“ସୁଭଦ୍ରା ଯୋଜନା ମାଁ ଓ ଭଉଣୀଙ୍କୁ ସଶକ୍ତ କରୁ ଏହା ମୋର ମା ସୁଭଦ୍ରାଙ୍କ ପାଖରେ ପ୍ରାର୍ଥନା”
These are the wordings from the Prime Minister of India in his visit to Odisha on his auspicious birthday to launch the much awaited SUBHADRA Scheme for empowering women of Odisha. The sentence in Odia is translated as “Let the SUBHADRA YOJANA empower our Mothers and Sisters is my prayer before Goddess Maa Subhadra”.
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, has long been a figure of interest for his political achievements and devotion to Hindu deities. His connection with Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra is a matter of personal faith and has also influenced his political and social initiatives. The intertwining of his devotion with the development of the Subhadra Yojana in Odisha showcases how religious commitment can have broader socio-political implications.
Modi’s Devotion to Bhagwan Jagannath, Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra:
Narendra Modi’s devotion to Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra is deeply rooted in his early years. In 1969, upon returning to Ahmedabad, the 19-year-old Modi took up residence at the Jagannath Temple, where he began his political and social activities. This period marked the beginning of his profound engagement with the deities of the Shri Jagannath tradition.
The Shri Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad, dedicated to Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath and His siblings, is a significant place of worship which was the centre of religious activities in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad. It was also the centre of action for RSS & VHP then, and Modi’s association with it highlights his enduring reverence for Bhagwan Jagannath and His siblings. Narendra Modi’s dedication to the deities was not merely symbolic; it was reflected in his actions and public life, where he often drew inspiration from the associated values and teachings.
The Swayambhu Rath Yatra of 1985
One of the notable instances of Modi’s devotion manifested in the political sphere was his initiation of the Swayambhu Rath Yatra in 1985. At the time, the Congress government in Gujarat had banned the Rath Yatra, a significant religious procession dedicated to Bhagwan Jagannath. Modi, then a relatively unknown figure in the political landscape, began organising the Rath Yatra despite the ban.
The Modi Archives, in its Social Media Twitter’ X’ account, posted: “In 1985-86, in an attempt to appease their voter base, the incumbent Congress government in Gujarat imposed a ban on the 101st Jagannath Rath Yatra. Bans and curfews during the Jagannath Rath Yatra were common under Congress rule. However, a determined young man refused to accept this ban and made efforts to defy it. Behind the scenes, preparations for the yatra continued. The chariot was readied, and Mahaprabhu was placed upon it”.
This Rath Yatra was not just a religious event but also a symbolic act of defiance against perceived religious restrictions imposed by the ruling authorities. It underscored Modi’s commitment to the free practice of religion and his ability to mobilise support around religious sentiments. The event helped to cement his position as a leader who was both devoted and resilient in the face of political adversity.
After Modi became the Chief Minister of Gujrat in 2001, the Rath Yatra became an annual event in Gujrat. Notably, he cleaned the roads during the Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. This is the kind of devotion Modi has for the three deities.
The Subhadra Yojana in Odisha
The Subhadra Yojana, an initiative launched in Odisha, reflects a broader socio-political vision linked to Modi’s devotion. Named after Devi Subhadra, the sister of Bhagwan Jagannath, symbolising the embodiment of empowered women. This program focuses on women’s empowerment, aiming to improve their quality of life by providing interest-free monetary assistance to eligible women of Odisha.
The connection between Modi’s devotion and the Subhadra Yojana is both symbolic and practical. By naming the
scheme after Devi Subhadra, the initiative pays homage to the deity’s role in the Jagannath tradition while aligning with Modi’s broader political and social objectives. The program underscores a commitment to social justice and the upliftment of marginalised communities, reflecting the values of care and compassion associated with Devi Subhadra. The Subhadra Yojana represents an integration of Modi’s devotion with his public policy goals. It aims to positively impact Odisha by providing support and opportunities for women, thereby translating religious and ethical values into tangible societal benefits. Under the scheme, the Govt of Odisha will transfer Rs 10,000 annually to eligible women beneficiaries aged between 21 and 60 for five years.
A budget allocation of Rs 55,825 Cr is made for the next five years (2024-29), with financial assistance of Rs 10,000 a year will be provided in two instalments of Rs.5000, first on the Raksha Bandhan and the second on the International Women’s Day.
As per the Govt data, around 25 Lakh women of Odisha were given Rs.5000 as the first instalment on September 17 2024, on the birthday of PM Shri Narendra Modi as he launched the scheme in Bhubaneswar in the presence of CM Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and Dy CMs Shri KV SinghDeo and Smt. Pravati Parida.
As per the statement of Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha’s Subhadra Scheme Paves the Way for Women’s Empowerment and is a part of BJP’s Manifesto in Odisha; it will uplift women economically. Further, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, on September 17 2024, posted a history of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and his sincere devotion to the three deities on his Social Media accounts. Shri Pradhan has reiterated how this devotion of Modi inspires the Subhadra Yojana.
As per information, around 70 lakhs plus women have already been enrolled in the scheme, which aims to cater to more than 1 crore women in Odisha. With 1 crore women having the JanDhan Account, the scheme’s implementation will not face any hassles in the future, where the money will be transferred to the women’s bank account directly through DBT without any middleman interference.
Odisha, also known as the Land of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath, is a state where the people of Odisha dedicate their every activity to the three deities, and the SUBHADRA Yojana is going to prove a milestone in empowering the women of Odisha and giving them wings to become self-reliant in coming days.
Narendra Modi’s devotion to Bhagwan Jagannath, Bhagwan Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra is not confined to personal faith but extends into his political and social endeavours. His initiation of the Swayambhu Rath Yatra in Gujarat demonstrated his dedication and courage. At the same time, the Subhadra Yojana in Odisha combines his religious values with his vision for social development. Through these actions, Modi has illustrated how personal devotion can influence and shape public policy, creating a legacy that intertwines spirituality with governance and social welfare.
