Dhana (MP), Aug 12 (UNI) In a sarcasm-laced attack on predecessor dispensations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged on Saturday that the former’s hollow schemes were announced in keeping with “electoral seasons” and those who were at the helm of affairs for decades together did not accord importance to even ensuring adequate supply of a fundamental necessity such as water to the populace in the interior.
Addressing a public meeting at this town in Sagar district, the visiting dignitary said, “In stark contrast, we believe in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas aur sabka prayas (universal togetherness, development, confidence and endeavour). We shall make Bharat a developed nation through tireless striving. Our ideology envisions extending support to dalits, the deprived, tribal folk and women towards fulfilment of their hopes and aspirations in every stage of existence.”
Obliquely expressing confidence vis-à-vis a victory in the next general election, the Prime Minister said that Sant Ravidas would bless him so that he (Mr Modi) graces the dedication ceremony of the memorial whose bhoomi-pujan was performed this very day.
“Soil from in excess of 30,000 villages and water from more than 300 rivers have been brought for the edifice. Lakhs of households contributed grain as well through the medium of five samrasta yatras whose confluence was witnessed. I believe these journeys have not concluded yet as this juncture heralds the commencement of an era of social harmony. When inspiration and progress combine forces, the foundation of a fresh age is laid. That is the sentiment fuelling contemporary Bharat. In the next 25 years, it shall be our collective responsibility to take our heritage forward and also learn lessons of the past. As a nation we saw several millennia of history and it is but natural that evils crept into society. At intervals, towering saints and auliyas took birth and energised the community. Sant Ravidas was one such seer during the Mughal period when people were battling instability, harassment and atrocities. He awakened society and taught the masses to combat negativity while pointing out the perils of casteism that was devouring humanity. When our very identity was being eliminated, he was patriotic and said that thraldom is the lowliest of sins. This thought was observed in Chhatrapati Shivaji who laid a Hindu base. During our struggle for freedom, thousands of revolutionaries felt the same way. Today, the country is advancing towards liberation from a slave mentality. Sant Ravidas was of the exalted opinion that nobody should go hungry and we must rise above narrow-mindedness,” he added.
Touching on the pandemic days, Mr Modi said that he was determined that the indigent segment would not sleep hungry as “I know full well the pangs of hunger and an impoverished individual’s self-esteem. I am one of you and do not need to comprehend you through books.”
During his 26-minute-long speech, the Prime Minister mentioned schemes such as PM-GKAY, PMMVY, Mission Indradhanush, ABY, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, SSY, MUDRA, VDY, PMAY and JJM. He referred to adivasi museums, Tribal Pride Day and the renaming of stations.
Earlier, Mr Modi laid the foundation stone for the Sant Ravidas Memorial at Badtuma village, which he reached by helicopter after arriving on board an Army special plane at Khajuraho Airport – in Chhatarpur district – where he was received by state Mineral Resources and Labour Minister Brajendra Pratap Singh. The memorial is to be constructed over an area exceeding 11 acres by incurring an expenditure of more than Rs 100 crore. It shall boast an art museum and a gallery showcasing the seer’s life, philosophy and teachings. Facilities such as a Bhakt Niwas, Bhojanalay, etc will also be available.
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the upgraded Kota-Bina rail route doubled by spending in excess of Rs 2,475 cr. It traverses Kota and Baran districts of Rajasthan; Guna, Ashoknagar and Sagar in Madhya Pradesh. Mr Modi electronically laid the foundation stone for road projects costing more than Rs 1,580 cr. These comprise four-laning of the Morikori-Vidisha-Hinotiya stretch and connecting Hinotiya with Mehluwa.
Among the dignitaries present were Union ministers, Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
