Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel addressed a massive public gathering on Friday during 'Gandhi Vichaar Padyatra' held on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in Kandel . He announced that a college would be opened in Kandel in the name of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Madamsilli dam would be named after late Babu Chhotelal Shrivastav, water would be released from dams for crops in summer. He also announced bridge construction in Kandel and naming of Government Higher Secondary School Gopalpuri after freedom fighter Hazari Lal Jain.
Chief Minister said in his address to the general assembly that to protest the irrigation tax imposition by British rulers in Kandel, freedom fighter late Babu Chhotelal Shrivastava had launched Kandel Nahar Satyagrah. Mahatma Gandhi had decided to reach Kandel and join the protest but soon after receiving this information, British rulers had withdrawn the irrigation tax imposed. To make these memories of Kandel Nahar Satyagrah unforgettable, 'Gandhi Vichaar Padyatra' has been organized. Chief Minister commemorated the personality and contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in social reformation, his fight for farmers, labourers and poors. He dedicated his life for women education, women empowerment and self-dependence. He followed the path of truth and non-violence to made India free. It was the first ever non-violent movement for independence of a country. Mahatma Gandhi made non-violence his strength and made India free.
Baghel said that it was the result of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and efforts that people got their rights. Chhattisgarh Government is also following the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi. State Government waived off farmer loans, and provided maximum support price for paddy in the country to farmers of the state i.e. Rs 2500 per quintal. Wages for tendupatta collection increased to Rs 4000 per standard sack. He praised people of Kandel for building cowshed with public participation.
Thereafter, Chief Minister inaugurated 'Gandhi Vichaar Padyatra' from Kandel. This procession that has begun today would conclude on October 10 at Gandhi Maidan of Raipur. In this 'Padyatra' led by Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs and a large number of people are participating. Villagers accorded warm welcome to the procession by showering flower petals on the participants. On the occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel also unveiled the statues of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and hero of Nahar Styagrah Babu Chhotelal Shrivastav. After this weeklong 'Padyatra' concludes on October 10, 'Gandhi Vichar Yatra' will be held in each development block of the state from October 11 to 17. On the occasion, Agriculture Minister Mr. Ravindra Choubey, Home Minister Mr. Tamradhwaj Sahu, Forest Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, School Education Minister Dr Premsai Singh Tekam, Industry Minister Mr. Kawasi Lakhma, Revenue Minister Mr. Jaisingh Agrawal, Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Anila Bhendiya, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Mr. Umesh Patel, MLA Mr. Mohan Markam, Member of Rajya Sabha Mrs. Chhaya Verma and a large number of public representatives and villagers were also present. At the onset, Chief Minister inaugurated the cowshed built with community support in Kandel and later walked all the way to Nahar Satyagrah Udyan. Chief Minister said on the occasion that 'padyatras' played major role in Mahatma Gandhi's 'Satyagrah'. Bapu used to create awareness among the masses through his 'padyatras'. State Government is committed to follow the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
