Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Bharwad community at Bavaliyali Dham in Dholera taluka of Ahmedabad through a virtual message, urging them to adopt natural farming and participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign by planting trees.
He called on the community, traditionally engaged in cattle rearing, to contribute towards making India a developed nation by 2047.
“We have given immense pain to our Mother Earth as we kept drawing water and then dumped poisonous chemicals into it. Now, it is our responsibility to make it healthy again, and cow dung can help revive Earth. I urge you all to adopt natural farming and serve Mother Earth,” the Prime Minister said.
He also encouraged cattle rearers to ensure their livestock receive free vaccine shots against foot-and-mouth disease, a service provided by the Centre.
Highlighting government initiatives, he mentioned that the Kisan Credit Card, earlier limited to farmers, is now available to cattle rearers, offering loans at low interest rates.
Additionally, he pointed to the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, aimed at conserving indigenous bovine breeds, and urged the community to take advantage of these schemes.
The Prime Minister praised Bavaliyali Dham as a site of faith, culture, and religion. He also urged the Bharwad community to adapt to changing circumstances and promote computer literacy among their daughters.
Earlier in the day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel attended the Punah-Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav and Gop Gyan Gatha of Sant Shri Nagalkha Bapa-Thakardham at Bavaliyali.
During the event, over 75,000 women from the Bharwad community set a record with their traditional Hoodo Raas dance.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister remarked on the significance of the Bharwad community’s belief in the ideology of ‘Thakard Kare E Kake,’ meaning that God takes care of everything.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Indian Sanatan culture is experiencing a revival, with temples across the country being transformed through modernisation. He added that the government is committed to involving every citizen in the development journey while preserving heritage.
Referring to 2025 as a year of historic significance, Patel noted that it marks the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Patel and Birsa Munda, the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the Amrit Mahotsav of the Constitution.
He also highlighted the revival of Thakardham, coinciding with its 375th anniversary.
Praising the social initiatives of the Sant Shri Nagalakha Charitable Trust, the Chief Minister called for public participation in campaigns like Ek Pad Maa Ke Naam, Catch the Rain, Swachh Bharat, and the Obesity-Free India Campaign.
He commended the Gopalak Samaj for its contributions to animal husbandry and the Bharwad community for maintaining traditional values while embracing modern practices through education and training.
A certificate recognising the Hoodo Raas record was presented to Mahant Shri Rambapu by Pawan Solanki, CEO of the World Record of India Genius Foundation, in the presence of the Chief Minister. Patel also visited the Thakardham temple, offering prayers.
The event saw the participation of MLAs Jitu Vaghani, Kalu Dabhi, Kiritsinh Dabhi, former MLAs Bhawan Bharwad and Lakha Bharwad, Mahant Shri Ram Bapu of Thakardham, Mahant Shri Rajendradasji Bapu of Torania Dham, leaders of the Bharwad community, and a large number of devotees.
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