Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Tuesday described Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s birthday as a “special celebration” for everyone, urging people across the state to participate enthusiastically in the Seva-Sankalp Abhiyan and organise events with public participation and mutual coordination.

CM Dr Yadav made the remarks while virtually addressing elected representatives on September 15 as part of preparations for the month-long campaign. He said PM Modi’s 25 years in public life represented not merely 25 years in positions of power, but a quarter-century dedicated to service and nation-building.

‘Light a lamp as a gesture of gratitude’

CM Dr Yadav said PM Modi had made public service his guiding principle, from his tenure as Chief Minister to becoming Prime Minister.

“Prime Minister Modi’s birthday is a special celebration for all of us,” CM Dr Yadav said, describing the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ (Lamp of Blessings) initiative as an innovative way to mark the launch of the Seva-Sankalp Abhiyan.

He called upon people to organise celebrations resembling Diwali in every village and ward. Government departments, local administration, social organisations and elected representatives should work together to ensure that the campaign is conducted with grandeur, enthusiasm and collective participation, he said.

The Chief Minister urged representatives to inform the public about the major initiatives and benefits that PM Modi’s government had brought to Madhya Pradesh. He said the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme should be accompanied by discussions on the Prime Minister’s achievements in India and across the world.

Metro, airports and welfare schemes highlighted

CM Dr Yadav listed several initiatives that he said had changed the lives of ordinary people in Madhya Pradesh, including metro rail services, airports, medical colleges, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, tap water connections under the ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ initiative and various farmer welfare measures.

“The person who has given us so much deserves our gratitude, and lighting a lamp as a gesture of thanks is our duty,” CM Dr Yadav said.

He also called for women’s self-help groups, beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna scheme, farmers, livestock rearers, fisherfolk, young people, students and beneficiaries of the Swamitva scheme to be actively involved in the campaign.

More public services during campaign

CM Dr Yadav said the Seva-Sankalp Abhiyan would run from September 17 to October 17, during which residents of the state would receive additional public services and facilities.

He announced that a free registration process would be initiated for landowners. As part of the campaign, 50 lakh registrations would be carried out across Madhya Pradesh.

He further said that SUGAM passenger bus services would be launched in the state on September 25, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya.

Calling for maximum public participation, CM Dr Yadav said coordinated efforts would enable Madhya Pradesh to leave a distinctive mark nationally through the successful implementation of the campaign.