PC: (WEF, KuchhBhi.in)
On March 5, 2026, senior Indian politician and Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as well as Union Minister of Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, turns 67. Widely known as “Mama Ji” (maternal uncle) among the people of Madhya Pradesh, he was born on March 5, 1959, in Jait village, Sehore district, into a humble farming family.
Historic Tenure as Chief Minister
Chouhan served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for over 16 years across four terms (2005-2018 and 2020-2023). During his leadership, he transformed the state from a backward “BIMARU” category to one with strong growth, through massive investments in irrigation, agriculture, power supply (24-hour household electricity), roads, and infrastructure. Cities like Indore earned “cleanest city” accolades under his governance, and agricultural production, especially soybeans, pulses, and gram, reached record levels.
Special Birthday Celebrations as ‘Prem-Seva Sankalp Diwas’
Mama Coaching Centres: Free coaching classes will be launched in his Vidisha parliamentary constituency (covering Vidisha, Raisen, and Bhairunda areas) for economically weaker and talented students preparing for competitive exams like SSC, banking, MPPSC, and others.
Mama Chalit Aspatal (Mobile Hospitals): Mobile hospital vans equipped with modern diagnostic facilities and qualified doctors will be introduced across all eight assembly segments in the Vidisha constituency. These vans will provide free healthcare services by visiting rural areas door-to-door.
Five Pledges (Panch Pran): Chouhan has taken five major resolutions focused on environment, education, service, assistance, and talent promotion. Prem-Sundar Pratibha Samman: In memory of his parents, top performers in 10th and 12th board exams will receive cash awards of up to *51,000, with special recognition for the top three students at the Lok Sabha level.
Major Schemes for Women and Girl Child Empowerment
Chouhan earned the affectionate title “Mama” due to his strong focus on women and girls. Key initiatives include:Mukhyamantri Ladli Laxmi Yojana (2007) Financial deposits in girls’ names, maturing to around 1.43 lakh at age 21, conditional on education and delayed marriage.
Ladli Behna Yojana (2023) Monthly direct benefit transfers to eligible women (increased over time) for financial independence.Beti Bachao Abhiyan and campaigns to improve child sex ratios.Free bicycles, uniforms, and textbooks for schoolgirls; schemes like Gaon Ki Beti Yojana for higher education aid.Financial help for marriages via Kanyadaan Yojana; reduced stamp duty for women property owners.
50% reservation for women in local bodies and significant quotas in jobs like police and teaching.These programs significantly improved girls’ education, safety, and societal status.
Current Role and Contributions
Since June 2024, following his victory in the Lok Sabha elections from Vidisha, Chouhan has served in the Union Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Minister of Rural Development. He continues advancing farmer-centric policies, including crop insurance under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (recently releasing ₹3,900 crore in claims) and rural infrastructure development.
Birthday Message and Environmental Appeal
This year, Chouhan has appealed to the public to celebrate his birthday as “Prem-Seva Sankalp Diwas” (Day of Love and Service Pledge). He requested no banners, garlands, shawls, or gifts-instead, people should plant a sapling and share the photo with him or on social media. He emphasized environmental protection as a lifelong commitment, urging everyone to plant trees on their own birthdays too. He marked the day by planting saplings with his family in Bhopal.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders extended warm wishes, praising his humble nature, deep connection with people, and tireless work for farmers and rural India.
Happy Birthday to Mama Ji! Wishing you good health, long life, and continued success in serving the nation and its farmers.