Mungeli : in Chhattisgarh witnessed a special programme under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ organised to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and ‘Seva Diwas’. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu joined beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) and other welfare schemes in lighting the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ and extending wishes for the Prime Minister’s long and healthy life.
The programme began at the Bharatiya Janata Party district office, where Sahu lit lamps along with party workers. A colourful rangoli depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, created on the premises, was one of the major attractions.
The main event was later held at the Community Hall in Mungeli, where the Union Minister participated in the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ ceremony with beneficiaries of various government welfare schemes.
Beneficiaries Share Experiences and Express Gratitude
PMAY beneficiaries shared their experiences during the programme and expressed gratitude for receiving permanent houses under the housing scheme. Their message was summed up in the slogan, “Jisne jeevan ko sanwara hai, use aashirwad hamara”—a gesture of appreciation for the change they said the housing assistance had brought to their lives.
‘A Permanent House Is a Foundation for Security and Dignity’
Addressing the gathering at the Community Hall, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu said the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ was more than a symbolic lamp-lighting ceremony. He described it as a reflection of the trust, affection and gratitude of families who have received permanent shelter and greater social dignity through government housing initiatives.
Referring to his connection with Chhattisgarh, Sahu said he had personally seen the difficulties faced by families living in temporary and unsafe houses. He said a permanent home is not merely a structure made of bricks and cement, but provides security to families, dignity to women and a strong foundation for children’s future.
Sahu also said housing initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been linked with broader development. According to him, families receiving permanent houses are also benefiting from facilities and schemes related to LPG connections, electricity, tap water and sanitation, contributing to improvements in living conditions.
He further highlighted the provision of house ownership in women’s names as an important step towards strengthening women’s role and ownership within the family.
Senior BJP MLA Punnulal Mohle, District Panchayat Chairman Shrikant Pandey, former MP Lakhan Lal Sahu, BJP district president Deenanath Kesarwani, BJP Mahila Morcha state minister Shilu Sahu, Mandal president Saurabh Bajpai, Kamal Singh Parihar, Mungeli Collector Amrit Vikas Topno, administrative officials, public representatives and a large number of local residents attended the programme.
