Gwalior: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday unveiled a statue of former MLA and former Leader of Opposition in the Gwalior Municipal Corporation Council, late Babu Raghuvir Singh, at Akashvani Tiraha in Gwalior.
The Chief Minister unveiled the statue by pressing a remote-control button and later offered flowers in tribute to the veteran public figure.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia and Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar were also present at the ceremony.
During the event, Yadav announced that Akashvani Tiraha would be renamed “Late Babu Raghuvir Singh Tiraha” in memory of the former legislator.
‘Every Breath Should Be Dedicated to Society’s Progress’
Addressing the gathering, Yadav said every moment of a person’s life carries value and should be used meaningfully for the welfare and advancement of society.
“Every breath of a human being is counted. Time continues to pass. We should make proper use of the time given to us in life and play a meaningful role in the upliftment of society and public welfare,” the Chief Minister said.
He also extended greetings to citizens on the occasions of Haldhar Balram Jayanti and Janmashtami.
Remembering Raghuvir Singh, Yadav said the veteran leader had followed Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and played an important role in the freedom movement.
He said Singh devoted considerable effort to protecting the interests and rights of workers and farmers and worked throughout his life towards making society more self-reliant.
The Chief Minister described the unveiling as an emotional occasion for Gwalior, saying the memorial would help connect a new generation with the life and public service of Raghuvir Singh.
“By unveiling the statue of late Raghuvir Singh, we are remembering our glorious past and taking his personality and work to the new generation,” he said.
‘Babuji Was More a Social Worker Than a Politician’: Scindia
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the occasion was personally emotional for him as he had known Raghuvir Singh since childhood.
Scindia said Singh’s life had been dedicated to service of society and the nation and recalled his efforts to assist the families of freedom fighters.
“Babuji was less of a politician and more of a social worker,” Scindia said.
He added that after receiving education in agriculture, Raghuvir Singh worked extensively for the interests of farmers and devoted his life to serving both the farming community and society at large.
Scindia also said that Gwalior had received considerable attention and support under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s leadership during the past two-and-a-half years.
Raghuvir Singh Fought for Workers Throughout His Life: Narendra Singh Tomar
Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar described Raghuvir Singh as a “true labour leader” who spent his life fighting for the interests and rights of workers.
Tomar said he shared a close personal relationship with Singh and expressed satisfaction at being present for the unveiling of his statue.
He recalled that the two had worked “shoulder to shoulder” for the development of the Morar and Thatipur areas of Gwalior.
“His entire life was dedicated to society,” Tomar said before offering floral tributes to the late leader.
Family Thanks State Leaders
At the beginning of the programme, Raghuvir Singh’s son Ramsundar Singh, also known as Ramu, delivered the welcome address.
He thanked Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar for their support in facilitating the installation and unveiling of his father’s statue.
“My entire family will always remain grateful for this,” he said.
Bal Khande also spoke about the life and contributions of Babu Raghuvir Singh during the ceremony.
Senior Leaders Attend Ceremony
Among those present at the statue unveiling were Madhya Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla, Lok Sabha MP Bharat Singh Kushwah, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Singh, Gwalior Municipal Corporation Chairman Manoj Tomar, MLA Pritam Lodhi and senior public representative Nishant Khare.
Administrative officials, other public representatives and a large number of citizens also attended the programme.
The unveiling and proposed renaming of the intersection add a permanent public memorial to Raghuvir Singh’s legacy in Gwalior, particularly his association with workers, farmers, the freedom movement and the development of the Morar-Thatipur area.
