New Vikram Year: A Resolve for the Roadmap of Agriculture, Water, and Development

The New Year that begins with Chaitra Shukla Pratipada symbolizes our cultural consciousness, scientific outlook, and natural way of life. This year marks the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083. It is a matter of pride and honor for Madhya Pradesh that this glorious tradition of Indian chronology originated from Ujjayini (Ujjain).

The Vikram Samvat era began with the coronation of Emperor Vikramaditya and represents the spirit of Indian culture and the identity of the nation. Emperor Vikramaditya is remembered as an ideal ruler known for justice, valor, patience, wisdom, and good governance. By defeating foreign invaders, he protected the nation and upheld the dignity of Indian culture. During his reign, exemplary traditions of governance were established. The ideals of justice and policy he set continue to inspire governance and administration even today.

The tradition of Vikramaditya’s good governance is described in the stories of Simhasan Battisi. These stories reflect an ideal administrative system in which the state was run with the guidance of capable ministers, scholars, and policy experts. The way Emperor Vikramaditya nurtured knowledge, culture, and administration reflects the excellence of India’s ancient governance traditions.

To take various dimensions of Emperor Vikramaditya’s personality and the Indian knowledge tradition to the masses, the state is organizing “Vikramotsav 2026.” This 139-day festival, running from 12 February 2026 to 30 June 2026, will set a remarkable record as a long-duration cultural celebration. Through various cultural, historical, and intellectual programs, the life, ideals, and achievements of Emperor Vikramaditya are being shared with society.

Since ancient times, Ujjayini has been a center of India’s cultural and scientific consciousness. The sacred city of Baba Mahakal has long been associated with time calculation, astronomy, and spiritual practice. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors studied the movements of planets and constellations and developed a system of time calculation that still amazes the world. The observatory of Ujjain and the Vedic system of chronology stand as testimony to our rich knowledge tradition.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the world’s first Vikramaditya Vedic Clock has been reinstalled. This clock is an important effort to revive the tradition of Indian time calculation in the modern era.

The Indian New Year is a celebration of nature’s renewal. During this time, nature blossoms with new life and fills the earth with fresh energy and creativity. Across the country, the New Year is celebrated with different names—Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Cheti Chand, and Navroz. The auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri also begins on this day. The nine days of Navratri provide an opportunity for spiritual practice, self-purification, and worship of divine power. In Indian life traditions, festivals and customs guide the holistic development of individuals and society.

In Madhya Pradesh, the New Year is being celebrated with new resolutions for development and public welfare. On this natural occasion of renewal, I am pleased to share that this year is being observed as the “Kisan Kalyan Varsh” (Year of Farmers’ Welfare) in the state. Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy, and farmers are its foundation. Therefore, several significant decisions have been taken to increase farmers’ income, make agriculture more profitable, and strengthen the rural economy.

This year, the first Agriculture Cabinet Meeting was held at the sacred site of Bhilat Baba Devasthal Nagalwadi in Barwani district. In this meeting, schemes worth ₹27,500 crore were approved for agricultural development and farmer welfare.

To promote modern technologies in agriculture, expand irrigation facilities, encourage natural farming, and enhance the value addition of agricultural products, several initiatives have been implemented in the state. Our goal is that farmers not only increase production but also earn additional income through agro-based industries and become self-reliant.

Under the guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are moving forward on the path of development while preserving our heritage. Accordingly, work is being done for the conservation and development of historical, cultural, and religious sites across the state. Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Maihar, and other major pilgrimage sites are being developed as centers of spiritual tourism. I am also pleased to share that preparations for the Simhastha Festival of 2028 in Ujjain are progressing steadily. Along with this, initiatives such as Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and Shri Krishna Patheya are connecting the younger generation with India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

The celebration of the Indian New Year also inspires us to protect nature. Our traditions encourage taking a holy bath before sunrise and offering water to the Sun on the day of Gudi Padwa. This tradition conveys the message of purity and conservation of water sources.

With the same spirit of water conservation, the “Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan” is being launched in Madhya Pradesh from today. This third state-level campaign will begin from the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain on the New Year’s day. Through traditional water conservation methods, modern technologies, and innovations, we will work to preserve water sources across the state.

I urge the people of the state to turn this Jal Ganga Samvardhan Campaign into a mass movement. On this occasion of nature’s renewal, let us resolve to build a Developed Madhya Pradesh. With renewed awareness and collective effort, let us move forward for the welfare and progress of our state and contribute to the vision of a Developed India.

I am confident that this year will prove to be a year of progress, prosperity, and new achievements for Madhya Pradesh.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the occasion of Nav Samvatsar and wish you a happy, prosperous, and joyful year ahead.