Bhopal, May 8: The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Janapav, the birthplace of Bhagwan Parashuram developed to make it an international centre of pilgrimage. Shri Chouhan was addressing a massive public meeting at Janapav today. He performed Bhoomi Pujan for development works worth about 11 crore there on the occasion.

Former Chief Minister Shri Kailash Joshi presided over the function attended among others by BJP state president Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, vice president Shri Anil Dave, Minister for P.W.D. Shri Kailash Vijaywargiya, Minister for Water Resources Shri Anup Mishra, Minister for Urban Administration and Development Shri Narottam Mishra and Minister for Public Relations, Culture and Mineral Resources Shri Laxamikant Sharma.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said that the life and deeds of Bhagwan Parashuram inspire us to serve the humanity setting aside personal ego. The message of his life is that power is to be used to promote common weal. He freed the earth planet of the atrocious and unjust rulers. The Chief Minister announced that there would be a government holiday on Parashuram Jayanti from next year. He said that a Panchayat of pujaris would be convened to solve their problems.

Shri Chouhan said that it is a duty of every government to preserve Indian culture and the state government is making all out efforts in this direction. The state government has decided to share fifty percent of the expenditure incurred on pilgrimage to Mansarovar. Now the same facility would be provided to the pilgrims going to Hinglajgarh. All out efforts are being made for environment protection. He said that the Karmbhumi of freedom fighter Tantya Bhil near Mhow would be developed. He said that great saint and seers hallow the soil of Madhya Pradesh and there are many sacred places here. All the places that Shri Ram visited during Van Gaman would be developed. A Sanskrit University would be established in the state. He said that a comprehensive law has been framed and forwarded to the centre for approval to check cow slaughter. Similarly, a bill to curb conversions has also been sent to the centre. The assent on both the bills is still awaited.

The Chief Minister accorded sanction for various development works at Janapav including construction of a road from A.B. road to Janapav, electrification of the road, drinking water arrangement, renovation of the pond, construction of a grand temple and a Dharmshala, ambulatory path, museum, research seat, Bhojnalaya and a huge gate on A.B. road.

Presiding over the function Shri Kailash Joshi said that Bhagwan Parashuram strived to shape an egalitarian society. He initiated a movement through which thousands of people were made cultured. He lauded the initiative of the state government to develop Janapav as a pilgrimage centre.

Shri Narendra Tomar said that a number of schemes have been implemented to bring about a positive change in the living standard of the poor. Madhya Pradesh is moving fast on the path of development.

Anil Dave said that Janapav is a unique place from where seven and half rivers originate. Five rivers are still alive. Remaining rivers would be revived in next three years. He hoped that this place would attract visitors from all over the country as well as abroad.

A dumb and deaf girl presented the Chief Minister a picture of Bhagwan Parashuram on the occasion. He was also presented a turban and a sword on behalf of Ranbankure Yuva Mandal. The Shri Chouhan released a special issued brought out by Dainik Bhaskar focused on Bhagwan Parashuram.

Chairman of Sanskrit Board Shri Jaikrishna Gaud, former minister Smt. Archana Chitnis, Shri Suresh Sharma, Shri Kailash Patidar and Shri Vikas Awasthi also expressed their views. Shri Alok Dube delivered the welcome address. Chairman of Khadi Gramodyog Board Shri Satyanarayan Sattan, Mayor of Indore Dr. Uma Shashi Sharma, Member of Parliament Shri Laxaminarayan Sharma, MLAs Shri Manoj Patel and Sushri Usha Thakur, Shri Ramesh Mendola, Smt. Reeta Upmanyu, Shri Kripashankar Shukl, former MLA and president of Akhil Bhartiya Brahman Mahasabha Shri Ramesh Sharma "Guttu Bhaiya" and a large number of saints were also present on the occasion. The vice president of Rashtriya Ekta Parishad Shri Ramesh Sharma conducted the function. Shri Vishnu Shukla proposed a vote of thanks.