Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the increasing materialistic tendency in the world has widened the difference between the rich and the poor.
This has destroyed inner power and peace of human beings. He said that the difference between the rich and the poor has to be reduced to bring about uniformity in the global society.
Chouhan said taking inspiration from the principle of integral humanism of Pt Deendayal Upadhyay, challenges like global warming, poverty, unemployment, drugs, harassment of women and inequality arising from materialism can be tackled in the world.
CM Chouhan was addressing the inaugural session of the Pandit Deendayal Upadhya Forum organized by the Foundation for India and India Diaspora Studies USA with the support of Indian Embassy at the world famous Russell Senate in Washington DC on Tuesday.
More than 200 dignitaries including American Senate members Raja Krishnamoorthi, Pete Olson and Ram Madhav were present during the programme. The Chief Minister's simple interpretation of Integral Humanism was welcomed with huge round of applause and a standing ovation.
Interpreting Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya's principle of Integral Humanism, Chief Minister Chouhan said that only material prosperity is not sufficient for man and humanity. He said that the Garib Kalyan (welfare of the poor) agenda will be promptly followed in Pt Deendayal's birth centenary year.
The Agriculture Growth Rate is average 20 per cent for the consecutive fifth year. He said that Madhya Pradesh is probably the first example in the country where the Agriculture Growth Rate is constantly 20 per cent since 5 years. The CM said that despite acquiring high development rate if the poor sections are not developed, the society cannot remain happy. He said that 2-3 per cent people have overpowered more than 70 per cent natural resources.
The poor have been distanced from resources. Chouhan said that several strategies, policies and programmes have been initiated in Madhya Pradesh to empower the poor with resources. All the efforts and initiatives are influenced by Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya's principle of Integral Humanism.
Chouhan said policies initiated in MP have ensured that the capable citizens should pay their taxes and the weaker and hapless persons get their rights. Underlining the efforts made for empowering women in Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan said that now girls are no longer considered a burden. Discussing the effect of ladli lakshmi Yojana, he told that this has completely changed people's mentality.
Madhya Pradesh has moved way ahead in political empowerment, he said. Women are being given 50 per cent reservation in local bodies. He said that India is far ahead than other countries in promoting women to acquire higher posts and represent high posts.