The Maheshwari community’s Mahakumbh (MGC-2026) commenced in Jodhpur, drawing large participation from India and abroad. On Saturday, the second day of the event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the gathering and lauded the community’s contribution to the nation.

Addressing the audience, Shah said that the Maheshwari community is no longer a job seeker but has emerged as a job creator. “The gems of the Maheshwari community have made the country shine like a jewel in every field,” he said, adding that despite reaching prominent positions, the community has remained deeply connected to its roots.

Vision of Developed India by 2047

Shah recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pledge to the nation, stating that by 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, the country will be developed in every respect and self-reliant. He said the Maheshwari community has an important role to play in achieving this goal.

Call to Promote Indigenous Products

The Home Minister noted that when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, India ranked 11th in the world economy, and within 11 years, it has risen to fourth place. “Next year, India will become the world’s third-largest economy,” Shah said, urging people to use indigenous (Swadeshi) products as much as possible, calling Swadeshi an essential pillar of self-reliance.

Global Participation in Mahakumbh

Nearly 40,000 members of the Maheshwari community from 27 countries, including India, are participating in MGC-2026. A temporary city has been set up across 250 bighas near the Polytechnic College in Jodhpur to host the event.

Contribution to the Ram Temple Movement

Highlighting the community’s historical contribution, Shah said that the Maheshwari community has served the nation for centuries. He shared an anecdote about a young author researching the Ram Temple, who told him that the first two individuals to sacrifice their lives for the Ram Temple after independence belonged to the Maheshwari community.

Role in Cultural Renaissance

Shah said the Maheshwari community has played a significant role in India’s cultural renaissance. He outlined three key factors needed to take the country forward in every field—continuing existing production, manufacturing goods that are currently not made in India, and constructive social participation—which, he said, the Maheshwari community is fully capable of delivering.

He also mentioned that progressive community initiatives often face criticism, adding that he too has encountered such remarks in public life, but emphasized that positive nation-building efforts must continue.