Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the country's first greenfield BS-VI-compliant integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex on Saturday. The refinery's journey has been anything but straightforward.

It witnessed two foundation-stone laying ceremonies, several announced inauguration dates, bitter political confrontations over its location, land acquisition disputes, significant cost escalation and prolonged execution delays before reaching completion.

Prime Minister Modi was originally scheduled to inaugurate the refinery on April 21, 2026. However, a fire caused by a leak in the CDU-VDU unit on April 20 forced the postponement of the event, delaying the launch once again.

With a refining capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and one of the highest Nelson Complexity Index (NCI) ratings among Indian refineries, HRRL is expected to transform Rajasthan from a crude oil-producing state into a major petrochemical manufacturing hub.

The refinery was originally proposed at Lilala village in the Baytu region of present-day Balotra district. Following the announcement, influential businessmen, politicians and land speculators reportedly purchased thousands of bighas of land anticipating a sharp appreciation in prices.

However, when the government initiated land acquisition, many farmers refused to part with their land, with some reportedly demanding as much as Rs 1 crore per bigha.

Faced with mounting resistance, the then Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government shifted the refinery to Pachpadra, where adequate government land was available. The decision triggered intense political opposition.

Then Baytu MLA Colonel Sonaram Choudhary openly revolted against his own government, alleging that the refinery was being shifted to benefit the Jodhpur region by locating the downstream petrochemical complex at Kakani.

"I will sacrifice my life, but I will not allow the refinery to leave this place," he had declared publicly.

The controversy deepened further when then Revenue Minister Hemaram Choudhary resigned, making the refinery one of Rajasthan's most politically debated infrastructure projects.

Political controversies continue to surround the project. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot recently alleged that work on the refinery remained stalled for five years during the previous BJP government in Rajasthan, resulting in a sharp escalation in project costs. The former Chief Minister described the refinery as a landmark project for Rajasthan's development and said it deserved a grand public inauguration.

"I read in the newspapers today that the Prime Minister will hold a meeting inside the refinery complex instead of addressing a large public gathering. This project is a major milestone for Rajasthan, and it deserves a proper public inauguration," he said.

Recalling the project's origins, Gehlot said the refinery became possible after sustained efforts by the then Congress government following the discovery of oil in Barmer.

Claiming credit for the project, he said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi facilitated the formation of the refinery company through coordination between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan government.

Responding to Gehlot's remarks, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Rajendra Gehlot said that during Ashok Gehlot's tenure as Chief Minister, neither refinery site was finalised properly nor was a concrete implementation plan or financial framework prepared.

"The foundation stone was laid in haste merely for political mileage," he alleged.

Rajendra Gehlot further claimed that it was in 2016, under the then BJP government, that the project site was finalised and a structured financial plan was prepared.

He also alleged that between 2018 and 2023, the project witnessed little progress under the previous Congress government. "Instead of advancing the refinery work, the previous (Congress) government remained preoccupied with political concerns," he said.

Meanwhile, HRRL is a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), which holds a 74 per cent stake, and the Government of Rajasthan, which owns the remaining 26 per cent. Although the project's cost increased substantially from its original estimate, the refinery is now regarded as one of India's most technologically advanced refining complexes.

Its Nelson Complexity Index (NCI) enables it to process heavy and lower-grade crude oil from across the world into premium products such as petrol, diesel, polypropylene and other petrochemicals with high efficiency.

While most heavy equipment, including reactors, columns and storage tanks, has been manufactured in India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, sophisticated control systems and high-pressure compressors have been sourced from the United States, Japan and Europe.

Specialists from the Netherlands supervised critical welding and finishing work to ensure global quality standards. Because Rajasthan's crude oil contains a high wax content, engineers built a specially designed heated crude oil pipeline connecting Mundra in Gujarat to Pachpadra, complete with thermal insulation and heating stations to prevent the crude from solidifying during transportation.

Once fully operational, HRRL is expected to redefine Rajasthan's industrial landscape. Beyond refining crude oil, the integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex will produce high-value petrochemical products such as polypropylene and polymers, paving the way for downstream plastic, packaging and chemical industries.

