Today marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2082. It is a matter of pride and honour for the people of Madhya Pradesh that the Indian New Year, Vikram Samvat, originates from Ujjayini in Madhya Pradesh. This date marks the coronation of Samrat Vikramaditya, who established Vikram Samvat after defeating foreign invaders. Samrat Vikramaditya is remembered worldwide for his justice, wisdom, patience, valour, perseverance, bravery, and depth. He set the principles of good governance and selected 32 competent ministers, leading to the legendary 'Simhasan Battisi.'
The Indian New Year, celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, aligns with seasonal changes and is a time for self-empowerment. It is known by different names across India-Gudi Padwa, Chaiti Chand, Yugadi, Ugadi, and Navroz Agadu. Celebrated in various forms, this festival embodies the concept of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Supreme India). This period also marks the beginning of Navratri, nine days dedicated to health, spiritual practice, and rejuvenation.
The New Samvat marks the creation of the universe, determined through scientific research. This tradition was established considering the well-being and prosperity of individuals, families, and society. Our ancestors had a profound knowledge of planetary motions and constellations, which led to the creation of the Vedic clock. The city of Baba Mahakal, Ujjain, has been considered a global center for timekeeping. It is a matter of great joy that our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has reinstated the world's first Vikramaditya Vedic Clock at the Ujjain observatory.
I am delighted to share that we are organizing 'Vikramotsav' to highlight various aspects of India's knowledge traditions. Vikramotsav is a celebration of our glorious heritage and contemporary development. From February 26 to June 30, this 125-day festival will feature cultural and historical events showcasing Samrat Vikramaditya's persona, achievements, and unique qualities. A grand event centred on Samrat Vikramaditya will also be held in New Delhi on April 12-14, 2025.
Ujjayini, the city of Shri Krishna's initiation, is intrinsically linked to India's unique attributes. Ujjain is where Lord Krishna received education at Sandipani Ashram, situated at the Earth's centre. The Madhya Pradesh government has resolved to initiate the construction of the 'Shri Krishna Pathey' from Sandipani Ashram.
Our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has given us the vision of 'Development through Heritage.' Under his leadership, the Madhya Pradesh government is working to strengthen society, the state, and the nation. The Madhya Pradesh Budget for 2025-26 has been framed in alignment with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a 'Developed India 2047.' The budget has been given a multidimensional framework for the creation of a developed Madhya Pradesh, incorporating the vision of a self-reliant state and the realization of a developed India.
To accomplish our year-long commitments, we have increased the budget by 15%. This budget is dedicated to the prosperity and self-reliance of Madhya Pradesh. It includes provisions for economic reforms, social justice, and sustainable development, alongside the Prime Minister's focus on knowledge (GYAN). Special allocations have been made to strengthen the four pillars of knowledge. Under the G (Garib Kalyan) centric schemes, the State Government is implementing the concept of Antyodaya for the welfare of the poor. Y (Yuva Shakti) oriented policies are to provide skill development, training, and employment opportunities for youth. The plans prepared for A (Annadata) to enhance farmers' incomes and ensure their self-reliance. The last but important pillar of this mantra, is N (Nari Shakti). We are focusing on the holistic empowerment of women through dedicated schemes.
I am pleased to share that the Prime Minister's vision of 'Development with Heritage' is being implemented in the state. A separate budget has been allocated for the development of Madhya Pradesh's historical, cultural, religious, and archaeological sites.
As part of this heritage preservation campaign, religious sites like Omkareshwar, Ujjain, and Maihar will be developed as tourist destinations. A provision of Rs. 2,000 crore has been made for the grandeur of the Simhastha festival in 2028. Separate budgets have been allocated for the Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and Shri Krishna Pathey. Along with infrastructure development, we aim to promote tourism, generating employment opportunities and showcasing Madhya Pradesh's heritage globally.
To implement the Prime Minister's 'Vocal for Local' initiative, proposals received in the Regional Industry Conclave and Global Industry Summit will be brought to the ground. This will elevate Madhya Pradesh's unique attributes, capabilities, and expertise to an international level. To realize Prime Minister Modi's vision, we are striving to elevate Madhya Pradesh's economy to $2 trillion by 2047.
(Author is Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh)
