In a significant boost to regional development, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Guru Darshan and Sant Sammelan Mela at Bhandapuri Dham in Arang tehsil of Raipur district. As the chief guest, he performed bhumi pujan (groundbreaking) for 16 development works worth over Rs. 162 crore, including vital infrastructure like road construction, widening, and strengthening projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and public convenience.
Key Announcements: Roads, Schools, Streetlights—and Pilot Training
Mr. Sai made several impactful announcements for the local community:
- Construction of a dome at the fair site
- Installation of streetlights along the Telasi–Bhandarpuri Road
- Upgradation of Kutesar Primary School to Secondary Level
- A unique pilot training scheme for the youth: “If five young individuals from the community want to become pilots, the government will cover 100% of their training expenses,” the CM declared.
Honouring Satnami Heritage and Social Harmony
Before addressing the gathering, Mr. Sai visited the Guru Gaddi to seek blessings for the state’s well-being. In his address, he invoked the teachings of Baba Guru Ghasidas, whose message of equality, unity, and humanity continues to inspire the Satnami community.
He emphasized that the government is working with full dedication to fulfill the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh by embracing the values of social justice, inclusion, and empowerment.
A Growing Legacy of Representation and Leadership
Highlighting the community’s increasing influence in governance, Mr. Sai noted a milestone: “Last year, when I attended this event, Guru Khushwant Saheb was an MLA. Today, he is a cabinet minister with a key portfolio for Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and youth employment through skill training.”
The CM reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring Modi Guarantee benefits reach all three crore citizens of Chhattisgarh. He cited:
- Over 9,000 government recruitments already completed
- 5,000 new recruitments underway in the Education Department
- Establishment of a Department of Good Governance and Convergence—a first in India—to ensure transparent and accountable administration
Increased Budget for Scheduled Caste Development
The CM announced a budget increase for the Authority for the Development of Scheduled Castes from Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 75 crore, reinforcing the government’s focus on inclusive development.
Religious Leaders and Ministers Laud Development Focus
Religious leader Guru Baldas Saheb called the fair a symbol of social unity and praised Mr. Sai for appointing Guru Khushwant Saheb as a minister. Former Chief Minister and current Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh highlighted the iconic Jaitkham in Girodpuri, stating that such achievements reflect the inspiration of Guru Ghasidas.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Sao called the Rs. 162 crore project rollout a historic step for Arang and noted that over 700 tenders have been floated for post-monsoon infrastructure upgrades, especially for road development.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance of the Fair
Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb shared the spiritual significance of the annual fair, which marks the accession of Guru Balakdas Saheb, son of Guru Ghasidas. Bhandapuri Dham, he said, was the karmabhoomi of Guru Balakdas and remains central to the Satnami faith.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event witnessed participation from several esteemed leaders and saints including:
Guru Baldas Saheb, Guru Dhaldas Saheb, Guru Maksudan Saheb, Guru Somesh Baba, Guru Saurabh Saheb, MP Kamlesh Jangde, Rajiv Agarwal (CSIDC), Kedar Gupta (Apex Bank), Naveen Agarwal (District Panchayat Raipur), MLA Doman Lal Korsevada, former Speaker Gaurishankar Agarwal, and others.
Also Read: Chhattisgarh Gets Rs. 3,462 Crore Boost from Modi Government: Here’s How CM Sai Pledges To Spend It!