The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract fresh investments, strengthen India's energy security, reduce dependence on imported petrochemicals and position Rajasthan as one of the country's emerging petrochemical hubs.

His body reached the village at around 7:30 a.m., while villagers and supporters had begun gathering from 6:00 a.m. onwards.

The preliminary post-mortem report has revealed that Jagan Gurjar died after severe pressure was applied to his neck and throat, causing a fracture of the hyoid bone. The autopsy, conducted by a six-member medical board, concluded that the neck fracture and strangulation led to his death.

The report also found internal haemorrhage in the middle portion of the neck, along with significant injuries around the trachea (windpipe) and oesophagus (food pipe). According to the initial findings, Gurjar succumbed to asphyxia within approximately three minutes of the assault.

The family of Gurjar had been protesting and demanding justice. Following an agreement between the administration and the family, the post-mortem was conducted in Ajmer on Tuesday. The family then transported the body to Dholpur for the funeral. Under tight security, Jagan Gurjar's younger brother, Pappu Gurjar, was also taken from Ajmer to Dholpur around 1:00 a.m. to attend the last rites.

Jagan Gurjar was murdered inside Ajmer High-Security Jail on June 29. According to his family, Vishnu, an accused in the Kuldeep Jaghina murder case from Bharatpur, strangled Gurjar with his own towel. Both Vishnu and Jagan Gurjar, classified as hardcore prisoners, were lodged in the same barrack at the time of the incident.

The murder is currently under investigation. Meanwhile, the murder of dacoit Jagan Gurjar inside Ajmer’s high-security prison has raised serious questions about the jail administration’s security claims.

The killing of a hardened criminal by a fellow inmate within one of the state’s most secure prisons has exposed significant lapses in the prison’s security system.

A key concern is the cell where the incident took place, as the CCTV camera installed there was found to be non-functional at the time of the attack, raising further doubts about surveillance and security oversight.

--IANS

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Organiser Archana Bairathi said the sessions are meant to draw out the talent hidden in each child and send them into the finale fully self-assured. Child actor Arvik Bairathi attended, along with Jeevan, Vipin and Ankita.

Makeup and beauty expert Meenakshi Solanki walked the children and their parents through the essentials of grooming. Her message was simple: real style isn't about flash, it's about keeping things understated. Skin care, hairstyling and stage looks got special attention so that every child came across as natural and confident for their age.

Teaching the kids how to own the ramp was Shagun Bhardwaj, a top finalist at Elite Miss Rajasthan 2025 and a grooming expert. She broke down the finer points of posing and stage presence. Little feet finding their rhythm on the runway, smiles paired with poses, and a walk full of quiet confidence won everyone over. The dance session covered body movement, expression and timing, and the children threw themselves into it like it was play.

Bairathi added that the kids were also coached to feel at ease in front of the camera. Once they figured out how to hit the right angle and convey feeling through their eyes, much of their camera shyness melted away and their command of the stage grew stronger.

Held under the banner of the Ananya Soch NGO, the show will close with a grand finale on July 3 at the Rangayan auditorium of Jawahar Kala Kendra. There, the young stars will step out to win over the audience with their talent, style and confidence.

Ahead of the sessions, grooming partner DnD Beauty Lounge in Nirman Nagar hosted a special pampering session for children on June 27, offering haircuts, face de-tan and styling.

The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Health Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Government of Rajasthan, addressed the gathering and reiterated the state’s strong commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure and improving cancer outcomes.

“The Government of Rajasthan remains strongly committed to bolstering healthcare infrastructure and delivering better cancer outcomes for our people. Our increased health budget allocation demonstrates this resolve to expand access and improve quality of care across the state. Initiatives like developing state-specific Standard Treatment Guidelines are timely and critical for creating an equitable cancer care ecosystem,” said Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar.

Deliberations during the workshop covered key areas including early detection and screening programs, access to advanced therapies such as immuno-oncology and precision medicine, sustainable financing mechanisms through schemes like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and Mukyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana (MAA Yojana), and the vital role of public-private partnerships in bridging existing gaps.

