₹1.01-crore award announced in memory of Ujjain’s Emperor Vikramaditya

The Madhya Pradesh government on Sunday announced the institution of an award carrying a cash prize o f ₹1.01 crore in the name of legendary Ujjain ruler Vikramaditya , revered for his valour, justice and people-centric governance.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav while addressing the inaugural function of Vikramotsav 2026 in Ujjain . He said the Emperor Vikramaditya International Award would be the country’s most prestigious cultural honour and would help project India’s civilisational heritage on the global stage.

In addition to the international award, the chief minister announced a national-level award of ₹21 lakh and three state-level awards of ₹5 lakh each, instituted in memory of the legendary ruler.

The Emperor Vikramaditya International Award will be conferred for exceptional contributions to Indian culture and civilisation. The honour will recognise work in Indian culture and heritage, history and civilisational studies, philosophy and ethics, literature and knowledge traditions, as well as efforts promoting public welfare, justice and good governance rooted in Indian values.

Speaking on the legacy of Vikramaditya, Yadav said the ruler is traditionally associated with the Gupta dynasty , with many historians identifying him with Chandragupta II Vikramaditya , under whose reign India witnessed a golden age . He noted that this period saw remarkable advances in learning, science, astronomy and literature.

The chief minister also referred to the enduring legends of Vikramaditya’s court, especially the tales of the Navratnas (nine gems), which symbolise intellectual brilliance, ethical leadership and cultural prosperity. He said these traditions continue to inspire India’s civilisational consciousness.

Describing Vikramotsav as more than a festival, Yadav said Ujjain has for centuries been a centre of religion, knowledge, science and culture. “Vikramotsav is a celebration of our cultural identity and historical pride . Emperor Vikramaditya established enduring ideals of justice, good governance and public welfare,” he said.

Referring to Vikram Samvat and the Indian calendar, the chief minister said they reflect India’s advanced scientific thinking and cultural prosperity. He added that Vikramotsav would further strengthen Ujjain’s cultural and spiritual legacy while establishing its identity at the international level.

Yadav said the 2025 edition of Vikramotsav had received the “Longstanding IP of the Year” award at the EMAXIM Global Awards, highlighting its growing national and global recognition.

On religious tourism, he said millions of devotees visit Ujjain during Simhastha, making it a major centre of Sanatan faith. Preparations for Simhastha 2028, he added, are being given top priority to ensure a more organised and devotee-centric event.

Highlighting infrastructure development, the chief minister said work is progressing rapidly in and around Ujjain. A network of four-lane and six-lane roads is being developed to ease the movement of pilgrims, while 30-km-long bathing ghats have been constructed along the Shipra river. A comprehensive action plan is also being implemented to keep the river clean and pollution-free, he said.