Kishori Pednekar. File | Photo credit: Emmanuel Yogini
Kishori Pednekar, leader of the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, withdrew a proposal to make Manache Shlok – a composition by Samarth Ramdas Swami – part of the curriculum in schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, after the AIMIM raised objections. The retraction came along with a statement from Pednekar in which she expressed regret for the remarks she made linking the text to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, which drew criticism from many quarters.
Pednekar, who has also served as mayor, submitted the proposal with the stated objective of inculcating values in students across BMC schools. Manache Shlok is a composition of 205 verses written by Samarth Ramdas Swami in the Bhujangaprayat metre, each line consisting of 12 syllables.
AIMIM group leader Vijay Ubale opposed the proposal, saying that schools are spaces of learning and mandating the teaching of any religion in them is not appropriate. Ubale said students should instead be taught the values in the constitution and the basic duties enshrined in it. After objection from AIMIM, Pednekar withdrew the proposal in its entirety.
After the opposition surfaced, Pednekar said, “I have come to know that someone has objected to Manache Shloka. There is no need to oppose them. If we look at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s childhood, we can see the influence of Manache Shloka on his mind.” She added that Manache Shlok should not be considered as belonging to Hindus only and that the aim was to inculcate values in children across castes, religions and sects.
The statement sparked a wave of criticism. Opposition parties opposed her statements.
Pednekar subsequently issued an explanation. “I will not make that connection again. If anyone’s feelings were hurt, I offer my apologies,” she said. She added that her intention was to convey that a citizen, irrespective of caste or sect, should develop an understanding of the duties and rights in the constitution. “But from this point on, no such connection will be made,” she said.
The Manache Shlok was authored by Samarth Ramdas Swami and consists of 205 verses composed in the Bhujangaprayat metre.
Published – 04 Apr 2026 03:26 IST
