Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to mark his 75th birthday with a landmark initiative in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, laying the foundation stone for India’s first PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Park. The event, scheduled for September 17, will spotlight India’s textile ambitions and catalyze development in the tribal-dominated Malwa region.
This inauguration aligns with a broader vision to transform India into a global textile hub, leveraging local cotton production and modern infrastructure. The PM’s visit will also coincide with the launch of multiple welfare campaigns, reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Key highlights of the visit
- Launch of the PM MITRA Park in Bhensola village, Badnawar tehsil, Dhar district
- Introduction of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan (Healthy Woman, Empowered Family Campaign)
- Commencement of Seva Pakhwada, a fortnight-long service initiative
- Distribution of one crore sickle cell cards and launch of Swadeshi Pakhwada
- Inauguration of the Suman Sakhi chatbot and Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam campaign
PM MITRA Park: A textile revolution begins
The PM MITRA scheme, initiated by the central government, aims to establish seven world-class textile parks across India. Dhar’s park will be the first to break ground, strategically located in a region known for its cotton production. Districts like Dhar, Jhabua, Ujjain, Khargone, and Barwani contribute significantly to Madhya Pradesh’s cotton output, making the site ideal for a cotton-based industrial ecosystem.
The park is expected to generate over one lakh direct jobs and two lakh indirect employment opportunities, transforming the region’s economic landscape. Equipped with integrated facilities for spinning, weaving, processing, and garment manufacturing, the park will attract textile entrepreneurs and global investors alike.
Empowering women and families
In tandem with the textile park launch, the Prime Minister will unveil the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan. This nationwide campaign focuses on enhancing healthcare services for women and children, especially in underserved regions. The initiative aims to bridge gaps in maternal health, nutrition, and preventive care.
Complementing this is the Suman Sakhi chatbot, designed to provide accessible health information and support to women through digital platforms. The chatbot will serve as a virtual companion, guiding users on wellness, hygiene, and government schemes.
Seva Pakhwada: A fortnight of service
From September 17 to October 2, the Bharatiya Janata Party will observe Seva Pakhwada, a service campaign that begins on Modi’s birthday and concludes on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The campaign will involve grassroots outreach, health camps, awareness drives, and community engagement across the country.
In Dhar, the Prime Minister will participate in events linked to this initiative, reinforcing the ethos of service and social responsibility. Beneficiaries of schemes like Ladli Behna, self-help groups, and textile entrepreneurs will be present, showcasing the convergence of welfare and enterprise.
Green tribute: Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam
As part of the celebrations, the Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam campaign will distribute plants to women beneficiaries, encouraging environmental stewardship and honoring maternal figures. This symbolic gesture blends ecological awareness with emotional resonance, reflecting the government’s holistic approach to development.
Economic and cultural impact
The foundation stone ceremony is expected to be a turning point for Madhya Pradesh’s industrial growth. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that the PM MITRA park will serve as a model for the nation, accelerating the state’s economy and uplifting tribal communities.
This visit also marks Modi’s second birthday celebration in Madhya Pradesh, following the release of cheetahs at Kuno National Park in 2022. The continuity of impactful gestures on his birthday underscores a narrative of transformation and legacy.
Sources: Business Standard, Economic Times, MSN India, ETV Bharat
