Describing Jabalpur as the land of brave warriors and heroes, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Thursday paid homage to Raja Shankar Shah and Kunwar Raghunath Shah on their 168th martyrdom day. Addressing a commemorative programme at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cultural and Information Centre, Ghantaghar, he said the soil of Jabalpur has always symbolised valour, courage and sacrifice. Remembering the father-son duo, the Chief Minister said it was rare that both the generations walked the same path of sacrifice. They proudly upheld their nation, their faith and their devotion to Goddess Durga, refusing to bow before the British. Recalling Raja Shankar Shah’s defiance, he said while many rulers remained silent before colonial power, Shankar Shah boldly voiced resistance and ignited nationalism through his poetry and songs, which inspired the tribal community to safeguard the Narmada valley, forests and their culture.

 

Dr Yadav emphasised that when the British tried to lure them with promises of pardon in exchange for submission, both martyrs chose sacrifice over compromise, preserving their dharma and national pride. Their supreme martyrdom is not only a source of inspiration for the tribal community but for society at large. The Chief Minister also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to tribal welfare, recalling how the PM celebrated his birthday among tribal families in Dhar district, reflecting his affection and inclusiveness. Referring to Modi’s Swasth Nari-Shaktishali Parivar campaign, Dr Yadav urged women to prioritise their health for the wellbeing of families and assured full Government support for medical care.

 

Calling for adoption of indigenous products, Dr Yadav echoed the Prime Minister’s Swadeshi mantra, stressing that promoting local goods would strengthen small traders and the economy. He also urged citizens to embrace self-reliance. A number of dignitaries including PWD Minister Rakesh Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Sumitra Valmiki, MP Ashish Dubey, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, MLAs Ashok Rohani, MLA Abhilash Pandey, BJP City President Ratnesh Sonkar apart from prominent tribal leaders, women self-help groups, Divisional Commissioner Dhananjay Singh, IG Pramod Verma, Collector Raghvendra Singh, SP Sampat Upadhyay and others were present during the programme organised to honour the Gond rulers and pride of the tribal community.