"Service to the poor is the highest purpose of my life": PM Modi lays foundation stone, inaguruates development works in MP's Dhar

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted that over the past 11 years, the welfare of the poor and improving their lives have been the government highest priority.

PM laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, today.

He affirmed the belief that the nation can progress only when the poor progress. He noted that service to the poor never goes in vain; with even a little support, they demonstrate the courage to overcome immense challenges.

PM Modi shared that he has personally lived through the emotions and struggles of the poor, making their pain his own. He reiterated that service to the poor is the greatest purpose of his life.

Stressing that the impact of the government policies is now visible to the world, with 25 crore people in India having risen out of poverty, the PM emphasised that this transformation has instilled a new sense of confidence across society. The Prime Minister clarified that these efforts are not merely schemes; they are guarantees of change in the lives of poor mothers, sisters, and daughters.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister bowed at the feet of the Goddess of Knowledge, Vagdevi, the revered mother of Dhar Bhojshala.

Adding that today marks the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and deity of skill and creation, PM Modi offered salutations to Lord Vishwakarma.

Remarking that the land of Dhar has always inspired valour, PM Modi highlighted, the bravery of Maharaja Bhoj teaches us to stand firm in defence of national pride. He further added that the sacrifice of Maharshi Dadhichi gives us the resolve to serve humanity. Drawing inspiration from this legacy, the Prime Minister stated that today, the nation gives topmost priority to the security of Mother India.

He recalled that terrorists from Pakistan had shattered the sindoor of our sisters and daughters, and affirmed that through Operation Sindoor, we destroyed their terror hideouts. PM Modi emphasised that our brave soldiers brought Pakistan to its knees in the blink of an eye. Referring to a recent incident, he noted that just yesterday, another Pakistani terrorist was crying and narrating his ordeal.

This is the new India, one that does not fear anyone nuclear threats and responds by striking directly at the source, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He highlighted that 17th September marks a historic occasion when the nation witnessed the iron resolve of Sardar Patel. On this day, the Indian Army liberated Hyderabad from numerous atrocities and integrated it with India.

PM Modi emphasised that this monumental achievement and the valour of the armed forces have now been formally honoured by the government. The day is now commemorated as Hyderabad Liberation Day, symbolising India unity.

Underlining that our freedom fighters, taking an oath to sacrifice everything for the nation, dedicated their lives to the country, PM Modi emphasised that their dream was a developed India, free from the chains of colonial rule and advancing rapidly. Drawing inspiration from this legacy, he noted that today, 140 crore Indians have resolved to build a developed India. Outlining four key pillars of this journey, India women power, youth power, the poor, and farmers, the Prime Minister highlighted that today programme has strengthened all four pillars of a developed India.

He acknowledged the large presence of mothers, sisters, and daughters at the event and underscored the special focus given to women empowerment, stating, From this platform, Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign has been launched.

Noting that the resonance of the Aadi Seva Parv is already being heard across the country in various phases, PM Modi announced the launch of its Madhya Pradesh edition from today. The Prime Minister emphasised that this campaign will serve as a bridge to directly connect the tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh, including those in Dhar, with various government schemes.

Announcing a major industrial initiative on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, marking the foundation of India largest integrated textile park in Dhar, the Prime Minister stated that this park will infuse new energy into the country textile industry.

Emphasising that mothers and sisters, India Nari Shakti, are the foundation of the nation progress, the PM noted that when a mother is healthy, the entire household functions well, but if she falls ill, the entire family system is disrupted. He underscored the critical importance of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar campaign, stating that no woman should suffer due to a lack of awareness or resources.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the health of mothers, sisters, and daughters is a national priority.

He stated that the government is working in mission mode to ensure proper nutrition for pregnant women and girls. He announced the commencement of the eighth National Nutrition Month from today.

