Shrimad Bhagwat Katha is a Powerful Medium to Connect Society with Culture and Values: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Chhattisgarh’s Spiritual Heritage is Our Greatest Treasure, Says Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, July 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha serves as a powerful medium to connect society with India’s rich culture, traditions and moral values, while strengthening spiritual consciousness and preserving the country’s civilisational heritage.

The Chief Minister was addressing devotees after attending the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha at the Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur. During the event, he listened with deep devotion to the religious discourse delivered by renowned spiritual leader Shri Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maharaj, who was seated on the Vyas Peeth. He also performed the traditional aarti of the Shrimad Bhagwat with full religious rituals and devotion.

Chief Minister Sai sought the blessings of Shri Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maharaj for the peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh. He attentively listened to the discourse highlighting the significance of chanting the divine name of Lord Krishna and said that such spiritual narratives play a vital role in nurturing ethical values and preserving India’s cultural identity.

Describing Chhattisgarh as a spiritually, culturally and religiously rich state, the Chief Minister said it holds a unique place in Indian civilisation as the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya, the mother of Lord Shri Ram, making it the Lord’s maternal homeland. He added that Lord Ram spent a significant part of his exile in the sacred land of Chhattisgarh, further enhancing the state’s cultural and spiritual significance.

Sai also referred to Shivrinarayan, the revered land associated with Mata Shabari, where the historic meeting between Lord Ram and Shabari is believed to have taken place. He said the sacred memories of this divine encounter continue to inspire and move devotees.

The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the Rajim Kumbh, held annually at the holy Triveni Sangam in Rajim, describing it as one of India’s major religious gatherings. The event attracts saints, spiritual leaders and devotees from across the country, showcasing Chhattisgarh’s rich spiritual traditions and cultural heritage on a national platform.

Emphasising the state government’s commitment to respecting the religious sentiments of citizens, Sai said several initiatives are being implemented to promote pilgrimage and preserve places of worship.

He noted that under the Prabhu Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, devotees from Chhattisgarh are being provided the opportunity to visit Ayodhya Dham for the darshan of Lord Ram Lalla. So far, more than 50,000 pilgrims have benefited from the scheme.

Similarly, under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, senior citizens from the state are being facilitated to undertake pilgrimages to important religious destinations across the country. The Chief Minister also said the government is continuously working for the conservation, development and promotion of the state’s prominent Shakti Peeths.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to social harmony, religious freedom and the preservation of Indian cultural values, Sai said the state has implemented the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act with stringent provisions to curb illegal religious conversions. He stated that the law contains stronger safeguards than similar legislation in several other states and expressed confidence that it would effectively prevent unlawful conversions.

The Chief Minister further said that the government has launched the Gaudham Yojana for the protection and welfare of cows. Under the scheme, Gaudhams are being provided with adequate fodder, drinking water and other essential facilities. He described cow protection as an integral part of both Indian culture and the rural economy and said the government remains committed to strengthening these efforts.

Concluding his address, Sai said that spiritual events such as the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha help strengthen moral values, social harmony, compassion, service and the spirit of public welfare. He wished peace, prosperity and happiness for all the people of Chhattisgarh and appealed to citizens to actively participate in preserving India’s cultural heritage, Sanatan traditions and spiritual values.

The programme was attended by Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agrawal, Chhattisgarh Gau Seva Commission Vice-Chairman Rajivlochan Maharaj, Pawan Sai, Nandan Jain, Yogesh Agrawal, along with a large number of devotees and spiritual followers.