Experts at the workshop emphasized the need for greater emphasis on public-private partnerships to effectively address existing gaps in cancer care pathways, development of a robust referral mechanism in the state based on the capabilities and infrastructure available in both public and private sectors, and establishment of state-specific Standard Treatment Protocols for cancer care to ensure uniformity and better patient outcomes across all levels of healthcare.

Major General Subhash Pareek (Retd.), Executive Director, BMCHRC, emphasized the need for strong institutional collaboration, stating that building an effective cancer care ecosystem requires a unified, patient-centric approach rooted in clinical excellence and standardized practices.

Dr. Monika Puri, CCO, Roche, underscored the value of adopting global best practices and robust implementation frameworks.

“Bringing the best of innovations in immuno-oncology and precision medicine has limited value if they do not reach the right patient at the right time. We need strong collaboration between government, industry, academia and civil society to focus on early detection, awareness, screening, and standardized treatment protocols across all levels of care. Industry is ready to partner on value-based and outcome-based models to make advanced cancer care more accessible and effective in Rajasthan,” she said. 

Dr. P R Sodhani, Chair of one of the key panel discussions, highlighted the practical way forward: “To strengthen comprehensive cancer care, we must have greater public-private partnerships covering service delivery, infrastructure, human resources, digital systems, and seamless information sharing. When all stakeholders come together, we will successfully achieve our goals of standardized and high-quality treatment for every patient. This collaborative spirit is essential for the roadmap ahead.”

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to develop and implement Rajasthan-specific Standard Treatment Guidelines. A detailed roadmap with clear milestones is expected to be finalized in the coming months. This initiative represents a major step toward creating a more coordinated, equitable, and future-ready cancer care ecosystem in the state.

This was perhaps the first such occasion on the soil of Marwar where such a massive crowd gathered without the labels of caste or religion, engaging in deep brainstorming on meaningful societal issues. The main focus of the conference was centered on three key points: the eradication of unemployment, the abolition of casteism, and environmental conservation.

Historic Moment: 'Jal Samagam' and 'Sarvodaya Kalash' Around 1:00 PM, the most emotional and historic moment of the event, the 'Jal Samagam', was witnessed. Erasing the divides of caste, people from various communities brought water with them. All of this water was poured into a single urn as a symbol of unity and harmony, which was subsequently named the 'Sarvodaya Kalash'.

Industrialist Meghraj Singh Royal's Emphasis on Unemployment, Education, and Environment: Addressing the gathering, prominent industrialist and Chairman of the United Global Peace Foundation, Meghraj Singh Royal, clearly stated that unemployment is currently the biggest problem. He noted that meritorious children of Marwar scoring above 90 percent are left behind due to a lack of resources. The foundation is preparing such children for higher education and administrative services (IAS, IPS), ensuring that capable individuals enter the administration in the future to change the state's landscape.

Highlighting the immense potential for solar energy in Rajasthan, he suggested that unemployed youth should be allotted barren land and integrated into solar power generation. This, he noted, could generate crores in income and millions of jobs. He also described tourism as a massive source of employment. He elaborated on five key points:

1. Solution to Unemployment and the Solar Energy Model: In his keynote address, Royal explained that Marwar possesses limitless wealth in the form of the sun. Presenting a solid economic model, he stated that if just 10% of Rajasthan's barren land is given to the unemployed and farmers, 1 megawatt of electricity can be generated on 4 acres of land, yielding an annual income of ₹50 lakh. This model can provide direct employment to 4.5 million (45 lakh) people in Marwar and generate crores in revenue, with indirect jobs reaching into the millions.

2. Tourism and Revival of Traditional Arts: He shared his journey of putting Jaisalmer on the global tourism map in 1986 alongside Dr. Lalit K. Panwar. He explained how, starting from camel stables, he built a hotel industry that didn't just construct buildings but provided local Manganiyar singers, artisans, and dancers with a global platform and sustainable employment.

