Shravanabelagola, January 8, 2006: With just weeks left for the Mahotsava Celebrations to commence and amidst hectic preparations, a host of Union ministers and other VIPs including President Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Ms. Sonia Gandhi are expected to converge on this the pilgrim township in the days ahead.
While it is confirmed that President Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will inaugurate the celebrations by opening a Rs. 1.5 Crore children’s hospital on January 22, Vice – President Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekawat will participate in the Tapa Kalyana programme on February 6.
Railway Minister Mr. Laloo Prasad will dedicate the Shravanabelagola Railway Station to the Nation on January 15. Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Arjun Singh will open the upgraded hospitals of Shravanabelagola and Chennarayapattana on January 23. Planning commission Deputy Chairman Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia will commission the drinking water supply scheme on January 24. Union Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram will open the new blocks of accommodation built for pilgrims on January 25.
Union Home Minister Mr. Shivraj Patil is expected to participate in “Sarvadharma Sammelana” on January 27. Union Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Mr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh will inaugurate the Acharya Shanthi Sagar Memorial Building, Tyagi Nagar on February 1.
Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Praful Patel will open the Yatri Nivas on February 2. The Mahamasthakabhisheka with 108 kalashas will be performed on February 8. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)