Pachmarhi Sanctuary to Be Renamed as ‘Raja Bhabhoot Singh Pachmarhi Sanctuary’: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that the Pachmarhi Sanctuary will now be known as ‘Raja Bhabhoot Singh Pachmarhi Sanctuary’. This renaming is dedicated to Raja Bhabhoot Singh’s love for nature and his lifelong efforts to protect Pachmarhi from foreign forces. The sanctuary will also showcase details of Raja Bhabhoot Singh’s life, his struggles, valour, and contributions. This move aims to enhance local pride and strengthen the identity of the sanctuary, making it a symbol of both historical and natural heritage.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav made this announcement while addressing the Council of Ministers ahead of their meeting at the Raj Bhavan in Pachmarhi. He stated that Raja Bhabhoot Singh had a deep influence on the tribal society, and his tales of bravery still resonate in the public consciousness. Holding the cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi is a tribute to his legacy.

Recalling Raja Bhabhoot Singh’s contributions, Dr. Yadav said he was a close ally of freedom fighter Tatya Tope during the 1857 War of Independence. Known for his guerrilla warfare tactics, Bhabhoot Singh was referred to as the “Shivaji of Narmadanchal.” The British had to summon the Madras Infantry to capture him. Despite constant battles against the British until 1860, they could only arrest him after two years and subsequently hanged him the same year.

The valor and sacrifice of Raja Bhabhoot Singh have been kept alive by the Korku community through folk songs and devotional hymns. His tales are still told in the villages, temples, and folk culture of the Pachmarhi region. He is not just a warrior, but a symbol of tribal identity and self-respect. His story is also documented in British officer Elliott’s 1865 Settlement Report. Raja Bhabhoot Singh is a name of pride not just for the Korku community but for the entire Indian freedom struggle. His life is a living example of tribal pride, patriotism, and spiritual strength. Dr. Yadav emphasized that it is our moral duty to bring his legacy to national attention.

Dr. Yadav announced that three tribal community conventions will be organized this month. The Convention at Bajag in Dindori on June 7, Kol Convention in Beohari, Shahdol on June 9 to mark Birsa Munda Jayanti and Sahariya Convention in Kolaras, Shivpuri on June 18. He also informed that from June 9 to 21, state-wide events will be held to commemorate 11 years of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s public welfare governance. Additionally, the birth centenary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vapayee will be celebrated, who shared a special bond with Madhya Pradesh.

 Congratulations and Gratitude to the Chief Minister

The Council of Ministers congratulated Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for the successful organization of the Women’s Empowerment Grand Convention held on May 31 at Jamboree Ground, Bhopal, attended by two lakh women in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Women ministers presented bouquets to express their gratitude on behalf of all women of the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said May was a month full of developmental achievements for Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated new airports in Datia and Satna, and the Metro in Indore. He also released the first installment for the construction of 1,271 Atal Gram Good Governance Buildings. These milestones reflect the state’s progress in development and welfare.

PM Modi appreciated the state government’s work for women’s empowerment and inspired continued efforts, recalling the model governance of Lokmata Ahilyabai. Dr. Yadav affirmed that with renewed energy, the government will carry forward sustained initiatives in women’s empowerment and public welfare inspired by the Prime Minister’s words.

Water Conservation Achievements

Dr. Yadav shared that Khandwa district has set a national record in water conservation under the “Water Conservation – Public Participation Campaign” for the period from April 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. Khandwa ranked first in the country among districts, while Madhya Pradesh secured fourth place among states. This is a matter of pride for the state. The Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is being run from April 30 to June 30, and the Chief Minister called upon all cabinet members to lead public awareness and participation in water conservation efforts in their respective regions.

Health & Wellness Summit in Ujjain

Dr. Yadav also informed that a Health and Wellness Summit will be held in Ujjain on June 5. The summit will promote investment and collaboration in fields like Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, spirituality, and mental health. Eminent spiritual leaders, AYUSH experts, policymakers, wellness tourism operators, and national and international investors will participate. The summit aims to position Madhya Pradesh as a global wellness hub and give Ujjain international recognition as a center for wellness. On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid tribute to Dada Guru, a spiritual ascetic who lived solely on Narmada water.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Dr. Yadav, began with the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’. During the meeting, a film highlighting the glorious history, culture, and legacy of Raja Bhabhoot Singh and the Satpura region was screened. PWD Minister and Narmadapuram in-charge Shri Rakesh Singh and School Education & Transport Minister Shri Uday Pratap Singh welcomed the Chief Minister and other ministers with bouquets, shawls, and a symbolic memento of the Korku community. The meeting concluded with the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’.