Bhopal, November , 2024: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced a series of initiatives to commemorate the centenary birth anniversary of the late former Chief Minister Sundarlal Patwa, a Padma Vibhushan awardee renowned for his contributions to rural development and infrastructure in Madhya Pradesh. Patwa’s legacy includes his pivotal role in the creation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and the development of VIP Road in Bhopal. Recognizing his dedication to establishing good governance, the government plans to honor his memory with various initiatives, including a lecture series on good governance, publication of a commemorative booklet, and the installation of a statue in his honor.
At the centennial event on Monday, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav paid tribute to Patwa at the residence of MLA Surendra Patwa. He also met Patwa’s wife, Smt. Phoolkunwar Patwa, receiving her blessings. Dr. Yadav highlighted the numerous activities that will be conducted over the coming year in memory of Patwa, emphasizing his influence on leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Reflecting on Patwa’s career, Dr. Yadav noted that Patwa joined the Prajamandal movement and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh early on and became an MLA in 1957, winning subsequent elections and serving as Leader of the Opposition. Known for his commitment to public welfare, Patwa undertook a 3,000-kilometer foot march from Bastar to Jhabua, embodying a tireless dedication to serving his constituents and fostering regional development. Dr. Yadav remarked on Patwa’s fearless nature, philanthropy, and support for maintaining the morale of the police and administrative staff.
One of Patwa’s notable achievements was allocating ₹100 crore for the Singhast Mela in 1992, a significant increase from the ₹1 crore designated by the previous government in 1980. Dr. Yadav also highlighted recent initiatives that honor Patwa’s legacy, such as the new medical colleges in Mandsaur and Neemuch, named after Patwa and another prominent leader, the late Virendra Kumar Sakhlecha.
During the event, Member of Parliament Vishnu Dutt Sharma and MP Alok Sharma shared personal anecdotes, emphasizing Patwa’s enduring influence on the political landscape and his contributions to the state’s development. Surendra Patwa, MLA and relative of the former Chief Minister, urged the younger generation to follow Patwa’s example and expressed gratitude to Dr. Yadav and the other dignitaries for attending the centennial event.
The program also included a bhajan evening in Patwa’s memory. Culture Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, State Minister of Fisheries Development Narayan Singh Panwar, and various other public representatives were also present, paying tribute to the late leader’s lasting impact.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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