PM Modi further emphasised that in a developing India, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates is essential. To achieve this, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in 2017. Under this scheme, Rs 5,000 is transferred directly to the bank account upon the birth of the first child, and Rs 6,000 upon the birth of a second daughter.

The PM noted that so far, 4.5 crore pregnant mothers have benefited from the scheme, with over Rs 19,000 crore disbursed. He added that on this day alone, assistance was sent to over 15 lakh pregnant women with a single click, amounting to more than Rs 450 crore directly credited to their accounts.

Highlighting another major health initiative from the soil of Madhya Pradesh, addressing the serious challenge of sickle cell anaemia in tribal regions, the Prime Minister stated that the government is running a national mission to protect tribal communities from this disease. The mission was launched in 2023 from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, where the first sickle cell screening card was issued.

Underscoring that his consistent effort has been to make the lives of mothers and sisters easier and to reduce their hardships, PM Modi highlighted that initiatives like the construction of crores of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the provision of free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure household water supply have significantly eased daily challenges for women.

The PM emphasised that the Ayushman Bharat scheme, offering free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, has improved women health outcomes.

Emphasising that the government is strongly focused on economically empowering women, PM Modi stated that crores of women are availing loans through the Mudra Yojana to start new businesses and set up industries. He further stated that the government is actively working to transform three crore women into Lakhpati Didis, with nearly two crore already achieving this milestone. Women are being positioned at the heart of the rural economy by being trained as Bank Sakhis and Drone Didis. Through self-help groups, women are driving a new wave of transformation, the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting the rich tradition of Maheshwari textiles in Madhya Pradesh, noting that Devi Ahilyabai Holkar had given the Maheshwari saree a new dimension, the PM recalled the recent celebration of her 300th birth anniversary and stated that her legacy is now being advanced through the PM MITRA Park in Dhar.

PM Modi explained that the park will provide easy access to essential weaving materials like cotton and silk, simplify quality checks, and enhance market connectivity. He emphasized that spinning, designing, processing, and export will all take place within the same facility, making the entire textile value chain available at one location. He reiterated the government commitment to the 5F vision for the textile industry, Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign, ensuring a faster and more seamless journey from production to global markets.

Noting that approximately 1,300 acres of land have been allocated for the PM MITRA Park in Dhar, with over 80 industrial units already allotted, the Prime Minister stated that infrastructure development and factory construction will proceed simultaneously. The park is expected to generate three lakh new employment opportunities.

PM Modi emphasised that the park will significantly reduce logistics and manufacturing costs, making Indian products more affordable and globally competitive. He extended special congratulations to the people of Madhya Pradesh for this initiative and informed them that the government is planning to establish six more PM MITRA Parks across the country.

Prime Minister highlighted the nationwide celebration of Vishwakarma Puja and described it as a moment to also celebrate the success of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

PM Modi expressed satisfaction that the PM Vishwakarma Yojana has supported over 30 lakh artisans and craftsmen in a short span. Elaborating further, he said that through this scheme, beneficiaries have received skill training, access to digital marketing, and modern tools. He added that more than six lakh Vishwakarma partners have been provided with new equipment, and loans exceeding Rs 4,000 crore have been disbursed to support their work.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Dhar as the birthplace of the revered Kushabhau Thakre, who dedicated his entire life to the nation with the spirit of Nation First. He paid his respectful tribute to Kushabhau Thakre and stated that this very spirit of putting the nation first continues to inspire India rise to new heights.

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the festive season is also a time to reaffirm the mantra of Swadeshi. He urged citizens to ensure that whatever they buy or sell is made in India.

The Prime Minister highlighted that when essential goods are manufactured domestically, they generate employment for fellow citizens. With reduced GST rates coming into effect from 22nd September, coinciding with the start of Navratri, he urged everyone to purchase Swadeshi products and benefit from the revised rates. He concluded with a call to remember and repeat the mantra, Say with pride: this is Swadeshi, and extended his festive greetings to all. (ANI)

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