Bhopal, Feb 3: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in the presence of veteran leader Sundarlal Patwa laid the foundation stone of Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences and Research at RGPV near the Central Jail here on Sunday. Madhya Pradesh government has allotted 25-acre land for this Ayurveda-based medical institute which would have 300 inpatients' capacity.

Chief Minister Chouhan said on this occasion that the state government would extend all possible assistance for the institute being built with the cooperation of Jain community. Praising this work being undertaken for serving suffering masses, Chief Minister Chouhan said that this work is being done with the blessings of Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji. He said that Acharya Vidya Sagar Ji would also be invited to the site of the institute for seeking his blessings. Chief Minister Chouhan announced to give the land for the institute on lease for a token amount of Rs one only. This would facilitate the institute in registry-related works. Chouhan also expressed his pleasure over collection of Rs 10 crore with the cooperation of social workers.

Veteran leader Sundarlal Patwa said that local people as well as donors from other cities have liberally donated for this pious work. Patwa, while wishing people complete health and praying that they visit a hospital less and less, said that this hospital would be helpful to them in serious illnesses. The work of the institute should be completed with the spirit of a Yagya. Mumbai-base philanthropist and physician Dr Gangwal, Dr Begani, Shikhar Chand Jain and others also addressed the function.

Those present on the occasion included Industry Minister Jayant Malaiya, Public Relations and Culture Minister Laxmikant Sharma, Minister of state for Education Paras Jain, Handicraft Development Corporation Chairman Kapoor Chand Dhuwara, MLA Prakash Sakhlecha, BJYM state president Vishwas Sarang, Alok Sanjar, Om Yadav, BMC chairman Ramdayal Prajapati, Alok Sharma and other public representatives and office bearers of prominent institutions and organisations.

Institute's organising committee president Justice NK Jain gave information about the institute. The function was conducted by IGP Pawan Jain while organising committee secretary Dr Rajesh Jain proposed a vote of thanks. On this occasion, a number of citizens and philanthropists announced to give donations for the institute's construction work. The ritual of stone-laying was completed by Vimal Kumar Saurainya.