Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that Madhya Pradesh is leading among all states in industry, employment, agriculture, milk production, tourism and heritage conservation. These achievements will be further expanded in the coming years. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the three-day Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day celebrations. He inaugurated the State Foundation Day celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The programme commenced with the chanting of Swasti Vachan. The Chief Minister extended greetings to the people of the state on Foundation Day and welcomed the participating artists.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Madhya Pradesh possesses a magnificent cultural consciousness, which everyone reveres. The people of the state are fortunate. The formation of Madhya Pradesh was not the result of the vision of any one individual or a particular period. It is the outcome of the state's industrious culture and the value-driven ethos of its people. The spirit of dedication demonstrated by the people of Madhya Pradesh is commendable.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Industry Year initiative in 2025 facilitated large-scale employment opportunities for youth, while 2026, being observed as the
Year of Farmers' Welfare, has accelerated the development of the agriculture sector. Today, subsidies worth ₹490 crore were disbursed to micro, small and medium enterprises. He said that investments worth ₹12 lakh crore have materialised on the ground in Madhya Pradesh, and the process is continuing.Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state's agricultural growth rate has exceeded 24 per cent. The government has decided to provide four times the prevailing compensation to farmers whose land is acquired for various projects. Irrigation facilities are being continuously expanded, and milk production in the state is also being increased. Madhya Pradesh will rise from third to first position in the country in milk production. The state is also leading in tourism development and heritage conservation. Madhya Pradesh is establishing a distinct identity for itself.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Bhopal will witness spectacular Army Day activities on January 15, the first month of Yuva Varsh. Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will grace this prestigious event in Bhopal. Our brave soldiers remain vigilant day and night to protect the nation, ensuring the security of our democracy. India is among the countries capable of striking adversaries on their own territory. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has boosted the morale of the armed forces. The Chief Minister said that the Foundation Day celebrations commenced with a programme at the Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal. The grand Army Day celebrations in Bhopal will further strengthen the spirit of patriotism and devotion to the nation.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that several initiatives have been undertaken for the comprehensive development of the state in less than three years. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has extended numerous gifts to Madhya Pradesh. These include the PM MITRA Park in Dhar district, the expansion project of the Bina Refinery, the Ken-Betwa and Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal inter-state river-linking projects, and the approval of the Mohasa-Babai Renewable Energy and Power Equipment Manufacturing Zone. Investment is also increasing in several other sectors across the state.
On reaching the Parade Ground, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav first visited exhibitions showcasing the achievements of the state. A spectacular fireworks display was also organised to mark the inauguration of 'Rajyotsav' on the occasion of Madhya Pradesh's 71st Foundation Day.
Winners of Kisan Kalyan Swabhiman Parv Quiz and Meritorious Students HonouredChief Minister Dr. Yadav presented awards to the winners of the Kisan Kalyan Swabhiman Parv Quiz and the Bhagwan Shri Krishna Meritorious Student Scholarship.
The first, second and third prize winners of the Kisan Kalyan Swabhiman Parv Quiz from Bhopal district—Shri Sandeep Verma, Ms. Suhani Rajput and Shri Sameer Gaur, respectively—were felicitated by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. The winners of the Bhagwan Shri Krishna Meritorious Student Scholarship were also honoured. On the occasion, Ms. Akshara Goswami of Government Women's Polytechnic College (School Category) and Shri Pritam Mandalekar of Sardar Vallabhbhai Polytechnic (School Category), both from Bhopal district, received awards.
It is noteworthy that 165 winners have been selected across Madhya Pradesh for the Kisan Kalyan Swabhiman Parv Quiz. The award ceremony underscored the state's commitment to agricultural prosperity, encouragement of talent and a bright future as part of its development journey.
Musical Evening Enchants Audiences with Monali Thakur's Melodious Voice
A major highlight of the celebrations was a musical performance by renowned playback singer Ms. Monali Thakur and her team from Mumbai. Known for her melodious and versatile singing style, Monali Thakur created a vibrant atmosphere of music and festivity with her captivating performances. Her popular songs, including 'Sawaar Loon' (Lootera), 'Moh Moh Ke Dhaage' (Dum Laga Ke Haisha), 'Zara Zara Touch Me' and 'Khwab Dekhe' (Race), 'Cham Cham' (Baaghi) and 'Badri Ki Dulhania', enthralled the audience with their diverse musical flavours.
Second Day of the 71st Foundation Day Celebrations
On the second day of Madhya Pradesh's three-day 71st Foundation Day celebrations, scheduled for November 2, 2026, folk and tribal dance performances from Madhya Pradesh and other states will be the major attractions from 6:30 PM. This will be followed by 'Breathing Fiesta', a musical presentation centred on instrumental performances.
Development exhibitions will also remain open to the general public from 12 noon to 8 PM. The 'Agriculture Exhibition' showcases the possibilities of modern agriculture through advanced seeds, organic inputs, modern agricultural equipment, smart irrigation technologies, agri-startups and innovations. The exhibitions titled 'From Heritage to Development in Madhya Pradesh', 'Public Welfare and Development' and 'Raja Bhoj's Bhopal' offer visitors an insight into the state's historical and cultural heritage, development achievements and glorious traditions.
The 'Swaad – Deshaj Vyanjan Mela' offers a glimpse of the diverse culinary traditions and local cuisines of different regions of Madhya Pradesh. The Kisan Bazaar and Women Entrepreneurship Pavilion feature local products, handicrafts and products made by women entrepreneurs from various parts of the state for sale.
Minister-in-Charge of Bhopal and Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Shri Chaitanya Kashyap, Minister for Minority Affairs and Backward Classes Smt. Krishna Gaur, MLAs Shri Rameshwar Sharma, Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani and Shri Vishnu Khatri, Bhopal Mayor Smt. Malti Rai, Bhopal Municipal Corporation Chairman Shri Kishan Suryavanshi, Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Culture Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, and Cultural Advisor to the Chief Minister Shri Ram Tiwari were present at the event.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated and visited the Modern Agriculture Exhibition, Development Gallery, Women Entrepreneurship Pavilion and Swaad – Deshaj Vyanjan Mela.
Meritorious Students and Farmers Felicitated
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav presented 102 meritorious students from across the state with a cash award of ₹1 lakh each and certificates of appreciation under the 'Bhagwan Shri Krishna Meritorious Student Scholarship'. Winners of the 'Kisan Swabhiman Parv Quiz' were presented with tractors, Bullet motorcycles and e-scooters. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav felicitated the winners.
A special exhibition featuring 160 watercolour paintings on the theme 'Raja Bhoj's Bhopal', prepared by the Maharaja Vikramaditya Research Chair, was also organised at the Lal Parade Ground. A state-level seminar focusing on advanced agricultural technologies and organic farming was another key feature of the celebrations.
The main cultural programme commenced with a collective rendition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' by 71 children under the 'Deshraag' presentation, followed by the National Anthem performed by the Police Band and a spectacular fireworks display.
