CHHATTISGARH GEARS UP TO PROMOTE ITS CULTURE THROUGH RAM VAN GAMAN TOURISM CIRCUIT

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel made a pitch for the state’s heritage and cultural value as he inaugurated the renovated Shivrinarayan temple in Janjgir-champa district, as part of the state’s ambitious Ram Van Gaman tourism circuit.

Our great men have done the work of connecting every section of society. This is the path followed by the whole country including us that will eventually lead us to peace. We have to do the work of connecting the society with the spirit of ‘Ram-kaj Kinhe Bina, Mohe Kahan Vishram’. The aim of Ram Van Gaman tourism circuit is to preserve the memories linked to Lord Ram’s stay in the state during his exile from Ayodhya. When it comes to places of religious significance, Chhattisgarh has a long list to offer to tourists. Lord Rama resides in the heart of people of Chhattisgarh.”

Chhattisgarh government held a big inauguration celebration to commemorate the completion of the Shivrinarayan temple’s rehabilitation and beautifying work as part of the ambitious ‘Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit.’ On the occasion of Ram Navmi, the three-day celebration conducted at the temple premises in Janjgir-champa district came to a close on April 10. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel addressed the closing ceremony of the programme at Shivrinarayan–a famous pilgrimage site of Chhattisgarh located at the confluence of Mahanadi, Shivnath and Jonk rivers–under the Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit project. He said that Shivrinarayan is the city of Lord Rama, Lord Jagannath and Mata Shabri. On the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, he offered his greetings and best wishes to the people of the state.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced the opening of SDM office at Shivrinarayan and development of

Laxmaneshwar temple and Shabari temple at Kharaud. He inaugurated and performed Bhumipujan of various development works worth Rs 238 crore in Shivrinarayan. These include the work of public health engineering, panchayat and rural development, urban administration.the Chief Minister said that other places selected under the Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit will be developed as Shivarinarayan and we will glorify these places to a new height. Mr. Baghel said that we can go to Malhar, Chandrahasini and Giraudhpuri considering Shivrinarayan as the centre point and this place will connect to other places.

Lord Ram did the work of connecting India

The Chief Minister said that in Treta Yuga, Lord Rama worked to connect India from Ayodhya to Sri Lanka, Lord Krishna from Mathura to Dwarka in Dvapara Yuga, Shankaracharya from South to North and Swami Vivekananda from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. All our great men have done the work of connecting every section of society, they have worked to bind different classes in one thread.

He said adding that but today Lord Rama is being shown as warlord Rama and Lord Hanuman as angry Hanuman.

Chhattisgarh has been present in every era

Mr. Baghel said that Chhattisgarh is probably the first state where ‘Manas Gaan Competition’ of Ramayana Mandalis was organized selflessly with the cooperation of the government. The text of Ramcharitmanas is the culture of Chhattisgarh. He said that Shivrinarayan has been the religious, spiritual and commercial center of Chhattisgarh since ancient times. Navratri has special significance in Chhattisgarh. Sheetla

Mata is worshiped from village to village, Jawara is sown from house to house, flames are lit, and goddesses are worshipped. While paying homage to Goswami Tulsidas ji, the Chief

Minister said that he composed Ramcharitmanas in the layman’s terms. He said that Goswami Tulsidas ji has done the work of taking Ram and Ramayana from door to door, to the people.

Chhattisgarh is dear to lord ram

He said that Chhattisgarh is not only known by the name of Naxalites and mines and minerals. Chhattisgarh has a unique and rich tradition. Be it

Treta Yuga or Dwapara Yuga, whether it was the Buddhist period, we have been present in every age. Chhattisgarh was dear to Lord Ram because the people here are calm, simple and honest. When Lord Ram had to leave Ayodhya, he spent most of his time in Chhattisgarh, because the people here were dear to him. He first made friends with Kevat, made friends with the tribals, ate the berries of Shabri Mata. He did the work of connecting the society.

Farmers are thriving with Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Yojana

The Chief Minister said that the development of the individual is the core concept of our model of development. He said that it is our goal to provide nutrition, health, education and employment and equal opportunities to all. For the last three years, our Annadata farmers are getting the benefit of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana. 35 kg rice is being given to 66 lakh families. 40 lakh families are getting the benefit of half electricity bill scheme. More than two lakh people are earning income by selling cow dung.

Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh