Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while addressing a public gathering in Samudayik Bhavan, Ghamapur, at Ramleela Maidan, Jabalpur, through mobile phone, said that Saint Shree Ravidas was a custodian of Indian culture and values. His teachings are still relevant.
In order to perpetuate his teachings and to acquaint future generations with them, the government has decided to construct a grand temple and a huge memorial in Sagar.
He expressed his delight in announcing that the foundation stone for this temple will be laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on August 12th in Sagar.
Chief Minister Chouhan was addressing the public gathering organized at Ghamapur, Jabalpur, where he delivered his speech through a mobile phone. He addressed the program with a mobile phone from Dumna Airport before departing for Anuppur.
He also apologized to the people for not being able to participate in the programme.
Chief Minister Chouhan said that the Madhya Pradesh Government is fortunate to have an opportunity to build a temple and memorial dedicated to Saint Ravidas Ji.
He said that the temple and memorial, which are being constructed at a cost exceeding one hundred crore rupees, will be unique in the world.
He invited all citizens of the state, especially the residents of the capital city to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony of the temple and memorial.
Chouhan said that Saint Ravidas preached social harmony, equality, and unity. He always stood against casteism, discrimination, and untouchability. He believed that a person’s worth is determined by their actions, not by birth. He further noted that Saint Ravidas was compassionate and generous, dedicating his earnings to the service of the needy and the welfare of saints.
Chouhan said that the government is following teachings and ideals of Saint Ravidas Ji by providing free ration to the poor, offering land and houses free medical treatment, and ensuring education for children.
The Chief Minister reiterated the commitment to follow Saint Ravidas’s ideals and assured that the government will continue to serve the most marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society. He extended his greetings to the saints participating in the Samarsata Yatra and offered his respects.
The Chief Minister concluded by raising slogans in praise of Saint Shri Ravidas Ji. The program was attended by dignitaries including Swami Akhileshwaranand Giri Maharaj, revered Chipeshwar Maharaj, Dr. Jitendra Jamdadr (Deputy Convener of the Jan Abhiyan Parishad), MLA Ajay Vishnoi, Ashok Rohani, Nandini Marawi, Santosh Varakde (Chairman of the District Panchayat), former MLA Anchal Sonkar, Ratnesh Sonkar, and other respected citizens and devotees.
During the Samarsata Yatra, the sacred charan paduka (footwear) of Saint Shri Ravidas Ji Maharaj were placed on the head by Anchal Sonkar, and the Samarsata flag was brought to the venue by Shri Ram Sonkar. After the public dialogue, the holy soil and water were handed over to Swami Akhileshwaranand Maharaj for the next journey.
