Madhya Pradesh

• 28 Mar 2022

Gobar-Dhan Projects

Why in News?

On March 26, 2022, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Gobar-Dhan project will be started in various cities of the state.

Key Points

• The Chief Minister said that arrangements will be made to purchase cow dung. Cow dung is extensively used in the manufacture of cow-wood (the dried cow dung with a length of one to three feet in round shape like trees is called cow-wood or Gau-Kashth). This will be encouraged, due to which the cow owners will also get the amount.
• New works will be started in Madhya Pradesh by studying the experiments of cow promotion and cow protection in other states including Gujarat. Concrete efforts will also be made to make Gaushalas self-supporting.
• Work will also be done to create awareness among the general public about the care of cows and other animals roaming on the road. The common people will be motivated for cow rearing if there is income from cow dung and cow urine.
• Chief Minister Chouhan said that the successful experiment of operation of the PNG plant under Gobar-Dhan Yojana in Indore would be taken to other places.

Maheshwar Utsav

Why in News?

On March 26, 2022 Maheshwar Utsav was inaugurated at Mrignayani Emporium GTB Complex, Bhopal. The festival will continue till April 22.

Key Points

• Maheshwar Utsav was started by the famous Gondi painter Durgabai Vyam.
• On this occasion, Durgabai Vyam said that this festival is our cultural identity. This will provide new enthusiasm to the artists.
• Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts and Handlooms Commissioner Anubha Srivastava said that the main objective of Madhya Pradesh Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation is to provide employment and respect to weaver painters and to advance the artists of ancient art and culture.
• Maheshwari sarees as well as other products are being displayed and sold in this festival. The exhibition also includes the products of Kabir Weaver Award winning artist Vikas Bade.

Railways Won the Obaidullah Khan Hockey Cup Tournament

Why in News?

On March 27, 2022, the Indian Railways men's hockey team won the Obaidullah Khan Heritage Hockey Cup tournament held in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. In the final match, the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) team defeated Army XI by 2 goals.

Key Points

• This prestigious hockey tournament was played at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Bhopal from March 21 to March 27, 2022, in which a dozen teams participated.
• Started in 1931 as the Obaidullah Gold Cup, this prestigious tournament has been going on for several decades and has given many international players during its sporting journey.
• The competition was last played in 2016 and this year it was held again after a gap of six years. The last time this tournament was won was by BPCL in 2016 and the Railways team was the runner-up.
• Joginder of Railways, became 'Man of the Final Match'. While Jasjit was the 'Best Defender' and Niaz Rahim was the 'Best Mid Fielder'. Arjun of Railway team was adjudged 'Man of the Tournament'.
• It is worth mentioning that there are about 3000 active male and female players in Indian Railways. Railways has a vast sports infrastructure across the country including a dedicated Hockey Academy at RCF, Kapurthala.
• The Indian women's hockey team, which finished fourth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, had 12 players from the Railways out of a total of 16 players. The Indian men's hockey team at the Olympics also had two players from the Indian Railways.
• It is worth mentioning that during the year 2021-22, RSPB men's hockey team has participated in 5 national level tournaments and played the final match of all the five tournaments.