Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said that even before the 1857 freedom movement, Madhya Pradesh's tribal heroes, Amar Shaheed Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah, inspired resistance against British rule through their writings and poetry. When the sword could not do what was needed to challenge British oppression, Raja Shankar Shah’s pen did. His songs stirred the spirit of freedom and inspired renewed energy. He said Raja Shankar Shah stood firmly for the nation and Dharma. His dedication to his language, faith, creativity and literary pursuits earned him immense respect among locals. His son, Kunwar Raghunath Shah, also stood by his side shoulder to shoulder. Their resistance shook the foundations of British authority.
British soldiers subsequently arrested the father and son and placed before them the condition that they accept the supremacy of the British Crown and convert their religion. Raja Shankar Shah, however, firmly rejected subjugation and gave a strong reply to the British. He told the British officers that he was a descendant of Rani Durgavati and took pride in Indian values and Sanatan culture and traditions. The Chief Minister said that the courage of Raja Shankar Shah unnerved the British officers, who unjustly executed both father and son by tying them to the mouths of cannons. Dr. Yadav was addressing a programme organised in Jabalpur to commemorate the martyrdom day of tribal heroes Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah.
Campaign Launched to Raise Awareness About Cancer and De-addiction
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav launched the Namo Prerna Programme to raise awareness about cancer prevention and de-addiction. Under the initiative, students in schools and colleges will be encouraged to raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. The initiative will also help ensure appropriate cancer treatment.
Moving Rapidly from Heritage to Development
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that while a person may pass away, their ideas live on forever. This is what the brave martyrs of Gondwana demonstrated. Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah sacrificed their lives for Sanatan culture and the nation. Their lives and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations to come. He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh is moving rapidly from heritage towards development. The State Government is committed to preserving the glorious history of Madhya Pradesh’s tribal heroes and taking their legacy to every section of society. The Chief Minister appreciated the Tribal Affairs Department for empowering the tribal community by ensuring access to various welfare schemes. He said that screening and treatment facilities are being provided across the state to eradicate sickle cell anaemia among the tribal population. Prime Minister Shri Modi understands the concerns of the tribal community and has launched a campaign to eradicate sickle cell anaemia. The campaign is being implemented effectively in various districts of Madhya Pradesh under the guidance of Governor Shri Mangubhai Patel, he said.
It is State Government’s Responsibility to Bring Glorious Tribal Past
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government has incorporated inspiring episodes from the lives of tribal heroes such as Raja Bhabhut Singh, Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah into the curriculum. Future generations of the state will learn about their sacrifices and inspiring contributions. He said that the State Government will construct Rani Durgavati Lok. A university has been established in Khargone in honour of Nimar’s tribal hero Krantisurya Tantya Mama, while a university in Sagar, Bundelkhand, has been established in the name of Rani Avantibai Lodhi. The Chief Minister said that preserving the glorious tribal heritage and bringing the inspiring legacy of its heroes before the people is a responsibility of the State Government. Accordingly, the government is promoting various initiatives, including the production of films based on the lives and contributions of tribal heroes and martyrs.
Descendants of the 52 Forts of Rani Durgavati to Be Honoured on Her Birth Anniversary
Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh said that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has honoured the legacy of Raja Shankar Shah, Kunwar Raghunath Shah and several other great personalities of Madhya Pradesh by incorporating inspiring episodes from their lives into the curriculum. He said the tribal heroes never sought forgiveness from the British. Today, on the sacred soil of Jabalpur, people are remembering the martyrdom of Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is carrying forward the inspiration from tribal heroes and the state’s cultural heritage.
Minister Shri Singh said Jabalpur is the very sacred land where the British publicly executed Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah by tying them to the mouths of cannons. Although the British offered them an opportunity to seek pardon, the father and son refused to apologise and chose to sacrifice their lives for the freedom of the country. He said Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah belonged to Rani Durgavati's lineage. Inspired by their sacrifice, every citizen should contribute to the country and the state's development.
Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Kunwar Vijay Shah said that under Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s leadership, all tribal hostels in the state have been named after tribal heroes to keep their legacy alive for future generations. He said a film has been produced on the life and sacrifice of Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah. The government has now also incorporated the contributions of tribal heroes into school textbooks.
Minister Shri Shah said that the birth anniversary of Veerangana Rani Durgavati will be celebrated on October 5. For the first time, the State Government will honour the descendants of the people associated with her 52 forts on the occasion. A state-level programme will also be organised at Harsud to commemorate Rani Durgavati’s birth anniversary.
CM Dr. Yadav Meets Blood Donors and Encourages Them
As part of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan-2026, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited the blood donation camp organised at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cultural and Information Centre, Geeta Bhawan, and interacted with blood donors. Encouraging the donors, he appreciated their spirit of service and commended their contribution towards saving lives.
Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sumitra Valmiki, MP Shri Ashish Dubey, Mayor Shri Jagat Bahadur Singh ‘Annu’, MLAs Shri Ajay Vishnoi, Shri Ashok Rohani, Shri Sushil Tiwari ‘Indu’, Shri Santosh Varkade and Shri Neeraj Singh, District Panchayat President Smt. Asha Mukesh Gotia, JDA Chairman Shri Sandeep Jain, Municipal Corporation Chairman Shri Rikunj Vij and other public representatives, along with a large number of members of the tribal community, were present.
