Simhastha 2028 will be historic

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that during Simhastha 2028, devotees will be provided with such well-developed and expanded ghats that five crore pilgrims will be able to take a holy dip within 24 hours. Bathing will be conveniently possible on ghats developed along a 30-kilometre stretch on both banks of the Kshipra River. This Simhastha will prove to be historic. Madhya Pradesh will continue to work in the field of water conservation and become a model for the entire country. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav made these remarks on Friday while inaugurating the six-day ‘Sadanira Samagam’ as part of the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan at Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal.

He said that water conservation has been an ancient tradition in India. While a person may survive without food for some time, survival without water is not possible. In Indian tradition, even at the end of life, Ganga water is considered essential. Water also provides oxygen. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has been running a public awareness campaign for water conservation under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan from March 30 to June 30. Across cities and villages of the state, efforts have been made to purify and revive water sources. Several ponds, reservoirs, and stepwells have been rejuvenated. This campaign has been a collaborative effort between the government and society.

He further informed that when a list of top-performing districts in water conservation was prepared based on Government of India criteria, Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh ranked first. Other districts of the state are also actively contributing to water conservation efforts.

The Sadanira Samagam will feature various events over six days, including docu-dramas, films, musical performances, poetry under the ‘Nadinama’ segment, dance-dramas, and more.

Dr. Yadav said that over 250 rivers originate and flow through Madhya Pradesh. Even the holy Ganga is enriched by the Sone River, which originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh. The Betwa River merges with the Yamuna. He praised the concept and execution of Sadanira Samagam.

Principal Secretary of Culture and Tourism, Shri Shivshekhar Shukla, detailed the six-day activities. Shri Shriram Tiwari, Secretary Trustee of Veer Bharat Nyas, expressed gratitude. The program was conducted by Shri Vinay Upadhyay.

Book Releases

On this occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released a special documentary series and several publications, including Sadanira (a comprehensive volume), "Prithvi: Pani Ka Desh" (a poetry collection), "Jal Dhara" (a book focused on ancient water conservation traditions) and a book centered on journalism. Shri Prem Shankar Shukla and Dr. Jawahar Karnawat were present on the occasion.

This cultural event, organized by Veer Bharat Nyas and the Department of Culture, is supported by the Public Relations Department, Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Directorate of Archaeology, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism, Barkatullah University, Rabindranath Tagore University, Bharat Bhavan, Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum, and Bhopal District Administration.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated the Sadanira Samagam by lighting a ceremonial lamp. Also present were Member of Parliament Shri V.D. Sharma and MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani. Dr. Yadav viewed the photo and sculpture exhibition, which included works by photographer Shri Rajendra Jangle capturing various locations along the Narmada path.

Other notable attendees included Anil Kothari, Director General of the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Shri Shriram Tiwari, Director of Veer Bharat Nyas, and actor Annu Kapoor.