New Delhi, August 7, 2026: The Ramayana Research Council organised a press conference at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI), Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on Thursday to share details of the upcoming ‘Ramayani Samman 2026’ and discuss efforts to promote authentic knowledge about the Ramayana tradition.
The council announced that the Ramayani Samman 2026 will be held on August 19 at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Goswami Tulsidas. A total of 28 distinguished personalities from across the country will be honoured during the event.
The press conference was attended by Ajay Bhatt, MP from Nainital and former Minister of State for Defence; retired IAS officer Dev Dutt Sharma; Supreme Court advocate Dr Bharat Nagar; Kumar Sushant; Pitambar Mishra and Sadhvi Pragya Bharti.
Dr Bharat Nagar Questions Portrayal Of Lord Ram
During the interaction with the media, Supreme Court advocate Dr Bharat Nagar was asked about the trailer of a recently released film based on the Ramayana.
Expressing his concerns, Nagar said the portrayal of Lord Ram in the trailer did not appear to him to reflect the traditional image associated with the character.
He remarked that after watching the trailer, he was left wondering whether he was watching a Ramayana or a Mahabharata, arguing that Lord Ram’s appearance and presentation did not seem consistent with the traditional ideals of dignity and serenity associated with him.
Nagar urged the censor authorities to consider showing films based on the Ramayana to scholars associated with the Ramayana Research Council before certification.
According to him, scholarly review could help identify and correct factual or contextual errors before such films reach audiences.
‘Research Before Making Films’
Nagar cited the controversy surrounding ‘Adipurush’ as an example of how inaccuracies in films based on religious texts can lead to criticism and concerns about the impact on younger generations.
He said filmmakers should undertake comprehensive research before presenting characters and events from the Ramayana on screen.
The council’s position is that creative interpretation should not result in information that could distort the traditional understanding of the epic.
Ajay Bhatt Highlights Need For Authentic Information
Speaking at the event, Ajay Bhatt, MP from Nainital and former Minister of State for Defence, said the Ramayana Research Council was established with the objective of ensuring that accurate information related to the Ramayana reaches people.
He said filmmakers should conduct thorough research before making films based on the epic so that incorrect information does not reach audiences.
Bhatt also announced names among the 28 personalities selected for the Ramayani Samman 2026. The prominent names mentioned included Anup Jalota, Anuradha Paudwal, R.K. Singh and the late Kishore Kunal.
Sadhvi Pragya Bharti Raises Concerns Over Sita’s Portrayal
Sadhvi Pragya Bharti also spoke about the portrayal of Mata Sita in films.
She said that Sita’s character is often presented incorrectly in cinematic adaptations and stressed that she should not be portrayed merely as a weak or helpless woman.
According to Bharti, Mata Sita should instead be presented as a strong, dignified and ideal woman, reflecting the strength and values traditionally associated with her character.
‘Ramayani Samman 2026’ To Honour 28 Personalities
The council said the Ramayani Samman 2026 will recognise 28 individuals for their contribution to different fields while reflecting Indian cultural and civilisational values.
The award ceremony will take place at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi on August 19, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Goswami Tulsidas.
12-Acre Site Allocated For Sita Temple In Sitamarhi
During the press conference, the council also shared an update on a proposed Mata Sita temple in Sitamarhi, Bihar.
According to the council, the Bihar government has allocated 12 acres of land for the construction of the temple, described as a ‘Shakti Sthal’. The foundation stone ceremony for the project was held in April 2026 in the presence of the Bihar Chief Minister.
Focus On Preserving Ramayana Tradition
The Ramayana Research Council said the broader objective of its initiatives is to strengthen awareness of Indian culture, the Ramayana tradition and its ethical and moral values.
The council emphasised the importance of ensuring that future generations receive accurate information about the epic and its characters.
The discussion at the press conference also highlighted the continuing debate over how India’s religious and cultural narratives should be represented in contemporary cinema, particularly when such portrayals reach large audiences and influence younger generations.