Bhopal, November 1 (Pervez Bari): Madhya Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur has said that the efforts of the state government of setting in motion works for all round development of the state are commendable. He said that the public participation works for development and service being undertaken in all the sectors in the state are worthy of emulation.
Thakur, while addressing Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day function at Motilal Nehru Stadium here today, said that it (Foundation Day) is an opportune moment not only for glancing at the past and present of the state but also for evolving a long lasting strategy for its development in future. He said that all the sections of society and government will have to work in tandem with firm conviction and dedication for the state’s all round development. He said that Madhya Pradesh is rich in natural wealth and its communal harmony is unparalleled. He said that Madhya Pradesh is a precedent of the coordination of political and social streams of thought which is pre-requisite for a state’s development. He said that he is proud of becoming Governor of Madhya Pradesh.
The Governor termed the “Jan Sunwai” (Public Hearing) by police and other departments as a welcome beginning and stressed the need to continue it. He said that control over criminal elements is also necessary apart from giving protection to the common man. While mentioning ample possibilities of educational development in the state, he said that a national level educational hub should be created in Madhya Pradesh.
The Governor also praised organisation of Foundation Day functions in a dignified manner from the State level up to Panchayat level. He wished for the state’s prosperity and all round development.
At the conclusion of his address, the Governor administered a pledge to people to contribute in Madhya Pradesh’s development and working constantly for the welfare of all the sections of society. At the outset of the function, flag was hoisted and National Anthem was recited while the function ended with the tune of Vande Mataram.
Speaking on the occasion, Bharatiya Janata Party ruled Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan exhorted the residents of the state to become partners in the campaign “Apna Madhya Pradesh” to fulfill the dream of all round development of the state. He said that this day is day of happiness. It was on this day that Madhya Pradesh was constituted. He said that “Aiye Apna Madhya Pradesh Banayen” campaign is being launched from today. The objective of the campaign is to create a feeling of pride towards the state and attachment to it and contribute in its development. He said that this day is an occasion for renewing the pledge for state’s prosperity and development.
Chouhan said that though there has been development in the state during the last 53 years, yet many possibilities of progress and development are still to be explored. He said that there is need for a wide consensus for bringing Madhya Pradesh in the list of developed states. Madhya Pradesh has a tradition of political coordination. When it comes to development, all the political parties stand together. In this connection, the Chief Minister floated a new slogan “Vicharon Mein Bhale Hon Matbhed, Vikas Mein Ham Sab Hain Ek” (We may be diverse in thoughts, but united for development). He described “Apna Madhya Pradesh” campaign as the initiative to ensure everyone’s participation in development.
Chouhan said that everyone should discharge his duties with conviction and honesty in whatever role or capacity he or she is. The dream of state’s reconstruction can be fulfilled only when the government and the society stand shoulder to shoulder. Development of social and economic infrastructures is the joint duty of the government and the people.
He said that we will have to conserve our wealth and make balanced use of it. We have not only to conserve greenery but also to augment it. Water conservation is also our joint responsibility and this applies to energy conservation as well. Similarly, everyone will have to follow the ideals of keeping our surroundings, houses, schools, hospitals etc clean. We will also have to conserve our forests, lakes and wildlife. Addiction has become a curse these days. Therefore, all of us will have to take up de-addiction campaign. He appealed to the people to devote a day or some hours a week for state’s development.
Chief Minister Chouhan announced that a Citizens’ Charter Act will be enacted with a view to fix the deadlines for common man’s works. He said that Act provisions will include not only setting the deadline for works but will also enshrine penal action for not completing the works within the deadline.
Speaking on the occasion, state BJP president Narendra Singh Tomar said that a state might have priceless wealth but if the people do not have a feeling of attachment then this wealth will be exploited, and not used properly. It is quite necessary that we should be proud to have born on the soil of Madhya Pradesh and take the state towards the path of development. He said that the call given by Chief Minister Chouhan for public participation in state’s development will bear fruits. No doubt, organisation of Foundation Day functions on a large scale will go a long way in creating a feeling attachment with the state among the people.
State Congress president Suresh Pachouri praised organisation of Foundation Day celebrations. He recalled that after foundation of the state in 1956, a separate Chhattisgarh state was carved out of it in the year 2000. The state has seen a lot of ups and downs while going through the process of constitution and reconstitution. Madhya Pradesh has ample opportunities for development and it is necessary that every citizen should feel the responsibility of materializing these possibilities and dreams of development.
Leader of the Congress Opposition in Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Mrs. Jamuna Devi said that that the pledge for making Golden Madhya Pradesh is commendable. She hoped that the weeklong functions during Madhya Pradesh Week will be helpful in creating a feeling of attachment towards the state among the people. She said that it is also necessary to create a sense of responsibility among public representatives and officers with a view to chalking out an all round strategy for development.
Meanwhile, famous film playback singer Shan (Mumbai) rendered a song ‘Sukh ka data, sabka sathi, shubh ka ye sandesh hai. Maan ki god, pita a ashray, mera Madhya Pradesh hai.’ The song has been penned by journalist and litterateur Mahesh Shrivastava. Music for the song was composed by Sunil Jha. Besides, a song was presented under the direction of Kathak dancer and choreographer Mrs. Suchitra Harmalkar (Indore). Music was composed by Pramod Bhatt. The song was penned by Puroshottam Chakravarty.
Office-bearers of various political parties, chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of corporations/board, Bhopal Mayor Sunil Sood, Chief Secretary Rakesh Sahni and other prominent administrative and police officers, office-bearers of social and cultural organisations, students and large number of people were present at the function. (pervezbari@eth.net)