Anil Vij announces ₹5 Lakh Grant from His Discretionary Fund for Social Welfare Projects

*Prime Minister Narendra Modi Has Transformed the Lives of Ordinary Citizens Through Welfare Schemes; BJP Government Follows the Ideals of Maharaja Agrasen: Energy Minister Anil Vij*

*Maharaja Agrasen Was a Great Ruler, Sociologist and Economist Who Advocated Social Service, Transparent Trade, Collective Welfare and Inclusive Development: Anil Vij*

Chandigarh, October 12- Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti is not merely an occasion to celebrate, but an opportunity to embrace and follow his ideals. He said that everyone in society, irrespective of political affiliation, should study Maharaja Agrasen's principles and incorporate them into governance. If governments across the country followed his ideals, India would shine like the sun.

He added that the present government was also following the ideals of Maharaja Agrasen and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transformed the lives of ordinary citizens through various public welfare schemes.

Sh. Vij was addressing devotees during a devotional music evening organised by the Aggarwal Sabha at Aggarwal Dharamshala in Ambala Cantonment on the occasion of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. During the programme, the minister announced a grant of ₹5 lakh from his discretionary fund for social welfare projects undertaken by the Aggarwal Sabha.

*Maharaja Agrasen Was a Great Ruler, Sociologist and Economist Who Promoted Social Welfare and Inclusive Development: Anil Vij*

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Anil Vij said that Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti was a sacred occasion, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Navratri, and extended his heartfelt greetings to everyone.

He said that the principles laid down by Maharaja Agrasen thousands of years ago continue to inspire governments today, particularly those committed to social welfare. Maharaja Agrasen was not only an able ruler but also an accomplished sociologist and economist who established principles of social responsibility and inclusive growth.

Explaining one of his most significant teachings, Sh. Vij referred to Maharaja Agrasen's principle that every person arriving in his city would be given one brick and one rupee. The brick would help the newcomer build a home, while the rupee would enable them to establish a business and become economically self-reliant. He said that this principle reflected Maharaja Agrasen's vision of a society in which everyone received support and an opportunity to build a better future.

*Aggarwal Sabha Is Following Maharaja Agrasen's Ideals Through Various Social Welfare Initiatives: Vij*

The Energy Minister said that the essence of the knowledge imparted by Maharaja Agrasen could be found in the principles underlying various works on socialism and social welfare. He emphasised that businesses should operate with complete transparency and that a portion of their earnings should be devoted to the welfare of society. He expressed satisfaction that the Aggarwal Sabha was carrying forward this spirit by undertaking several social service initiatives.

Sh. Vij said that the desire to contribute to society was deeply embedded in the work of the Aggarwal Sabha and reflected the message of Maharaja Agrasen, whose ideals continued to inspire governments and social institutions alike. He added that governments should ensure equal opportunities for all sections of society and enable everyone to progress. He said that these principles were also guiding the functioning of the present government.

*Prime Minister Narendra Modi Has Introduced Welfare Schemes for the Common People: Anil Vij*

Sh. Vij said that the people of Haryana had elected the BJP government for three consecutive terms, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was leading the government at the Centre. Highlighting the Prime Minister's initiatives, he said that the focus had been on improving the lives of ordinary citizens. When Sh. Modi first became Prime Minister, he used the ramparts of the Red Fort to give a call for cleanliness, which led to the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission.

Under the initiative, toilets were constructed in households that lacked sanitation facilities. The government also promoted access to tap water in homes and launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to provide cooking gas connections to eligible households, helping women avoid the hardships associated with traditional cooking fuels. He further noted that Ayushman cards were provided to eligible beneficiaries to facilitate access to healthcare.

Sh. Vij said that the Prime Minister had undertaken several other significant initiatives, but the key focus remained the welfare of ordinary citizens, in keeping with the ideals of Maharaja Agrasen. He highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, under which bank accounts were opened to help ensure that welfare benefits reached beneficiaries directly. Farmers, too, receive eligible benefits directly into their bank accounts.

The Minister said these initiatives reflected the spirit of Maharaja Agrasen's teachings by promoting public welfare, economic inclusion and opportunities for progress. He reiterated that the government was working in accordance with these ideals.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the venue, Sh. Anil Vij was welcomed by representatives of the Aggarwal Sabha, including Subhash Goyal, Hansraj Aggarwal, Bhushan Gupta, Pradeep Goyal, Rajiv Aggarwal, Anil Aggarwal, Ashutosh Gupta, Ashish Aggarwal and Mahesh Chand Aggarwal, among others. During the devotional music evening, the minister enthusiastically joined the devotees in celebrating the occasion.

BJP leaders Lalita Prasad, Ravi Budhiraja, Pravesh Sharma, Dr. Dinesh, Ajay Baweja, Shailendra Khanna and Anil Bahl were also present, along with other dignitaries and devotees.