Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel addressed a massive public gathering during 'Gandhi Vichaar Padyatra' held on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in Kandel on Friday.
He announced that a college would be opened in Kandel in the name of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Madamsilli dam would be named after late Babu Chhotelal Shrivastav. Water would be released from dams for irrigation purpose in summer.
The Chief Minister also announced bridge construction in Kandel and naming of Government Higher Secondary School, Gopalpuri after freedom fighter Shri Hazari Lal Jain.
Chief Minister said in his address that to protest the irrigation tax imposed 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Gandhi had decided to reach Kandel and join the protest but soon after receiving this information, British rulers had withdrawn the irrigation tax.
To make these memories of Kandel Nahar Satyagrah unforgettable, 'Gandhi Vichaar Padyatra' has been organised.
Chief Minister commemorated the personality and contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in social reform, 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 pointed out.
Baghel said that it was the result of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and efforts that people got their rights and that Chhattisgarh government is also following the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi.
“The state government waived off farmers’ loans, and provided maximum support price of Rs 2500 per quintal for paddy. Wages for tendupatta collection increased to Rs 4000 per standard sack,†he said.
He praised people of Kandel for building cowshed with public participation. Thereafter, Chief Minister inaugurated 'Gandhi Vichaar Padyatra' from Kandel. The procession will conclude on October 10 at Gandhi Maidan of Raipur.
