NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated development works in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, the PM bowed at the feet of Goddess of Knowledge—Vagdevi, the revered mother of Dhar Bhojshala. Adding that today marks the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and deity of skill and creation, PM Modi offered salutations to Lord Vishwakarma. He also paid respects to the crores of brothers and sisters who are engaged in nation-building through their craftsmanship and dedication.

Remarking that the land of Dhar has always inspired valour, PM Modi highlighted, “the bravery of Maharaja Bhoj teaches us to stand firm in defence of national pride”. He further added that the sacrifice of Maharshi Dadhichi gives us the resolve to serve humanity. Drawing inspiration from this legacy, the PM stated that today, the nation gives topmost priority to the security of Mother India. He recalled that terrorists from Pakistan had shattered the sindoor of our sisters and daughters, and affirmed that through Operation Sindoor, we destroyed their terror hideouts. PM Modi emphasized that our brave soldiers brought Pakistan to its knees in the blink of an eye. Referring to a recent incident, he noted that just yesterday, another Pakistani terrorist was crying and narrating his ordeal.

“This is the new India, one that does not fear anyone’s nuclear threats and responds by striking directly at the source”, exclaimed the PM. He highlighted that 17th September marks a historic occasion when the nation witnessed the iron resolve of Sardar Patel. On this day, the Indian Army liberated Hyderabad from numerous atrocities and integrated it with India. PM Modi emphasized that this monumental achievement and the valour of the armed forces have now been formally honoured by the government. The day is now commemorated as Hyderabad Liberation Day, symbolizing India’s unity. He underscored that Hyderabad Liberation Day serves as a reminder that nothing is greater than the honour, pride, and glory of Mother India. He affirmed that every moment of life must be dedicated to the nation.

Underlining that our freedom fighters, taking an oath to sacrifice everything for the nation, dedicated their lives to the country, PM Modi emphasized that their dream was a developed India, free from the chains of colonial rule and advancing rapidly. Drawing inspiration from this legacy, he noted that today, 140 crore Indians have resolved to build a developed India. Outlining four key pillars of this journey: India’s women power, youth power, the poor, and farmers, the PM highlighted that today’s programme has strengthened all four pillars of a developed India. He acknowledged the large presence of mothers, sisters, and daughters at the event and underscored the special focus given to women empowerment and stated, “from this platform, ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ campaign has been launched.”

Noting that the resonance of the ‘Aadi Seva Parv’ is already being heard across the country in various phases, PM Modi announced the launch of its Madhya Pradesh edition from today. The PM emphasized that this campaign will serve as a bridge to directly connect the tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh, including those in Dhar, with various government schemes.

Announcing a major industrial initiative on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, marking the foundation of India’s largest integrated textile park in Dhar, the PM stated that this park will infuse new energy into the country’s textile industry. He emphasized that farmers will receive fair value for their produce and a large number of youth will gain employment opportunities. He extended his congratulations to all citizens for these projects and campaigns.

Emphasising that mothers and sisters—India’s Nari Shakti—are the foundation of the nation’s progress, the PM noted that when a mother is healthy, the entire household functions well, but if she falls ill, the entire family system is disrupted. He underscored the critical importance of the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ campaign, stating that no woman should suffer due to lack of awareness or resources. PM Modi highlighted that many diseases silently develop and become severe due to late detection, especially those posing high risks to women. Under this campaign, screenings will be conducted for conditions ranging from blood pressure and diabetes to anaemia, tuberculosis, and cancer. He assured that all tests and medicines will be provided free of cost, with the government bearing the expenses. For further treatment, the Ayushman Card will serve as a protective shield. He added that the campaign will run from today until 2nd October. The PM urged mothers, sisters, and daughters across the country to take time for their own health, participate in these camps in large numbers, and spread awareness among other women in their communities. He called for a collective resolve—no mother should be left behind, no daughter should fall behind.

PM affirmed that the health of mothers, sisters, and daughters is a national priority. He stated that the government is working in mission mode to ensure proper nutrition for pregnant women and girls. He announced the commencement of the eighth National Nutrition Month from today. PM Modi further emphasized that in a developing India, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates is essential. To achieve this, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in 2017. Under this scheme, ₹5,000 is transferred directly to the bank account upon the birth of the first child, and ₹6,000 upon the birth of a second daughter. The PM noted that so far, 4.5 crore pregnant mothers have benefited from the scheme, with over ₹19,000 crore disbursed. He added that on this day alone, assistance was sent to over 15 lakh pregnant women with a single click, amounting to more than ₹450 crore directly credited to their accounts.

Highlighting another major health initiative from the soil of Madhya Pradesh, addressing the serious challenge of sickle cell anaemia in tribal regions, the PM stated that the government is running a national mission to protect tribal communities from this disease. The mission was launched in 2023 from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, where the first sickle cell screening card was issued. PM Modi said, “today, the one croreth screening card has been distributed in Madhya Pradesh and Under this campaign, more than five crore individuals have been screened across the country”. The PM emphasized that sickle cell screening has helped safeguard the lives of lakhs of people in tribal communities. He made a special appeal to tribal mothers and sisters to ensure they undergo screening for sickle cell anaemia.

