Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Sunday that the district of Bhadohi has been officially renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi. The announcement was made during a public program in the district, where the Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 112 development projects valued at over Rs 1,340 crore.
The renaming of Bhadohi to Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi fulfills an earlier announcement made on Guru Purnima, which stated that the district, renowned for its prominent carpet industry, would be honored by bearing the name of Sant Ravidas ji Maharaj. Chief Minister Adityanath stated that this change is deeply gratifying as it realizes the 600-year-old vision of Sant Ravidas, who strived to unite society through spiritual devotion and ensure welfare for all, irrespective of discrimination. He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, over 80 crore people in India currently benefit from free ration schemes, aligning with Sant Ravidas’s vision.
Bhadohi was established as the 65th district of Uttar Pradesh on June 30, 1994, having previously been a part of the Varanasi district. The district has experienced several name changes throughout its history. The most recent alteration occurred on December 6, 2014, when the Samajwadi Party government, led by Akhilesh Yadav, officially reverted the name from Sant Ravidas Nagar-Bhadohi back to Bhadohi.
The Chief Minister also used the occasion to critique the previous governments, particularly the Samajwadi Party, for their handling of funds allocated for heritage and pilgrimage site development. He asserted that funds now being utilized for the beautification and preservation of heritage landmarks were previously left unutilized or, worse, were allegedly used for purposes such as encroaching on land for graveyard construction. Adityanath emphasized the transformation in Uttar Pradesh since 2017, noting that artisans and craftspeople, who were once compelled to migrate for employment, now have greater opportunities within the state. He pointed to improved law and order, reduced instances of curfews and riots, and enhanced safety for women as significant advancements.
Adityanath further elaborated on the positive impact of government initiatives on the carpet industry. He stated that the industry now benefits from access to technology, design support, and wider markets, coupled with improved connectivity and security. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned the inclusion of Bhadohi carpets under the One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme, which has been instrumental in connecting local artisans with essential resources and expanding the global reach of their products. He contrasted the current situation with the pre-2017 period, describing it as a time of frustration and despair, where artisans struggled to find work and buyers were hesitant to engage due to prevailing issues.
The Chenab Times News Desk