Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Fulfills Wishes of Children of Farmer Suicide Victims

Mumbai : The official residence of the Chief Minister, Varsha Bungalow, echoed with the joyful chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya” from the children of farmers who had committed suicide. These children, who reside at the Aadhartirth Ashram School in Trimbakeshwar, came together to perform an aarti to Lord Ganesha with great enthusiasm, temporarily lifting the sorrow from their hearts.

During the visit, the children shared their struggles, particularly the challenge of having to walk long distances to school. Responding to this, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde immediately directed that buses be provided for their transportation. By evening, a brand-new bus was brought to the Varsha premises and handed over to Shri Shivaswarupananda, the Mahant of the ashram school.

Earlier in the afternoon, the children had arrived at the Chief Minister’s residence with curiosity about what the official home of the state’s leader would look like. They were given the opportunity to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha at Varsha, performing the aarti to the sound of drums. MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde was also present, and the children joined Chief Minister Shinde in the aarti ceremony. Among the other attendees were Mrs. Vrishali Shinde, former MP Hemant Patil, his wife Smt. Rajshree Patil, and several others.

A special lunch was organized for the children in honor of their visit. Dressed as farmers with hats on their heads, the children sat in an orderly manner for the meal, which consisted of a traditional Panchpakwa feast. Though shy at first, the children hesitated to ask for more food. Sensing their reluctance, Chief Minister Shinde personally served them and encouraged them to eat to their hearts’ content. He also spent time engaging with the children, listening to their challenges and difficulties, and assured them of his support. The Chief Minister also addressed some issues faced by the Aadhartirth Ashram and directed officials to resolve them promptly.

In the evening, the newly provided bus was brought to Varsha. After a ceremonial worship of the bus, Chief Minister Shinde handed it over to the ashram. The children were overjoyed to see their transportation issue resolved by the evening, having voiced their concerns earlier in the day. They expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister with applause and boarded the new bus with fond memories of their visit to Varsha Bungalow.