Jaipur, June 20 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday announced that Mount Abu will now be known as “Aburaj”, describing the move as a step towards restoring cultural identity and honouring the sentiments of local residents and the saint community.

Addressing a thanksgiving gathering and a congregation of saints in Sirohi district, the Chief Minister said the renaming reflects the state government’s commitment to preserving Rajasthan’s cultural and spiritual heritage while advancing development.

“The renaming of Abu Parvat to Aburaj is not merely a change of name. It is a mark of respect for our culture, heritage, public faith and the sentiments of saints and devotees,” Sharma said.

The Chief Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both the Centre and the state government are working to strengthen national self-confidence and self-respect by removing symbols associated with colonial and servile mindsets.

“Today, India is progressing with self-confidence and pride. Several steps have been taken over the past decade to free the nation from colonial-era symbols and strengthen cultural consciousness,” he said.

Citing examples, Sharma referred to the renaming of prominent institutions and landmarks across the country, including Kartavya Path in New Delhi and islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, saying such measures help reinforce national identity and heritage.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 41 development projects worth over Rs 74 crore in Sirohi district.

He inaugurated 16 projects valued at more than Rs 37.50 crore, including the Shivganj Police Station administrative building, multiple sub-health centres, road infrastructure projects and the Government Minority Boys’ Hostel in Sirohi.

The Chief Minister also laid foundation stones for 25 projects worth over Rs 36.55 crore, including the Sirohi Police Lines administrative building, a Working Women’s Hostel, new sub-health centres, bus stands, hostel infrastructure and various road and public utility projects.

Sharma said the state government is pursuing development while preserving Rajasthan’s historical and cultural legacy.

“Our vision is guided by the principle of ‘Heritage as well as Development’. We are working to establish Aburaj as a leading destination for tourism, infrastructure and public welfare,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of yoga, the Chief Minister described it as India’s ancient heritage and noted that it has gained global recognition under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

He announced that a special programme would be held at Aburaj on Sunday to mark International Yoga Day.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society, including youth, farmers, women and economically weaker communities.

Several saints and religious leaders expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for restoring the name “Aburaj” during the event.

Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Ota Ram Dewasi, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce K.K. Bishnoi, MPs Madan Rathore and Lumbaram Chaudhary, MLA Samaram, Mahant Pratap Puri, and a large number of devotees and local residents were present on the occasion.

–IANS

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