PM Modi Lays Foundation for Sant Ravidas Memorial: A Tribute to 15th Century Mystic Poet

In a significant step towards honoring the legacy of the revered 15th-century mystic poet and social reformer Sant Ravidas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a ₹100-crore temple-cum-memorial in the poll-bound state of Madhya Pradesh. The event, held in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Governor Mangubhai Patel, and Union Minister Virendra Kumar, marks a momentous occasion for both spiritual reverence and developmental progress. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lay the foundation for Sant Ravidas' temple. "Today I got the opportunity to lay the foundation for Sant Ravidas' temple, and I believe that he will give me the opportunity to inaugurate the same when it is completed in the next one-and-a-half years," the Prime Minister said after performing the ‘bhoomi pujan’. Notably, soil from 53 thousand villages across Madhya Pradesh has been brought to symbolize the collective devotion towards this noble endeavor. The memorial spread over an expansive 11.25-acre area, is poised to become a hub of cultural enrichment and spiritual exploration. It will encompass an impressive art museum and gallery that will beautifully showcase the life, philosophy, and teachings of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas. This multifaceted facility will also feature accommodations like Bhakt Niwas, and Bhojanalay, catering to the comfort and needs of devotees visiting the memorial. Amidst the inauguration of the Sant Ravidas memorial, Prime Minister Modi also took the occasion to focus on development, symbolizing the government's commitment to holistic progress. With an investment exceeding ₹4,000 crores, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for crucial rail and road sector projects. Among these significant projects is the completion of the doubling of the Kota-Bina rail route, a transformative endeavor that has been executed at an estimated cost of more than ₹2,475 crores. This project traverses through key districts, including Kota, Baran, Guna, Ashoknagar, and Sagar, enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth. In addition to the rail development, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for two impactful road projects worth over ₹1,580 crores. One of these projects involves the four-laning of the Morikori - Vidisha - Hinotiya road, while the other aims to establish connectivity between Hinotiya and Mehluwa. These road projects signify the government's focus on improving transportation infrastructure, facilitating ease of travel, and promoting regional development. The Sant Ravidas temple and the concurrent development initiatives underscore the government's commitment to honoring cultural heritage and fostering progress in the state of Madhya Pradesh. As the state gears up for upcoming elections, these initiatives exemplify the administration's dedication to both spiritual upliftment and holistic development, further solidifying its bonds with the people.