Priority to cultural preservation along with Nagpur city’s development – CM Devendra Fadnavis Inauguration of ‘Vande Mataram’ Garden

Nagpur, Dec 2025 : “The song Vande Mataram was the mantra of India’s revolution. As it completes 150 years, the inauguration of the country’s first ‘Vande Mataram’ Garden of this kind is a matter of pride and honour for all. Along with the development of infrastructure in Nagpur city, the preservation of culture is being given the highest priority. Funds required for a laser show in this garden will be made available immediately,” Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured.

The Chief Minister was speaking while inaugurating the Vande Mataram Garden, developed on the Empress Mill premises in the Bajoria area on the occasion of the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, and while performing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of an ultra-modern fish market to be constructed at Bhandewadi under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

Fisheries Development Minister Nitesh Rane was present as the chief guest on the occasion. MLAs Pravin Datke and Krishna Khopde, former MLAs Vikas Kumbhare, Anil Sole and Girish Vyas, former Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari, Secretary of the Fisheries Development Department Ramaswamy N., Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari, Additional Commissioner Mrs. Vasumana Pant, Vaishnavi B., and other public representatives and officials were present at the event.

Speaking about the garden based on the concept of Vande Mataram, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that it has truly become a “garden of inspiration,” as it presents information on the unparalleled valour of the Indian Armed Forces along with statues of the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees and narrates their stories of bravery to the public. Through this garden, the spirit of service to the nation and nation-building will be awakened. He assured that the necessary funds would be provided to start a laser show using advanced projection-mapping technology in the garden.

Emphasising the concept of “Vikas bhi aur Virasat bhi” (development as well as heritage), the Chief Minister said priority is being given to the all-round development of Nagpur city. He expressed confidence that the Vande Mataram Garden would serve as a guiding inspiration for all by showcasing the history of the Hindustani Lal Sena in Nagpur’s revolutionary past, a city where soldiers are honoured. He added that while India is moving towards becoming a global power, the Indian Armed Forces are effectively fulfilling their responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s borders. He also noted that 24 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar region have been named after Param Vir Chakra awardees, as well as after Subhas Chandra Bose.

Foundation stone laid for ultra-modern fish market

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, the foundation stone for an ultra-modern, fully equipped fish market to be constructed at Bhandewadi in collaboration with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation was laid online by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The project will cost Rs 21 crore and will become a significant initiative in the state, offering high-quality infrastructure and comprehensive facilities, the Chief Minister said.

On this occasion, Fisheries Development Minister Nitesh Rane provided details of the Fisheries Department’s project at Bhandewadi.

Earlier, Chief Minister Fadnavis inaugurated the Vande Mataram Garden and paid tribute to the statues of the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. He also toured the entire garden.

Former Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari explained the concept behind the creation of the Vande Mataram Garden. The Municipal Corporation has developed the garden over an area of approximately 20,000 square metres. A symbolic entrance inspired by India Gate, an “Amar Jawan Jyoti,” and an open-air auditorium in memory of martyrs from Nagpur district who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle have been created within the garden.

Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari welcomed the gathering and provided information about the development of the Vande Mataram Garden. The programme was compered by Manish Soni.