The inaugural edition of News18 India’s ‘Diamond States Summit’ series was held in Bhopal, creating a platform for in-depth discussions and insights on the progress achieved and the immense potential of Madhya Pradesh.

The event brought together distinguished leaders and influential personalities from the state to deliberate on its growth trajectory and contributions to India’s overall development, the channel said in a press release.

The Summit’s discussions centered on various aspects of Madhya Pradesh’s growth narrative, including economic development, social progress, and cultural contributions. Key highlights included an in-depth examination of Madhya Pradesh’s economic advancements, future growth potential, and impactful social initiatives and programs significantly contributing to the state’s progress.

The summit was graced by many prominent personalities who shared their invaluable insights.

Nirmala Bhuria, Women and Child Development Minister of Madhya Pradesh stated, “BJP’s central and state government made many schemes which changed the lives of women; especially the Ladli Laxmi Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana brought radical changes.”

Prahlad Singh Patel, Labour, Panchayat, and Rural Development Minister, expressed his opinions, saying, “Atal ji believed that no work is small or big; every responsibility must be fulfilled wholeheartedly. Politics of ideology has always been my focus, and being in my field brings immense satisfaction. Despite the challenges of living in Delhi, my commitment to my people remains unwavering, and we strive to deliver better results every day.”

Talking about the state’s infrastructure development, Rakesh Singh, Public Works Department Minister of Madhya Pradesh, said, “We are developing a new app to provide real-time information about potholes on the road. If an issue is not resolved within seven days, action will be taken against the responsible officer or employee. This initiative will significantly benefit the public by ensuring timely repairs and enhancing overall road safety. Jabalpur has transformed from a village into a thriving metropolis, with developments in education, health, and infrastructure at every level.”

Uday Pratap Singh, Transport and School Education Minister of Madhya Pradesh, noted, “Our new education policy is designed to propel children forward by replacing traditional education with modern methods. Initiatives like CM Rise Schools and digital education are transforming education in Madhya Pradesh. By 2029, we will have 275 CM Rise Schools operational, ensuring children receive education akin to private institutions. Additionally, we plan to combat unemployment by providing buses on loan to unemployed youth, integrating our education and transport departments. This ensures no child faces injustice, especially concerning NEET exams, and emphasizes our commitment to their future.”

Actor Annu Kapoor also shared his opinion, “Life itself is a struggle, and the battle for existence never ends. Our responsibility is to keep our bodies in good shape, as a healthy body houses a good soul. We must understand our collective duty towards society and our country. Social media is often filled with nonsense and misinformation; it is crucial to verify facts from multiple sources. Democracy is still in its infancy in India, and while people talk about their rights, they often neglect their duties. It’s time we contribute positively, even in small ways, and foster human-to-human relationships.”

Concluding the event, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, added, “I express my deep grief over the Hathras incident and pray for the salvation of the deceased, seeking blessings from Baba Mahakal. The upcoming Kumbh in Ujjain is of great significance, with the number of devotees expected to increase from two crores to eight to ten crores, thanks to the formation of Mahakal Lok and improved arrangements. Our focus on 20 significant religious sites, including Omkareshwar, is a testament to our commitment to enhancing spiritual and cultural heritage.”