Forest Medicinal Plants Research Institute to be established in Barwani for conservation of medicinal flora
Large public gathering participates in spiritual and social programme promoting de-addiction
CM launches Shiv Panthi de-addiction programme in Ajgariya village of Barwani
Bhopal/Barwani, Oct 2026 : Addiction is the root of destruction and brings with it social evils and harmful behavioural changes. Everyone should resolve to eliminate this menace from society, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said on Monday.
Addressing a large gathering at a de-addiction programme organised by the Shiv Panth community in Barwani district, the Chief Minister praised the organisation for its efforts to encourage people to give up substance abuse. He paid his respects to the founder of Shiv Panth, Param Pujya Guruvar Shri Vansinh Maharaj, as well as Shri Kalusingh Maharaj and Sumli Mataji, who are carrying forward his teachings.
Dr Yadav said human life is precious and should not be wasted on addictive habits. Instead, people should engage in activities that give purpose and meaning to their lives. He described the work undertaken by the Shiv Panth community as commendable and socially meaningful.
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also set the goal of eliminating the menace of addiction from the country and Madhya Pradesh by 2029. He emphasised that this objective could be achieved only through collective efforts and by encouraging people to abandon substance abuse.
Referring to the spiritual teachings associated with Lord Shiva, Dr Yadav said the Shiv Panth organisation was transforming lives by guiding people towards a healthier and more meaningful way of living.
On the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima, he noted that the full moon shines with all its 16 phases. According to traditional beliefs, kheer prepared on Sharad Purnima is associated with the blessings of the moon. He drew a parallel with the Shiv Panth community's practice of distributing kheer as part of its de-addiction initiatives.
Government Support for Farmers and Dairy Production
Dr Yadav said the Madhya Pradesh government is observing this year as Kisan Kalyan Varsh (Farmers' Welfare Year). He encouraged farmers in rural areas to expand their activities into milk production and dairy farming.
The state government would provide financial assistance to promote dairy production and support the operation of gaushalas, he said. Farmers who own cattle can sell milk through cooperative societies, generating additional income and potentially receiving government incentives for dairy production.
The Chief Minister urged people to embrace the nutritional benefits of milk and stay away from addictive substances.
He stressed that de-addiction requires collective participation, adding that public cooperation can transform social initiatives into mass movements. When the government and society work together, even ambitious goals can be achieved, he said.
Development Projects Announced for Barwani
The Chief Minister announced several development initiatives for Barwani district, including:
Construction of Khupajdev Dham in the village and a road connecting it to the area.
Construction of separate 100-seat hostels for boys and girls in Ajgariya village.
Construction of a fully equipped shelter at Panjariya (D) at a cost of ₹50 lakh.
Establishment of a police outpost in Dhawli village.
Preservation, documentation and research to promote the Bareli language.
Improved healthcare facilities, screening, counselling and treatment for sickle cell disease.
Establishment of a Forest Medicinal Plants Research Institute in Barwani to conserve medicinal plants.
Distribution of pending forest rights titles to eligible tribal residents.
Registration of forest rights titles for beneficiaries who have already received them, with the government facilitating the process.
About the Shiv Panthi Organisation
The Shiv Panthi Satsang organisation has been working for years to spread awareness about de-addiction in rural areas. It promotes spiritual teachings and community gatherings as a means of helping people find inner peace and move away from addictive habits.
The organisation follows a traditional guru-disciple system in which prospective disciples must observe strict commitments before receiving initiation. According to the organisation's practices, aspirants are required to lead a disciplined celibate life for approximately 38 days. Successful completion of this period is followed by initiation into the tradition. Women are also eligible for initiation.
Thousands Attend Sharad Purnima Programme
The event in Ajgariya village, located in a remote hilly area of Barwani district, witnessed the participation of thousands of residents, including women, men, elderly people and children.
Devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva were performed throughout the night. Milk-based prasad and rice khichdi were also distributed among the participants.
The programme combined spiritual activities with a public campaign against substance abuse, highlighting the role of community participation in promoting healthier lifestyles and social well-being.
