*Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Attends Grand Deepotsav and Maha Aarti ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ Programme at Mahadev Ghat
*Under Prime Minister Shri Modi’s Leadership, Country Has Taken Several Historic Decisions, Giving New Momentum to Public Welfare and Nation-Building: Chief Minister
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 18, 2026: The sacred banks of the Kharun River at Mahadev Ghat in Raipur were illuminated by 1.25 lakh lamps on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday, as Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai joined the grand Deepotsav and Maha Aarti ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme and prayed for the Prime Minister’s good health and long life on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh.
The simultaneous lighting of 1.25 lakh lamps illuminated the Mahadev Ghat premises, where Sadhvi Pragya Bharati and Acharyas performed the Maha Aarti of Kharun Maiya with traditional rituals. Chief Minister Shri Sai also participated in the Maha Aarti.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a song dedicated to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, written and composed by Sadhvi Pragya Bharati.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Sai said the lamps lit on the banks of Kharun Maiya symbolise the affection and good wishes of the people of Chhattisgarh for Prime Minister Shri Modi, who has dedicated his life to public service and nation-building.
He said Prime Minister Shri Modi is working tirelessly in the service of 140 crore citizens, and under his leadership, the country has gained new momentum in development, public welfare and national progress.
*Historic Decisions Have Strengthened Country’s Confidence
Chief Minister Shri Sai said India has witnessed several long-awaited and far-reaching decisions under Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership.
Referring to the removal of Article 370 provisions from Jammu and Kashmir and the consecration of Bhagwan Shri Ramlala in the grand temple at Ayodhya, he said these developments have strengthened the country’s confidence.
The Chief Minister said people experiencing poverty and those at the last rung of society have remained at the centre of governance. Initiatives providing pucca houses, household toilets, Jan Dhan accounts, cooking gas connections, food security and other basic amenities have sought to improve the lives of low-income families.
He said these initiatives reflect the approach of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, with public welfare and the everyday needs of citizens forming an important part of governance.
*Around 32 Lakh Lamps Being Lit Across Raipur
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that besides the 1.25 lakh lamps at Mahadev Ghat, around 32 lakh lamps are being lit at various locations across Raipur to convey good wishes to Prime Minister Shri Modi.
He said a lamp represents hope, faith, positivity and light in Indian culture, and the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ initiative combines prayers for the Prime Minister’s good health and long life with the broader spirit of service and nation-building.
The Chief Minister congratulated the organisers, office-bearers of Sanatan Dhwaj Vahini, volunteers and citizens for their participation in the Deepotsav and Maha Aarti.
*‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ to Continue Till October 17
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, marking Prime Minister Shri Modi’s 25 years of public service, began on September 17 and will continue until October 17.
In Chhattisgarh, the month-long campaign will include cleanliness, health, nutrition, environmental conservation, assistance to those in need, and public welfare, with public participation.
He called upon citizens to actively participate and carry the spirit of service to their villages, cities, neighbourhoods and communities.
*Prime Minister Shares Deep Bond with Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh has continuously received support and guidance from the Central Government, with the state’s tribal and remote regions receiving particular attention in development initiatives.
Referring to Bastar, he said the region is witnessing new avenues of peace and development, with roads, electricity, mobile connectivity, education, healthcare and other basic facilities reaching remote areas.
He said the State Government is working to connect Bastar’s natural resources, tourism potential, culture and forest-produce-based economy with employment and prosperity for local communities.
*Working with Prime Minister an Important Experience of My Public Life: Chief Minister
Recalling his experience serving in the Union Government after Shri Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, Chief Minister Shri Sai said he had the opportunity, as a Union Minister of State, to closely observe the Prime Minister’s working style, discipline, hard work, and dedication to public service.
He said Prime Minister Shri Modi’s journey from serving Gujarat as Chief Minister to leading the country as Prime Minister reflects his commitment to service, good governance and nation-building.
Chief Minister Shri Sai extended heartfelt birthday greetings to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh and prayed for his healthy, long and illustrious life.
On the occasion, Smt Laxmi Verma, Rajya Sabha MP and coordinator of the grand Deepotsav and Maha Aarti ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme; MLA Shri Rajesh Munat and MLA Shri Motilal Sahu; Raipur Municipal Corporation Mayor Smt Meenal Choubey; Smt Kaushalya Sai; Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board Chairman Shri Rampratap Singh; CSIDC Chairman Shri Rajeev Agrawal; State Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Shri Sanjay Srivastava; State Gau Seva Ayog Vice-Chairman Shri Rajeev Lochan Maharaj; State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr Mamta Sahu; State Child Protection Commission Chairperson Smt Varnika Sharma; State Film Development Corporation Chairperson Smt Mona Sen; along with public representatives, distinguished citizens, office-bearers of Sanatan Dhwaj Vahini and a large number of citizens were present.
