16 Aug : Madhya Pradesh will observe Raja Bhoj Coronation Millennium Year from December 2010. A series of function s will be organized to mark the yearlong event. The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan discussed the proposed programmes at a meeting at Mantralaya here today. Public participation would be ensured in celebration of the event. Necessary preparations have begun.
The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave instructions to plan two mega events at Dhar and Bhopal to highlight the contribution of Raja Bhoj as a mighty philosopher king. He said that the events should be designed in such a manner as would enlighten citizens about the glorious period of Raja Bhoj and history of Madhya Pradesh. He said that mementos to be given in government functions should also be related to Raja Bhoj. It was also decided to dedicate the 2011 government calendar to Raja Bhoj. The Department of tourism will provide facilities to carry students and citizens to historical places connected to Raja Bhoj. Later these would be developed as tourist circuits.
The meeting discussed a number of issues like organizing of Bhoj Utsava, symposia on Raja Bhoj, lessons in school text books on Raja Bhoj, developing Raja Bhoj memorial Gardens, documentary and public display of portraits of Raja Bhoj.
The Chief Minister said that efforts would be made to bring back Vageeshwari Devi idol of Dhar from London saying that the idol belonging to period of Raja Bhoj is a unique peace of sculpture reminding the glory of India.
Minister for Home Shri Uma Shankar Gupta, Principal Secretary to CM Shri Iqbal Singh Bains, Principal Secretary Culture Smt. Snehlata Shrivastava, Commissioner Public Relations Shri Rakesh Shrivastava. Secretary to C.M. Shri S. K. Mishra Director Culture Shri Shriram Tiwari were present.