Underscoring that his consistent effort has been to make the lives of mothers and sisters easier and to reduce their hardships, PM Modi highlighted that initiatives like the construction of crores of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the provision of free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, and the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure household water supply have significantly eased daily challenges for women. The PM emphasized that the Ayushman Bharat scheme, offering free treatment up to ₹5 lakh, has improved women’s health outcomes. Referring to the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, he noted that the free ration scheme ensured that even during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the kitchen fires of poor mothers did not extinguish. He added that free grain distribution continues under this scheme. The PM also pointed out that most of the homes provided under the PM Awas Yojana have been registered in the names of women.

Emphasising that the government is strongly focused on economically empowering women, PM Modi stated that crores of women are availing loans through the Mudra Yojana to start new businesses and set up industries. He further stated that the government is actively working to transform three crore women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’, with nearly two crore already achieving this milestone. Women are being positioned at the heart of the rural economy by being trained as Bank Sakhis and Drone Didis. Through self-help groups, women are driving a new wave of transformation, the PM said.

The PM highlighted that over the past 11 years, welfare of the poor and improving their lives has been the government’s highest priority. He affirmed the belief that the nation can progress only when the poor progress. He noted that service to the poor never goes in vain; with even a little support, they demonstrate the courage to overcome immense challenges. PM Modi shared that he has personally lived through the emotions and struggles of the poor, making their pain his own. He reiterated that service to the poor is the greatest purpose of his life. Accordingly, the government continues to design and implement schemes with the poor at the centre.

Stressing that the impact of the government’s policies is now visible to the world, with 25 crore people in India having risen out of poverty, the PM emphasized that this transformation has instilled a new sense of confidence across society. The PM clarified that these efforts are not merely schemes—they are guarantees of change in the lives of poor mothers, sisters, and daughters. He affirmed that bringing a smile to the face of the poor and safeguarding the dignity of women is his highest devotion and unwavering commitment.

Highlighting the rich tradition of Maheshwari textiles in Madhya Pradesh, noting that Devi Ahilyabai Holkar had given the Maheshwari saree a new dimension, the PM recalled the recent celebration of her 300th birth anniversary and stated that her legacy is now being advanced through the PM MITRA Park in Dhar. PM Modi explained that the park will provide easy access to essential weaving materials like cotton and silk, simplify quality checks, and enhance market connectivity. He emphasized that spinning, designing, processing, and export will all take place within the same facility, making the entire textile value chain available at one location. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the 5F vision for the textile industry—Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign—ensuring a faster and more seamless journey from production to global markets.

Noting that approximately 1,300 acres of land have been allocated for the PM MITRA Park in Dhar, with over 80 industrial units already allotted, the PM stated that infrastructure development and factory construction will proceed simultaneously. The park is expected to generate three lakh new employment opportunities. PM Modi emphasized that the park will significantly reduce logistics and manufacturing costs, making Indian products more affordable and globally competitive. He extended special congratulations to the people of Madhya Pradesh for this initiative and informed that the government is planning to establish six more PM MITRA Parks across the country.

PM highlighted the nationwide celebration of Vishwakarma Puja and described it as a moment to also celebrate the success of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. He extended special greetings to Vishwakarma brothers and sisters across the country, including carpenters, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, masons, artisans in brass, copper, and other traditional crafts. He acknowledged their vital role as a driving force behind the Make in India initiative, noting that their products and skills fulfill everyday needs in both villages and cities. PM Modi expressed satisfaction that the PM Vishwakarma Yojana has supported over 30 lakh artisans and craftsmen in a short span. Elaborating further, he said through this scheme, beneficiaries have received skill training, access to digital marketing, and modern tools. He added that more than six lakh Vishwakarma partners have been provided with new equipment, and loans exceeding ₹4,000 crore have been disbursed to support their work.

Modi stated that the PM Vishwakarma Yojana has most significantly benefited those sections of society that were neglected for decades. He emphasized that poor Vishwakarma brothers and sisters possessed skills, but previous governments had no plans to advance their talents or improve their lives. The current government, he said, has created pathways to transform their craftsmanship into progress. Reiterating his commitment, PM Modi affirmed that those who are left behind remain the government's top priority. 

The PM acknowledged Dhar as the birthplace of the revered Kushabhau Thakre, who dedicated his entire life to the nation with the spirit of “Nation First.” He paid his respectful tribute to Kushabhau Thakre and stated that this very spirit of putting the nation first continues to inspire India’s rise to new heights.

PM Narendra Modi emphasized that the festive season is also a time to reaffirm the mantra of Swadeshi. He urged citizens to ensure that whatever they buy or sell is made in India. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s use of Swadeshi as a tool for independence, the PM stated that it must now become the foundation of a developed India. He explained that this will be possible only when people take pride in Swadeshi products. PM Modi encouraged citizens to choose Indian-made goods—whether small items, toys for children, Diwali idols, home décor, or larger purchases like mobiles, TVs, and refrigerators. He stressed the importance of checking whether a product is made in India, as buying Swadeshi keeps money within the country, prevents capital outflow, and contributes directly to national development. This money, he noted, helps build roads, village schools, primary health centres, and supports welfare schemes that reach the poor.

The PM highlighted that when essential goods are manufactured domestically, they generate employment for fellow citizens. With reduced GST rates coming into effect from 22nd September, coinciding with the start of Navratri, he urged everyone to purchase Swadeshi products and benefit from the revised rates. He concluded with a call to remember and repeat the mantra—“Say with pride: this is Swadeshi”—and extended his festive greetings to all.