Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Friday inaugurated newly constructed Sandipani Schools at Jhinjhari and Bahoriband in Katni, urging students to draw inspiration from the life of Lord Krishna and never forget their roots and friendships despite achieving success in life.

During the programme, the Chief Minister narrated the story of Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama, highlighting the importance of education, humility and lifelong relationships. He also spoke about the ambitious Sleemanabad Tunnel project, describing it as a scientific marvel that would transform the region’s agricultural and drinking water scenario.

Krishna-Sudama story as a lesson for students

Addressing students, CM Dr Yadav said the period of Lord Krishna’s education at Sandipani Ashram holds great significance even today. He said Krishna travelled from Mathura to the ashram after defeating Kansa and received knowledge that shaped him into a complete human being.

The Chief Minister said Sandipani Ashram was not merely a centre of learning but a place where Lord Krishna acquired knowledge of 64 arts, 14 branches of learning, the four Vedas, 18 Puranas and warfare skills.

Recalling the friendship between Krishna and Sudama, CM Dr Yadav advised students to remain connected with their friends irrespective of their achievements.

“When Sudama visited Krishna’s palace, the Lord welcomed him warmly, arranged everything for him and later built a palace for him without making him feel inferior,” he said, adding that true success lies in helping others and respecting relationships.

Govt schools see major transformation

The Chief Minister said government schools in Madhya Pradesh have undergone a significant transformation. He claimed that during earlier governments, basic facilities in schools were lacking, while today modern Sandipani Schools are being developed with improved infrastructure.

He said students are being provided with educational support through books, bicycles, uniforms, scooters and laptops. Highlighting the importance of teachers in Indian culture, CM Dr Yadav said the government would organise a major event on Guru Purnima and has renamed university vice-chancellors as “Kulgurus” to honour the traditional importance of teachers.

He also assured beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana that eligible women would receive ₹1,500 directly in their bank accounts again during Raksha Bandhan.

Sleemanabad Tunnel to transform five districts

CM Dr Yadav said the completion of the Sleemanabad Tunnel would bring a major change to the lives of people in Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Panna and Katni districts by ensuring irrigation and drinking water availability.

He said the flow of Narmada water would bring prosperity to farms and help the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions surpass agricultural growth achieved by states like Punjab and Haryana in the future.

The Chief Minister said several challenges emerged during the construction of the tunnel, including hard rocks that damaged machinery. However, the government remained committed to completing the project.

He added that the Ken-Betwa river linking project would benefit farmers in Bundelkhand districts, while the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) project would provide irrigation and drinking water facilities to districts in the Chambal and Malwa regions.

MP to embrace UCC

CM Dr Yadav announced that the Madhya Pradesh government would introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill during the upcoming monsoon session of the state Assembly.

He said the state was moving towards the principle of “one country, one law” and the proposed law would apply equally to people of all religions, including Hindus and Muslims.

The Chief Minister said the state government would hold a Cabinet meeting at Jagdishpur near Bhopal, whose name was changed to Islamnagar during the rule of foreign invaders, before moving ahead with the UCC. He alleged that opposition leaders stayed away from discussions on the law due to concerns over their vote-bank politics.

CM Dr Yadav concluded by announcing that a grand programme would soon be organised in Katni for the inauguration of the Sleemanabad Tunnel project.