CM Mohan Yadav highlighted the unparalleled bravery of Veerangana Rani Avanti Bai, whose courage struck fear into the British. On her martyrdom day, he paid tribute at her memorial in Balpur, Dindori, honoring her sacrifice with deep gratitude. He emphasized that great leaders achieve extraordinary feats at a young age, making their legacy eternal. He explained that “Avanti” signifies “endless,” a fitting name for Rani Avanti Bai, who, at just 26, led the struggle against British annexation policies and laid down her life for independence.
Dindori to Witness Major Development
During the event, CM Mohan Yadav announced the upgrade of Samna Development Block to a tehsil. He acknowledged Madhya Pradesh as a land of valiant warriors like Rani Durgavati, Rani Lakshmibai, Devi Ahilyabai, Raja Raghunath Shah, and Kunwar Shankar Shah, who, despite limited resources, fiercely defended their land and honor against British rule. He highlighted Rani Avanti Bai’s fearless resistance against Dalhousie’s Doctrine of Lapse, making her an icon not only for the Lodhi community but for society as a whole.
Honoring India’s Freedom Fighters
CM Mohan Yadav stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters are being documented for future generations. He mentioned initiatives like Tribal Pride Day to honor leaders like Bhagwan Birsa Munda and noted that Madhya Pradesh’s first cabinet meeting in Jabalpur paid tribute to Veerangana Rani Durgavati. Additionally, Khargone University has been renamed after Krantisurya Tantya Mama in recognition of tribal heroes.
Key Welfare and Development Initiatives
CM Mohan Yadav announced several welfare measures, including:
- Support for Farmers: ₹1,000 per quintal for millets (ShriAnn), ₹4,000 per hectare for paddy farmers, and ₹2,600 per quintal for wheat.
- Dairy and Agriculture Boost: Subsidies for cattle rearers with over ten cows to promote dairy production.
- Industrialization: Encouraging small, medium, and cottage industries in Dindori.
- Women’s Welfare: Commemoration of Rani Ahilyabai’s 300th birth anniversary, focusing on women’s empowerment and welfare.
Tributes and Recognition of Rani Avanti Bai’s Legacy
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Panchayat Affairs Shri Prahlad Singh Patel praised Rani Avanti Bai’s defiance against British-imposed taxes and her fearless leadership in the 1857 revolt. Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Shri Dharmendra Bhavsingh Lodhi highlighted her strategic resistance, which forced British officer Waddington to retreat. MLA Shri Omprakash Paraste recounted her heroic journey and expressed gratitude to CM Yadav for his developmental initiatives in the region.
Infrastructure Development in Dindori
CM Mohan Yadav announced key projects for Dindori, including:
- Road Connectivity: Mehdwani to ITI and Moosarghat to Shahdol road upgrades.
- Power & Irrigation: A 132 kV substation in Shahpura, canal lining for multiple reservoirs, and solar power generation on the Narmada riverbank.
- Education & Public Welfare: Establishment of a tehsil office in Samanapur, a girls’ hostel in Gaurakhanhari, and a dam on the Gajar river near Nevsa Waterfall.
Financial Aid Distribution
CM Mohan Yadav distributed financial assistance under various schemes:
- ₹2.27 crore sanctioned for Rahul Kesharwani’s rice mill under the MSME Promotion Scheme.
- ₹53.8 crore allocated for 2,482 self-help groups under the CCL scheme.
- ₹7 lakh granted to Amrita and Santoshi self-help groups for flour mills under the PMFME scheme.
The event witnessed the presence of MLAs, former ministers, district panchayat members, and senior administrative officials, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to honoring historical legacies and fostering regional development.