15 October,2026 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
As part of the programme, CM Fadnavis and former CJI Gavai will explain lessons from the two booklets and interact with students. Pic/ X
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and retired Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai will take on the role of teachers for students of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools on Friday as part of a new initiative to promote constitutional values and responsible citizenship among children.
The two will inaugurate the BMC Education Department's âSujan Nagrik - Saksham Bharat (Smart Citizen)' initiative and release two booklets, âSmart Citizen' and âVidyarthi Prerana', at Mumbai Public School on Bhawani Shankar Road in Dadar West at 3 pm.
The initiative aims to instil constitutional values, fundamental duties, democratic principles and social responsibility among students from Class 1 to Class 10 in municipal schools. According to the civic body, the programme will go beyond textbook learning, using activities, projects, discussions and interactive sessions to help students understand the importance of responsible citizenship in their daily lives.
As part of the programme, Fadnavis and Gavai will explain lessons from the two booklets and interact with students, allowing them to speak directly with the Chief Minister and the retired top court judge.
The educational material has been designed according to students' age groups and classes. It will cover fundamental duties under the Indian Constitution, equality, fraternity, national integration, democracy, social justice, civic discipline, scientific temper and environmental protection.
The initiative is being implemented in line with Fadnavis's vision and under the guidance of MLA Amit Satam.
The âVidyarthi Prerana' booklet, prepared in Marathi for Class 6 students, focuses on the life and work of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
It will introduce students to Ambedkar's life, social work and ideas, including his contributions to equality, fraternity, justice, liberty, education and the making of the Indian Constitution. The booklet has been written in simple language to make these concepts accessible to schoolchildren.
The preparation of the booklet was guided by education, constitutional and legal experts, as well as scholars of Ambedkar's writings, including Ramesh Pathange, Dr Narendra Jadhav, Dr Bhalchandra Mungekar, Premanand Gajvi, Professor Mrudul Nile, Professor Sandeep Gamre, Professor Vinod Mhaske and Vijay Mohite.
An examination based on the booklet will be conducted in Marathi in January 2027, with certificates scheduled to be awarded to students in April 2027.
Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, state ministers Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Ashish Shelar and Dadaji Bhuse, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, MP Anil Desai, several MLAs and BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide are among those expected to attend the event.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education) Dr Prachi Jambhekar said the initiative is intended to nurture equality, justice, fraternity and social responsibility from an early age, helping students become aware, sensitive and responsible citizens.
