Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant visit to Khajuraho on Wednesday, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and irrigation facilities within Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Central to this effort was the launch of the Ken-Betwa River Linking National Project, heralded as the first of its kind under India’s national perspective plan. This ambitious initiative is set to provide irrigation support to numerous districts, benefitting countless farmer families throughout these states.
“Today also, development projects worth thousands of rupees have been started here. The Ken-Betwa link project has also been approved. I congratulate the people of MP for these projects,” PM Modi stated during the inauguration. He also unveiled other projects intended to uplift local governance and environmental sustainability.
Part of the comprehensive agenda included the introduction of the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project located at Omkareshwar, which is expected to contribute to net-zero carbon goals by 2070 by helping reduce carbon emissions and water evaporation—an innovative approach to both energy production and resource conservation.
Modi's visit coincided with the commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Alongside the inauguration of new facilities, he released commemorative stamps and coins to honor this milestone. He also laid the foundation for 1153 Atal Gram Sushasan buildings. These buildings are intended to facilitate effective governance at the grassroots level, enhancing the operational capabilities of Gram Panchayats across the state.
The following day, PM Modi participated in the celebrations for Veer Baal Diwas at the Bharat Mandapam, which commemorates the valor of Sahibzades, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who were martyred at young ages for their faith and principles. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the initial ceremony, conferring the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for remarkable achievements across seven categories.
During this celebration, PM Modi highlighted the significance of Veer Baal Diwas, having announced its recognition on January 9, 2022. This day serves to honor the courage of the Sahibzades and instill values of bravery and commitment among the youth. “Today, on Veer Baal Diwas, we honor the unmatched bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades. At their young age, they remained steadfast in their faith, inspiring generations through their courage. Their sacrifice exemplifies valor and commitment to one's values,” he expressed.
To engage youth and commemorate this instructive day, the government has instituted the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan, aimed at enhancing nutritional outcomes and bolstering public health services. The initiative seeks to spark active involvement from community members to improve well-being through local governance.
Online competitions, creative activities, and educational programs will be conducted through portals like MyGov and MyBharat to promote awareness about the significance of both the day and food security. These activities include interactive quizzes, storytelling, poster-making, and more—a collective effort to engage young minds and inculcate traditional values.
Through these engagements, PM Modi aims to inspire youths across India, fostering not only nutritional awareness but also a culture rooted firmly in historical values of courage and commitment. Both events reflect the government’s strategy to intertwine development with cultural remembrance, ensuring infrastructure projects also resonate with the enduring legacy of figures like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the valorous young Sahibzades.
Overall, PM Modi's visit to Khajuraho and participation in Veer Baal Diwas are steps toward reinforcing national pride, good governance, and civic engagement, reminding citizens of their heritage and encouraging participation for the common good.
