Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan marked his birthday on 5 March 2026 by announcing a series of public welfare initiatives and leading a nationwide tree plantation campaign aimed at promoting environmental protection, youth empowerment and social welfare.
The day was observed as Prem Aur Seva Sankalp Diwas and saw thousands of people across the country participate in plantation drives following Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s appeal to celebrate the occasion through service rather than ceremonial greetings. Planting saplings with his family at Smart City Park in Bhopal, he reiterated his message of Uphaar Nahi Upkaar, urging well wishers and supporters to plant trees instead of presenting flowers, garlands, hoardings or banners.
Responding to the appeal, supporters, party workers and citizens planted saplings in several parts of the country and shared photographs of the initiative on social media. The large scale participation turned the birthday celebration into a collective environmental campaign, with thousands joining the effort to expand green cover.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and several Union Ministers and political leaders conveyed their greetings through social media messages. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other Chief Ministers also extended their wishes.
Highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, Shivraj Singh Chouhan described trees as the foundation of life and referred to them as oxygen factories that sustain ecosystems and human existence. He noted that trees provide shelter and food to birds, insects and many other living organisms, contribute to rainfall that supports agriculture, prevent soil erosion, reduce carbon emissions and help regulate global temperatures.
On the occasion, Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced several initiatives for the Vidisha parliamentary constituency with a focus on education, healthcare, youth development and social inclusion.
One of the major announcements was the launch of Prem Sundar Pratibha Samman in memory of his parents to encourage academic excellence among students. Under this initiative, meritorious students securing top positions in Class 10 and Class 12 examinations across the eight assembly segments of the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency will be felicitated and rewarded.
Students securing the top three ranks in each segment will receive cash prizes of 51,000 rupees, 31,000 rupees and 21,000 rupees respectively. Additionally, the top three students across the entire parliamentary constituency will be honoured with higher awards. The initiative is intended to motivate talented students and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations.
Another significant initiative announced by Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the launch of Mama Coaching Classes to support youth preparing for competitive examinations. The programme will initially be implemented in Vidisha, Raisen and Bhairunda and will provide free coaching for examinations such as Banking services, Staff Selection Commission, Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission, Defence Research and Development Organisation and Forest Services.
Students enrolled in the programme will receive guidance from experienced teachers along with access to modern study material, structured preparation modules and career counselling. The initiative aims to ensure that youth from economically weaker backgrounds receive equal opportunities to compete in national and state level examinations.
In the healthcare sector, Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the launch of Mama Mobile Hospital, a mobile medical service designed to expand healthcare access in rural areas. The mobile units will operate across all eight assembly segments of the Vidisha parliamentary constituency and will travel to villages and remote locations providing medical consultations, treatment and diagnostic services.
Qualified doctors and medical staff will be deployed to deliver healthcare services directly to rural populations. The initiative will be supported through the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund along with public cooperation and community participation.
To promote social inclusion and independence among persons with disabilities, Shivraj Singh Chouhan also announced a campaign to distribute motorised tricycles to Divyang citizens in the Vidisha region. Beneficiaries will be identified and provided with motorised mobility aids enabling them to travel independently, access employment opportunities and carry out daily activities with dignity and self reliance.
Addressing supporters and citizens, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised the need to strengthen social harmony, family unity and civic responsibility. He called upon people to foster mutual respect and brotherhood across communities and ensure that society progresses without discrimination.
He also encouraged citizens to promote swadeshi products by supporting local artisans and traders and urged people to adopt responsible civic behaviour, including adherence to road safety measures such as wearing helmets.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan concluded by appealing to citizens to actively participate in environmental protection and community welfare initiatives, stating that collective efforts can build a harmonious, responsible and prosperous society.
