Mata Shabari’s Devotion Raised Honor of Vanvasi Community: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Mata Shabari, who expressed to her pious emotions through silent devotion for Lord Shri Ram, deserves reverence and salutations from the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. Everyone is aware of the greatness of Mata Shabari, whose respoect berries were accepted by Lord Shri Ram. Tasting the berries herself before offering them to the Lord was an expression of devotion highest degree. This episode teaches us that God does not yearn for rituals of worship, but for the purity of a devotee’s heart. A person’s worth is determined by the purity of the heart, not by birth.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Mata Shabari, the clan deity of the Kol community, is revered, worshipped, and venerated by all. Through her character and righteous deeds, she raised the honour of the entire Vanvasi and tribal society.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the ‘Janjatiya Hitgrahi Sammelan’ organised on the occasion of Mata Shabari Jayanti at Sitamadhi Dham, located in Gram Gandhiya of the Beohari Assembly constituency in Shahdol district, on Sunday. The Chief Minister unveiled a beautiful statue of Mata Shabari in the Sitamadhi campus and paid his respects. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated and performed Bhoomi Poojan for 139 development projects worth ₹747.91 crore in Shahdol district. These included the inauguration of 79 works costing over ₹613 crore and the foundation-laying of 60 works worth more than ₹134 crore. He also distributed benefits to beneficiaries of various government schemes.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the comprehensive welfare of the tribal community is a top priority of the state government. Under the PM Jan-Man Yojana, works worth ₹98.30 crore, and under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, works exceeding ₹401.56 crore have already been inaugurated or have had their foundation laid. He stated that the government has included the glorious stories of tribal heroes in the educational curriculum. The Chief Minister said that Mata Shabari waited for Lord Shri Ram for many years, constantly looking down the path in hope. She cleaned her hut every day, believing that if not today, Ram would surely come tomorrow. This reflects the unwavering faith of a devotee in her Lord. When Lord Shri Ram finally arrived, he was deeply moved by Mata Shabari’s devotion and affection, imparted to her the knowledge of Navadha Bhakti, and granted her salvation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government has established the Shri Ramchandra Path Gaman Nyas to commemorate Mata Shabari and Lord Shri Ram. The government is constructing a 1,450-kilometre-long Ram Van Gaman Path in the state. He noted that Madhya Pradesh received special affection from Lord Shri Ram, who spent 11 years in Chitrakoot and 11 nights in Gram Gandhiya. Therefore, Gandhiya has been included in the Ram Van Gaman Path Development Scheme. For the development of the village, the government has approved nearly ₹80 lakh.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced the construction of a 30-bedded hospital in Beohari. He also announced that Sitamadhi Dham will be developed as a religious tourism centre, and that a gate of the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve will be opened towards Beohari to promote wildlife tourism. Noting the abundance of mahua and jackfruit in the region, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of an Industrial Development Centre to provide market access for medicines and products made from these resources, and to promote industry, employment, and exports.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced the construction of a bypass for Jaysinghnagar and said that Amadih Sub-Tehsil would be granted tehsil status after evaluation. He added that the people of the region have expressed faith in the government’s development policies, and therefore, no effort will be spared to ensure the area’s development.

Sidhi MP Dr. Rajesh Mishra said that this land was sanctified by the sacred footsteps of Lord Ram during the Treta Yuga, and that the Chief Minister, by unveiling the statue of Mata Shabari and announcing major development projects, had blessed the region. He placed demands, including the construction of a four-lane road from Katni to Singrauli via Beohari and the establishment of an industrial centre.

Jaysinghnagar MLA Smt. Manisha Singh thanked Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for the development initiatives announced for the region. Beohari MLA Shri Sharad Jugalal Kol said that after 70 years of waiting, a Chief Minister had visited the area, and that the Shahdol region had received several development initiatives, including irrigation facilities.

The event was attended by District Panchayat Adhyaksh Smt. Prabha Mishra, Upadhyaksh Smt. Phoolwati Singh, Janpad Panchayat Adhyaksh, Jaysinghnagar Smt. Malti Singh, Janpad Panchayat Adhyaksh Beohari Smt. Aakankshi Singh, District Planning Committee Member Smt. Chapra, local public representatives and dignitaries, along with Commissioner Smt. Surabhi Gupta and Collector Dr. Kedar Singh.