‘Kalash Yatra across MP, schools to impart lessons on Vajpayee’

BHOPAL: Students in Madhya Pradesh schools would learn about the life of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from the next academic session while his ‘Asthi Kalash Yatra’ will pass through every village panchayat in the state, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Saturday in a slew of measures to keep Vajpayee’s memory alive.

He also constituted three national-level awards of ~5 lakh each, to be given in the field of journalism, poetry and good administration in his memory.

“He (Vajpayee) is a stalwart. His life is an inspiration for many. We want future generations to be aware of his deeds and thoughts so that they also take inspiration from him,” he said.

With assembly polls scheduled by the end of year, the CM said condolence meetings in the memory of the former PM will be organised at all district headquarters from August 22-25 and at all development blocks and gram panchayats from August 25-30. Vajpayee’s ashes will be immersed in all prominent rivers of the state including Narmada.

As part of the yatra, Atal Smriti Sabha will be held in villages where people will be told about Vajpayee’s life and achievements, a BJP leader said. “This will benefit the party during the elections. After all he was born in Gwalior and had a deep connect with the state,” he said.

The state government will also construct two memorials, one in Gwalior and another in Bhopal, where people will be presented with various memorabilia.

Gorkhi Government School, where Vajpayee studied from class 6 to 8 will also be developed as a school of excellence school with smart class, planetarium and a museum. A library will also be set in the name of Vajapyee in all the smart cities of the state. Residents of Gwalior had raised the demand of constructing a memorial and improving the Gorkhi School on Friday.

The CM also said that Global Skill park, Shramoday Schools and Medical College in Vidisha will be named after Vajpayee.