to use Marathi regularly at home and in everyday communication to preserve their emotions, thoughts and cultural identity.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Sunil Pawar said the competition encouraged participants to explore works by renowned Marathi poets rather than recite their own compositions, helping promote quality literature and reading habits.

Noted writer and ghazal poet Vinod Pithale, who judged the competition, praised the initiative and stressed that effective poetry recitation requires an understanding of the poem's meaning and emotions, conveyed through appropriate voice modulation and expressions.

Of the 71 people who registered, 47 participated in the competition. Rudraksh Patare won first prize, followed by Dilip Gaikwad in second place and Pallavi Deshpande in third. Five participants received consolation prizes, while three received special recognition.

The winners were awarded book prizes worth Rs 3,000, Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,000, respectively. Mayor Patil announced that next year's literary programmes would be organised on a larger scale at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagriha, in view of the enthusiastic response.

Meanwhile, the deadline for the Marathi slogan and message competition has been extended to October 12, 2026. Participants can submit Marathi slogans or four-line poetic messages on language preservation, cleanliness, the environment, plastic prevention and health.