Animation, Visual Effects, Graphics, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC) labs are being established in eight colleges in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain, Dhar, Jabalpur, and Ratlam districts. Four of these labs are being established in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, while four will be built by the Higher Education Department.

Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Anupam Rajan, stated that these labs are being established in government colleges where Fine Arts is taught. Through the AVGC labs, students will gain practical knowledge of modern subjects such as animation, visual effects, graphic design, and extended reality, opening up new employment opportunities. Initially, it is being launched as a pilot project in eight colleges across the state.

Each lab will cost approximately Rs 90 lakh

Establishing AVGC in eight government colleges across the state will cost over Rs 7 crore. About Rs 90 lakh will be spent per lab.

AVGC labs will be established in these colleges

Government Kamalaraje Girls Postgraduate (Autonomous) College, Gwalior
Government Maharani Lakshmibai Girls Postgraduate College, Indore
Government Hamidia Arts and Commerce College and Sarojini Naidu Government Girls Postgraduate Autonomous College, Bhopal
Government Madhav Arts and Commerce College, Ujjain
Government Postgraduate College, Dhar
Government MKB Arts and Commerce College, Jabalpur
Government Girls College, Ratlam

Every Diwali season, the Mahalaxmi Temple in MP’s Ratlam becomes an extraordinary attraction, decorated with an array of currency notes and precious jewels in a unique display of devotion and opulence. This nearly 200-year-old tradition captivates thousands of devotees from across India, blending faith, history, and an unmatched visual spectacle that embodies the spirit of prosperity associated with Diwali.

The Mahalaxmi Temple stands alone in India for its distinctive practice of using currency notes in its festive decorations. Each Diwali, new notes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 500 are meticulously arranged in intricate patterns resembling floral designs and garlands. This exceptional form of decoration not only adds to the temple’s grandeur but also creates a special allure for both worshippers and tourists, who gather to witness this extraordinary celebration of prosperity and devotion.

\
The scale of the temple’s decorations is both grand and symbolic, involving crores in currency and an impressive array of jewels. This year, the currency display alone reached Rs 1.47 crore, complemented by an additional Rs 3 crore worth of precious jewels, including diamonds, gold, and silver. These offerings, donated by devoted worshippers and the local community, symbolize the temple’s historic commitment to opulence as an expression of faith and devotion during Diwali.

The lavish display at Mahalaxmi Temple would not be possible without the dedication and contributions of its devotees. Volunteers from the community assist with various tasks, including crafting garlands from currency notes, managing temple decorations, and coordinating the flow of visitors. During the five-day Diwali celebration, these devoted volunteers work tirelessly to maintain the vibrant decor and ensure a seamless experience for all who come to pray and offer their respects.

The tradition of Diwali decoration at Ratlam’s Mahalaxmi Temple dates back nearly two centuries, originating with King Ratan Singh, a former ruler of the region, who held Goddess Lakshmi as his family deity (Kuldevi). It is said that each Diwali, the king brought his wealth to the temple as an offering, praying for the prosperity and welfare of his kingdom. This act of royal devotion has evolved into the elaborate display of currency and jewels that is cherished by the community today, symbolizing a shared wish for prosperity and well-being.

Beyond the sheer spectacle, the temple’s use of diamonds, jewels, and cash carries deep symbolic meaning. Each element reflects the hopes and prayers of devotees for wealth, happiness, and success in the coming year, a sentiment that aligns with Diwali’s theme as the festival of abundance. Visitors believe that worshipping at the Mahalaxmi Temple during Diwali invites blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, amplifying their prayers for a prosperous future and fulfilling their cherished wishes.

The Mahalaxmi Temple’s festive celebrations begin on Dhanteras, marking the start of a five-day period during which the temple remains open continuously for around 120 hours. This extended schedule allows ample time for devotees to participate in the traditional darshan (viewing of the deity) amidst the spectacular decorations. Adorned with diamonds, pearls, gold, silver, and currency, the temple shines throughout Diwali until Bhai Dooj, the festival’s concluding day.

An interesting facet of the temple’s Diwali ritual is the careful system for safeguarding devotees’ offerings. Each item or note donated is tagged with a unique token, which is handed to the donor. After the Diwali festivities conclude, devotees can reclaim their offerings by presenting their tokens, ensuring that each contribution is returned safely, adding an extra layer of trust and respect to the ritual.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh have congratulated all the colleagues, school team of CM Rise School Ratlam and the School Education Department for this achievement.

CM Rise Vinoba school has won this title, after competing against nearly 1000 schools of the world participating from countries like the USA, the UK, Spain, Brazil, Kenya, and Thailand in the race for this award. About 10 thousand US dollars (about Rs 8 lakh 40 thousand) will be given as award to CM Rise School Vinoba, Ratlam by T-4 organisation.

This award has showcased the capabilities of India’s government schools at the global level. At the same time, it has also proved that world-class education is possible even in remote tribal areas. CM Rise Vinoba School, through its bold and innovative practices in the “Innovation” category, has proved that the standard of education can be the highest anywhere and under any circumstances.

School Education Secretary Dr. Sanjay Goyal said that the World’s Best School Award gives a global platform to schools that have been pioneers in education and have made a positive impact on their students and communities. The global recognition of CM Rise School Vinoba, Ratlam is the result of visionary thinking, unwavering dedication, and exemplary efforts of its teachers, school leaders, and community.

Dr Goyal said this achievement comes after passing through many stages. Three of our schools were nominated for this award. After several rounds of interviews, two schools which include CM Rise School, Jhabua, in the “Healthy Lifestyle in Educational Process” and CM Rise School, Vinoba Ratlam in the “Innovation” category made it to the top 10. CM Rise Ratlam, reached the top three and finally won the competition with schools from the United Kingdom and Thailand.

CM Rise School Vinoba, Ratlam located in the tribal area of the state has implemented many innovative initiatives.

Vikas Pota, Chief Executive Secretary and Co-founder, T-4 Education, announced the awards and congratulated the team of CM Rise School Vinoba, Ratlam and the Government of Madhya Pradesh. He said, this shows that world class education is being provided in government schools in India. It is a source of inspiration for teachers all over the world.

Highlights of the school

Weekly training sessions for continuous development of teachers.

Use of online learning materials that not only help in the development of teachers but also strengthens the education of students.

Virtual interaction to ensure the involvement of parents in children’s education.

Technology to track daily attendance through Google Forms.

Structured recognition systems for teachers that encourage excellence.

Regular team building activities to foster a collaborative and positive culture among teachers.