New Delhi

Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav has urged the Centre to issue a Rs 150 commemorative coin to mark the 150th Prakat Din (appearance day) of Sant Gajanan Maharaj, saying it would be a tribute to the saint's spiritual and cultural legacy.

According to an official statement, Jadhav has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking consideration of the proposal.

In his letters, Jadhav said Sant Gajanan Maharaj, who first appeared in Shegaon in Maharashtra's Buldhana district in February 1878, occupies a revered place in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Maharashtra and the country.

The 150th Prakat Din (appearance day) of Sant Gajanan Maharaj will be observed on February 17, 2028.

He said the saint's teachings of spirituality, devotion, compassion, selfless service and human welfare continue to inspire generations and are chronicled in the religious text Shri Gajanan Vijay, the ministry statement said.

Jadhav also highlighted the contribution of Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon, in the fields of education, healthcare, rural development and social welfare, saying it has helped establish Shegaon as a major centre of spiritual and community service.

The minister said issuing a commemorative coin and postage stamp would honour the faith and sentiments of millions of devotees and provide national recognition to the saint's enduring legacy, the statement said.

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Recalling President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Shegaon on February 25 this year to inaugurate the National Arogya Fair organised under the Ministry of Ayush, he said the visit underscored the town's importance as a centre of spirituality, culture and public service, it stated.