Madhya Pradesh is celebrating its 70th Foundation Day. Founded on November 1, 1956, the state has, over the past two decades, embarked on a new journey of development that has propelled it towards becoming one of India’s leading states. It is a happy coincidence that this year’s Rajyotsav celebrations are being held on the auspicious occasion of Devuthani Ekadashi. Our festivals and traditions are the soul of our culture, and it is through the spirit of celebration that we find inspiration to build the future. I am pleased to share that all festivals are now being celebrated with great enthusiasm and inclusivity. Our cultural heritage continues to inspire the transition from the ancient to the modern.
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, is blessed with immense natural resources and cultural heritage, forests, rivers, fertile land, minerals, craftsmanship, art, traditions, and festivals. We are fortunate to be graced by the sacred presence of rivers Narmada, Chambal, Parvati, and Shipra, and the blessings of Lord Mahakal. This land is the birthplace of Lord Parashuram, the seat of learning for Lord Krishna, and the site of Adi Shankaracharya’s meditation. It was here that Lord Ram spent significant time in Chitrakoot, and where great rulers like King Nala, Bhartrihari, and Vikramaditya once reigned. Samrat Vikramaditya liberated India from the tyranny of the Shakas and the world’s first scientific calendar, ‘Vikram Samvat’, originated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
It gives me great pride to say that while preserving our historical glory and natural grandeur, Madhya Pradesh is moving steadily from heritage to holistic development. Guided by the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is on its way to becoming one of the world’s top three economies, and Madhya Pradesh is fully aligned with his mission of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. The theme for this year’s Foundation Day celebrations, ‘Industry and Employment’, reflects our commitment to sustainable growth, cultural prosperity and public participation.
Inspired by our Prime Minister, we are transforming Madhya Pradesh’s investment and industrial potential into tangible outcomes. Every region of our diverse state possesses unique strengths and capabilities. To harness these, we introduced the ‘Regional Investors Summit’, a first-of-its-kind initiative connecting each region’s skills and industries.