IMPC 2026

The **Inter Mumbai Pathshala Competition (IMPC) 2026** took place on **July 5, 2026**, at the Parla Mandir in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Organized by **Jain Next**, an association of young Jain scholars, this sixth edition of the event brought together approximately **400 selected students from 29 religious schools (Pathshalas)** across Mumbai and Pune. The event was centered on the spiritual theme of **Samyak Darshan (Right Faith)** and the teachings of Pandit Daulatramji’s "Chhah Dhala," particularly its fourth chapter. ### **Spiritual and Educational Core** The event began with a spiritual discourse by **Pujya Gurudevshree Kanji Swami** on the **fourth Dhal of Chhah Dhala**, focusing on the fundamental difference between **Samyak Darshan** (Right Faith) and **Samyak Gyan** (Right Knowledge). Key concepts emphasized included: * **Samyak Darshan** is the first step and the root of the path to **liberation (Moksha)**; without it, knowledge and conduct remain false (Mithya). * While faith and knowledge arise simultaneously, they are distinct: faith is the **cause** (characterized by belief), and knowledge is the **effect** (characterized by knowing the true self). * The rare opportunity of **human life (Manushya Bhav)** should be used for self-realization rather than worldly pleasures. Following the lecture, a **Q&A session** led by Dr. Sudipji Shastri tested the students' understanding of the discourse. Competitive Events The IMPC featured a diverse array of competitions designed to embed Jain philosophy into children through various mediums: * **Bhajan Competition:** Students performed classical hymns composed by Daulatramji, focusing on devotional themes and the soul’s nature. * **Story telling (Maa Jinwani Ki Kahani Aapki Zubani):** Participants narrated the history and essence of major Jain scriptures like *Samaysar*, *Yoga-sar*, and *Adipurana*. * **Short Plays (Laghunatikas):** Schools presented dramatized lessons on complex topics such as the **12 Bhavnas**, the **8 Madas (prides)**, the **4 Gatis (realms of existence)**, and the dangers of superstitions. * **Quiz and Antakshari:** Interactive rounds like "Rapid Fire" and "Action-Reaction" tested students' speed and accuracy in reciting verses and identifying theological concepts. * **Creative Arts:** Other categories included **Drawing**, **Model Making**, **Essay Writing**, and **AI Reel Making**,Debate And Bhashan. Special Announcements and Honors A highlight of the event was the honoring of "Dr. Viragji Shastri" for his three decades of service in imparting Jain values to children through camps, poetry, and digital media. The event also saw the launch of: Shrutam AI: A digital tool designed to help seekers research and understand Jain scriptures. Jain Next Website:A new platform to list Mumbai's Pathshalas, archive IMPC data, and facilitate future registrations. Jain Next Gyan Yatra: A planned spiritual trip for youth to significant Jain pilgrimage sites in the Malwa region. **Conclusion and Awards** The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the high level of preparation across all schools. Every participating child received a gift and a copy of a new book on the life of Pujya Gurudevshree Kanji Swami.