Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has reiterated his government’s commitment to preserving Sanatan traditions and promoting the state’s religious and cultural heritage. Addressing the inauguration of a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha Yagya in Gotegaon, he highlighted several initiatives related to religious infrastructure, de-addiction, cow protection and pilgrimage facilities.
The event was organised in the presence of Gopithadhishwar Mahant Bipin Bihari Das Maharaj. The Chief Minister said the Shrimad Bhagwat Purana conveys the essence of the Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads and offers guidance on life, death, duty and moral conduct.
He also said that the state government was working to strengthen religious and spiritual traditions while encouraging social values and cultural awareness.
19 Religious Towns Under Liquor Prohibition
Highlighting the government’s efforts to address substance abuse, Yadav said Madhya Pradesh had decided to implement liquor prohibition in 19 religious towns.
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He added that the government had set a target of 2029 for a decisive campaign against drugs and other forms of substance abuse.
The Chief Minister said the initiative was aimed at protecting young people from the harmful effects of addiction and addressing social problems associated with substance use.
Gita Bhawans Planned Across Urban Local Bodies
The Chief Minister also spoke about the state’s initiative to celebrate Gita Jayanti on a wider scale.
Referring to the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, he said the scripture offers lessons on duty, action and responsible living.
As part of the initiative, the government plans to establish Gita Bhawans in villages as well as urban local bodies. These facilities are intended to provide dedicated spaces for religious, spiritual and community programmes.
Narmada Parikrama Route to Get Better Pilgrim Facilities
Yadav said the government was also working on improving facilities along the Narmada Parikrama route through the Narmada Mission.
The proposed improvements include:
- Development of resting facilities for pilgrims undertaking the parikrama.
- Upgradation of ghats along the route.
- Provision of other essential amenities for devotees.
- Measures to maintain the purity of Narmada water, including water purification arrangements.
The initiative is intended to improve facilities for devotees undertaking the traditional pilgrimage around the Narmada River.
One Vrindavan Village Planned in Every District
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s plan to develop one Vrindavan village in every district of Madhya Pradesh.
According to him, these villages will promote the conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds. The government is encouraging the rearing of breeds such as Sahiwal, Gir and local varieties.
He also referred to cattle-related competitions being organised to promote indigenous breeds.
Under the state’s Kisan Kalyan Year initiative, the government is working on providing monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to livestock owners who rear indigenous cows. The initiative is intended to encourage cattle rearing, natural farming and milk production.
Religious Sites Being Developed as Pilgrimage Destinations
Yadav said the government was working to develop places associated with the lives and traditions of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna as pilgrimage destinations.
He referred to ongoing development efforts at several religious locations, including:
Ujjain, alongside preparations for Simhastha.
- Mahakal Mahalok.
- Orchha.
- Chitrakoot.
- Omkareshwar.
- Maheshwar.
- Amarkantak.
The Chief Minister said the objective was to improve facilities for devotees while preserving the state’s spiritual heritage for future generations.
CM Calls for Collective Weddings and Simpler Social Practices
Addressing social customs, Yadav urged people to avoid unnecessary expenditure and display during weddings and other family occasions.
He encouraged collective marriages and said he had arranged the weddings of both his children through the collective marriage system.
He also called for discouraging practices such as extravagant wedding celebrations and death feasts, describing the need to move away from unnecessary social customs.
Prahlad Singh Patel Highlights Social Significance of Bhagwat Katha
Madhya Pradesh Minister Prahlad Singh Patel welcomed the Chief Minister to Gotegaon and acknowledged the efforts of Jalam Singh Patel and the Maninagendra Singh Foundation team in organising the event.
The Bhagwat Katha Yagya is being held in memory of the minister’s late mother and late Maninagendra Singh, also known as Monu Bhaiya.
Patel also praised the religious discourses of Mahant Bipin Bihari Das Maharaj, saying they encourage social reflection and the revival of traditional values.
The Chief Minister attended the opening day of the religious programme and received the blessings of the presiding spiritual leader.
