Saint Gadge Baba gave the message that cleanliness is true worship: CM Sai
Raipur, February 23
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday attended the Nirmal Diwas programme organised at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in the capital city to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Rashtrasant Shiromani Gadge Baba.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the nation is remembering a great saint who, through his life and deeds, gave society the message of cleanliness, service and social awareness. He said the message of Saint Gadge Baba — “Cleanliness is true worship” — remains as relevant and inspiring today as ever.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the saint’s emphasis on cleanliness reminded him of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He noted that the campaign was launched from the Red Fort on August 15, 2014, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and has since evolved into a nationwide mass movement. He said the widespread awareness about sanitation across the country reflects the enduring influence of Saint Gadge Baba’s ideals.
The Chief Minister said the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has particularly ensured dignity for women in rural areas. The construction of toilets across the country has strengthened women’s safety and self-respect. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, several historic schemes for the upliftment of the poor have been launched, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Today, benefits of government schemes are being directly transferred into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, enhancing transparency and trust.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the country is steadily becoming economically stronger and moving forward towards the goal of a developed India. He stated that along with building a developed India by 2047, the resolve is also to build a developed Chhattisgarh. The state government is committed to ensuring that every section of society earns respect and that all communities are integrated into the mainstream of development.
The Chief Minister said education is the fundamental mantra of development. Education, he noted, is not merely a means to secure a degree or a job, but the foundation of a successful and value-based life. He appealed to society to ensure that every child is connected to education. He also called for collective efforts to keep youth away from substance abuse and to create a drug-free social environment.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai visited a photo exhibition based on the life of Saint Gadge Baba and released a commemorative publication after performing ‘aarti’. He also felicitated talented children and distinguished individuals from the community for their outstanding achievements in various fields.
MLA Shri Sunil Soni, MLA Shri Motilal Sahu and Padma Shri Pandit Ramlal Bareth also addressed the gathering. Descendants of Saint Gadge Baba were present on the dais.
Among those present at the programme were Shri Tulsi Kaushik, Shri Ghanshyam Chaudhary, Smt Rajni Rajak, Shri Vinay Nirmalkar, office-bearers of the Chhattisgarh Rajak Samaj and other distinguished citizens.