Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Lal Bahadur Shastri on October 2, recalling their contribution to India and highlighting the relevance of self-reliance and indigenous development.
Speaking to the media after paying tribute to the two national leaders, Yadav said India’s democratic identity has gained recognition globally and linked the country’s current push for self-reliance with Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas of swadeshi.
The Chief Minister said the focus on “Make in India” and “Made in India” reflects an effort to take forward the idea of indigenous production and strengthen the vision of a self-reliant India. He also said October 2 holds special significance as the birth anniversary of both Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Gandhi’s Swadeshi Idea and the Self-Reliance Push
Yadav said Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts on swadeshi continue to have relevance in the country’s development journey.
He contrasted the present emphasis on indigenous production with what he described as the continuation of colonial-era systems during earlier governments. According to the Chief Minister, the current focus on domestic manufacturing is intended to strengthen India’s economic and industrial self-reliance.
The remarks came as the country observed Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti on October 2. Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, service and swadeshi continue to be associated with the national observance, while Shastri is remembered for his leadership and the message of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
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CM Praises Captain Smit Machchhar’s Courage
The Chief Minister also referred to Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, whose actions during a serious mid-air incident involving a Flydubai flight have received widespread attention.
According to reports, Machchhar was seriously injured after being attacked by the co-pilot during a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight. Despite being injured, he managed to respond during the crisis, helping create an opportunity for others to intervene and enabling the aircraft to make a safe emergency landing. Reports say 174 passengers were on board.
Yadav praised Machchhar’s courage and said his actions had brought pride to Indians. He also referred to the incident as an example of courage, determination and concern for the safety of others.
The pilot’s actions have also drawn public praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Amit Shah’s Bhopal Visit to Bring Focus on Dairy and Development
Yadav also spoke about the upcoming visit of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah to Bhopal.
Shah is scheduled to reach Bhopal on October 2 and participate in a series of programmes on October 3, including a state-level Gopalak Sammelan at the BHEL Dussehra Maidan. More than 35,000 cattle rearers and members associated with dairy cooperatives are expected to participate.
The programme is expected to include initiatives related to dairy development, bonuses for milk producers, assistance for gaushalas and recognition of women involved in cattle rearing. Approval letters under the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana are also part of the planned programme.
Yadav said the visit would provide a platform to promote milk production and strengthen activities linked to the dairy and cooperative sectors.
IISER Campus and Other Development Projects
The Union minister’s Bhopal programme also includes events linked to higher education and infrastructure.
According to the announced programme, Shah will participate in the foundation-laying ceremony for the IISER Bhopal–ATRI campus at Bhauri and unveil a statue of Swami Vivekananda. His schedule also includes a state-level exhibition focused on the new criminal laws and policing.
The visit is therefore expected to cover several areas, including dairy and cooperation, policing, higher education and infrastructure.
CM Highlights Anti-Drug Efforts in Madhya Pradesh
Yadav also said Madhya Pradesh was moving towards becoming free from drugs. He linked the state’s efforts with the broader focus of the Union government on internal security and drug control.
He further stated that the state had become free from Naxalism under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
These remarks formed part of the Chief Minister’s broader message on development, security and social welfare during the Gandhi-Shastri Jayanti observance.
A Day Linking National Legacy With Current Priorities
The October 2 programme brought together tributes to two important figures in India’s freedom and post-Independence history with discussions on contemporary priorities such as self-reliance, indigenous production, dairy development, higher education and public safety.
While Gandhi’s swadeshi philosophy was highlighted in the context of domestic production, Shastri’s legacy was recalled alongside the national observance of his birth anniversary. Yadav’s comments on Captain Smit Machchhar also placed individual courage and public responsibility among the day’s themes.
The upcoming programmes in Bhopal, meanwhile, are set to focus on sectors ranging from dairy and cooperation to education and policing, adding a development-oriented dimension to the state’s October 2-3 schedule.
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