CM Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday attended the National Executive Meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Vaishnav Brahmin Seva Sangh, Mumbai, held in the state capital Raipur. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said it is a matter of great honour that the national convention of the Vaishnav Brahmin community is being hosted in Chhattisgarh — the sacred land of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram.
He added that the Vaishnav Brahmin community has a glorious legacy, with its eminent personalities setting extraordinary examples of generosity in Chhattisgarh. He emphasized that the community would play a significant role in building a developed Chhattisgarh. On this occasion,CM Vishnu Deo Sai also felicitated talented individuals from the community who have made outstanding contributions in various fields.
In his address, CM Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the Vaishnav Brahmin community’s historical role in strengthening Sanatan Dharma. He noted that the community is not only known for its religious and priestly traditions but has also played an active part in governance and administration. Referring to their exceptional legacy of generosity, he said there were instances when royal estates were donated by members of this community. The Vaishnav Brahmin princely state of Rajnandgaon stands as a remarkable example of this heritage.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai stated that within just a year and a half, his government has fulfilled the majority of the guarantees made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He reiterated that Chhattisgarh is the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram and a place where the Lord spent a significant portion of his exile. Under the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, more than 22,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh have already visited Ayodhya for the divine darshan of Lord Ram Lalla.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai further mentioned that the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana has also been restarted, under which citizens above the age of 60 can visit pilgrimage sites of their choice. Importantly, there is no upper age limit in this scheme for differently-abled individuals, widows, and destitute women.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a pledge has been taken to build a developed India by the year 2047. In alignment with this national vision, Chhattisgarh must also move forward towards becoming a developed state. He said the Vaishnav Brahmin community has a vital role to play in this mission. Expressing optimism, he hoped the community would continue to grow, remain united, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and the nation.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Raman Singh, addressing the event, described the Vaishnav Brahmin community as a visionary and imaginative one. Reflecting on his long tenure as MLA, MP, Union Minister, and CM Vishnu Deo Sai from Rajnandgaon, he shared his close experience of the community’s impactful contributions. He said that the royal family of Rajnandgaon made unparalleled contributions to the development of higher education, railway infrastructure, industry, and water supply systems.
Dr. Singh cited the example of Mahant Digvijay Das, who donated his palace for the establishment of a college, provided vast land for railway development, and established the BNC Cotton Mill, which offered employment to thousands. He also recalled how Mahant Ghasi Das had announced the provision of free land to traders in Rajnandgaon to boost commercial activity.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, in his remarks, said that the Vaishnav Brahmin community has been a flag-bearer of Sanatan Dharma. He added that this National Executive Meeting will further strengthen unity and collective progress within the community.
The event was also graced by Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, former national president of the Sangh Shri P. L. Bairagi, national vice president Shri Lal J. K. Vaishnav, state president Shri Rakesh Das Vaishnav, Shri Vijay Kumar Das, Shri Raghvendra Das Vaishnav, Dr. Saurabh Nirvani, Smt. Anjana Devi Vaishnav, Shri Rajneesh Vaishnav, along with several other distinguished dignitaries.