CM Mohan Yadav reiterated that public service and the effective execution of welfare schemes continue to be the Madhya Pradesh government’s highest priorities. He stated that 2025 will be remembered for its numerous initiatives focused on service to the people. He also noted the grand celebration of the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilya Devi—an icon of good governance and public service—made even more memorable by the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Bhopal.
Continuing the spirit of reverence for great historical figures, CM Yadav announced a special Cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi to honor the legacy of tribal hero Raja Bhabhoot Singh, who played a significant role in uniting tribal communities and resisting external aggression in the Satpura region. Dr. Yadav made these remarks while speaking at a public program held at Subhash Nagar Sports Ground in Bhopal, organized in memory of Late Shri Kailash Narayan Sarang and Smt. Prasoon Sarang. The occasion, marked as “Matri-Pitri Bhakti Diwas” (Day of Devotion to Parents), featured a mass wedding ceremony and the honoring of senior citizens.
Praising Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang for organizing the program, Dr. Yadav emphasized the importance of cherishing time spent with one’s parents. Reflecting on the life of Late Shri Kailash Sarang, he said that while birth and death are inevitable, the significance lies in the meaning we bring to the life in between. He hailed the legacy of selfless service and said that service is a core value of Indian and Sanatan culture.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of educating youth about heroic historical figures like Raja Bhabhoot Singh to instill a sense of pride and responsibility towards nation-building. He also appreciated Minister Sarang’s efforts in promoting respect for elders and sought blessings by touching the feet of elderly citizens, while also congratulating newly married couples.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan: “Parents Are Greater Than God”
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing the gathering, emphasized that parents hold a status even higher than the divine. He lauded Minister Sarang for commemorating his parents through Matri-Pitri Bhakti Diwas, and remembered Late Shri Kailash Sarang as not only Vishwas Sarang’s father but also a mentor to countless BJP workers.
BJP State President V.D. Sharma: A Noble Example of Filial Devotion
BJP State President and MP Shri V.D. Sharma praised the initiative, calling it a model of respect and devotion to one’s parents. He noted that Late Kailash Narayan Sarang’s contributions to the party continue to inspire generations of BJP workers.
Minister Vishwas Sarang: Serving Elders is a Spiritual Duty
Minister Shri Vishwas Sarang expressed that, as in previous years, this year’s observance of his father’s birth anniversary as Matri-Pitri Bhakti and Seva Diwas was dedicated to honoring all elders. He underscored the Sanatan Dharma principle that every elder is to be regarded and served like a parent, citing examples from Indian epics like Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama, and Shravan Kumar.
Religious leaders such as Gurudev Sudesh Shandilya Maharaj and Mahant Ram Pravesh Das Maharaj also emphasized that service to parents is a path to divine blessings.
Community-Wide Participation and Celebrations
The event was graced by many prominent figures, including MP Shri Alok Sharma, former minister Shri Satyanarayan Jatiya, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, and Municipal Corporation Chairperson Shri Kishan Suryavanshi. It featured the traditional weddings of 31 girls and the felicitation of around 1,100 senior citizens, who were presented with gifts and honored in a group photo session.
#SarangMatriPitriBhaktiDiwas Tops National Social Media Trends
The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from all sections of society. People across India shared photos and videos of their parents on social media using the hashtag #SarangMatriPitriBhaktiDiwas, which quickly became the top trending topic. Additionally, millions of missed calls were registered on the campaign’s official number, showing widespread public engagement.