Shivraj Honoured with the Suryoday Manavta Seva Samman

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been honoured with this year's Suryoday Manavta Seva Samman for his notable contribution to the welfare of society and humanity through politics. The award was presented to him at a ceremony held on the second day of the Datta Jayanti festival in Indore by the Governor of Bihar, Ram Nath Kovind, RSS Sah-Karyavah Bhaiyyaji Joshi and the saint Bhaiyyu Maharaj. Ministers from the Centre and several states, along with well-known personalities from film and sport, were present.

The Governor of Bihar said Shivraj is a karmayogi who works single-mindedly to achieve his goals, and that development is his only aim. The Chief Minister said the honour has further increased his responsibility towards society. Many public welfare programmes are being implemented effectively in Madhya Pradesh with the support of society, he said, and the government, together with the people, is writing a new chapter of development and welfare. Referring to the Narmada Parikrama Yatra, he called it a fine example of public cooperation and a campaign to protect the environment and the river. He explained the various aspects of the campaign and appealed to people to come forward and support the state government's efforts for the public good. The state government works on the principle of social justice, he said, and public participation is being ensured in every government task. In a democracy the people are supreme, and serving the people is serving God.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Chouhan is a source of inspiration for other politicians, with no gap between what he says and what he does. He works with a commitment to human welfare, is one of the best chief ministers in the country and truly deserves the award. Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said her wish is that the cow, the Ganga and people of good values may live joyfully, and congratulated Chouhan on starting the Narmada Parikrama Yatra. Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that when those who run the government are honoured from a platform of saints, it should be understood that a righteous rule is being established. Former Union minister Shahnawaz Hussain called Chouhan a messiah of the poor who has written a new chapter of development; he was the best choice for the award, having worked for every section of society for 11 years in a row, and is a model figure in public life.

In his welcome address, Bhaiyyu Maharaj described the Suryoday Manavta Seva Samman and said the organisers felt proud to give it to Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a true servant of humanity who is doing remarkable work to serve people and protect human values through politics. Bhaiyyu Maharaj announced several welfare schemes, including giving his own name as father to orphaned children. The Suryoday Trust also presented 39 mobile vans (rath) to Chief Minister Chouhan for social welfare work.

Minister of State for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre, Higher Education Minister Jaibhan Singh Pawaiya, the Chief Minister's wife Sadhna Singh, actor Vivek Oberoi, international wrestler Sushil Kumar, Mayor Malini Gaur, IDA chairman Shankar Lalwani and other public representatives attended. Playback singer Anuradha Paudwal gave the vote of thanks.