CM launches Rs 1-cr Vikramaditya international award

Ujjain: Chief minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday announced plans to institute an international award carrying a prize of Rs 1.01 crore in the name of the erstwhile Ujjain ruler Vikramaditya for excellence in various fields. He also unveiled a national-level award of Rs 21 lakh and three state-level awards of Rs 5 lakh each in memory of the legendary ruler.Addressing the inaugural function of Vikramotsav 2026 in Ujjain, CM Yadav described the Emperor Vikramaditya International Award as "the country's most prestigious award," one that "will elevate India's cultural glory to new heights on the world stage."According to Shriram Tiwari, director of the Vikramaditya Research Chair and cultural advisor to the CM, the international award will be conferred on dignitaries who made new inventions helpful in world peace, defence and development of human life. The national-level award of Rs 21 lakh will also be given in similar fields, while the three state-level awards of Rs 5 lakh each will go to those contributing to Indian art, culture, tradition and other fields, like Vikramaditya's ‘nine gems'.Inaugurating Vikramotsav 2026, CM Yadav said Ujjain was witnessing a strong phase of growth in business, trade and religious tourism, marked by rising commercial activity and increasing footfall at Mahakal Jyotirlinga. "Across the country, Mahakal Jyotirlinga is the only place where devotees can have darshan in less than half an hour and return joyfully," he said, while inaugurating the third edition of the Vikram Trade Fair in Ujjain.Vikramotsav 2026 will feature exhibitions, cultural programmes, musical evenings and the Vikram Trade Fair. "Vikramotsav is not merely a celebration, but a grand festival of cultural identity and historical pride," Yadav said.