3. Scientific and Historical Explanation of Casteism: Launching a scathing attack on casteism, Royal said that in ancient times, 'caste' was identified not by birth but by skill and occupation (such as potter, barber, gardener). It was merely a work style, which was later twisted into the disease of 'casteism' by the British and politicians for their selfish motives. He compared casteism to the salty water of the sea, urging people to abandon it and create sweet water through the technology of hard work.

4. Tsunami of Technology (AI) and Warning of East India Company 2.0: He warned the youth that in the near future, technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) will snatch away jobs on a massive scale. Therefore, it is essential to preserve manual skills and traditional arts. Terming large corporate retail chains as the new "East India Company," he appealed to the public to stop ordering goods from foreign online companies and to support local traders and brethren instead; otherwise, 70% of the coming generations will be left unemployed.

5. Public Policy, Not Politics (Lokneeti, Not Rajneeti): Meghraj Singh Royal clarified that the purpose of this platform is not to form a political party. However, he called upon the public to send educated, capable youth who wear suits and ties and understand technology and the economy to the Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha, rather than uneducated leaders.

Marwar's Cultural Heritage and Brotherhood - Arvind Singh Bhati: Arvind Singh Bhati, Student Union President of Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, stated that today's Mahasammelan is a collective effort to save Marwar's 'Apanayat' (sense of belonging) and love. Citing historical examples, he reminded the audience that Lord Ram ate the half-eaten berries of Mata Shabari, and the supreme societal positions given to Maharishi Valmiki and Mahatma Vidur prove that karma (deeds) is paramount. He recalled Marwar's social fabric, where from birth to death, every auspicious and religious function sees the equal and respectful participation of all castes like Nai (barber), Suthar (carpenter), Manganiyar, etc. Bhati urged the youth to avoid the 'digital cocaine' of social media and have the courage to call out what is right.

Solutions Along with Problems - Mukesh Meghwal: UGPF Manager Mukesh Meghwal, in an emotional address, shared that to prepare this unity platform, he toured the villages and hamlets of Marwar for three months, inviting all 36 communities. He emphasized that Shri Meghraj Singh Royal doesn't just point out society's problems but implements concrete solutions. Hotel management training for 100 youths at Suryagarh with a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, funding marriages for poor daughters, and providing free education for 700 children through the foundation are living examples. From the land of Baba Ramdev, he administered an oath to all attendees to strengthen social unity and brotherhood.

Hard Work is the Real Prestige - Sant Omdas Maharaj: Sant Omdas Maharaj stated that a person's prestige comes not from their money or position, but from their Purusharth (hard work/effort). Praising the selfless service of Shri Meghraj Singh, he remarked that he is 'Royal' not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. The saint honored the sacrifices made by the ancestors of the Meghwal community (such as Raja Ram Meghwal, Manana ji, etc.) for water and society during the historical construction of Pushkar, Pichola, and Mehrangarh. He called upon everyone to tear down the walls of hatred and be threaded together like beads in a single garland.

Example of Great Men and Youthful Energy - Moti Singh Jodha: Youth leader Moti Singh Jodha, in his impassioned address, asserted that untouchability and hierarchy were never part of our original culture. The chief guest at Lord Ram's coronation was Kevat (a boatman). Pabuji Maharaj was accompanied by brave men of the Bhil community, and in Maharana Pratap's army, Bhils, Gadoliya Lohars, and Hakim Khan Sur stood firmly shoulder to shoulder. He urged the crowd to stand with full strength behind platforms and champions of action who strive to advance education, employment, and the entire society together.

Confluence of Heritage, Culture, and Folk Art: The program was formally inaugurated by Umrao Singh Jodha and Raees Ahmed Malik. Impactful screenings of the 'Marwar Documentary' and 'Soch Documentary' took place. Youth leader Lokendra Singh Bhati delivered a speech on the glorious history of Marwar, while Madho Singh engaged in a deep discussion on 'Heritage and Culture'. Following this, Babu Khan Jinawati infused new energy among the attendees with his brilliant 'folk poetry' performance. Representing women's empowerment, Mrs. Asha Meghwanshi explained the critical 'Role of Women in Social Integration'.

Importance of Education: Educationist Prof. Amrika Singh, who has served as Vice-Chancellor of universities in Rajasthan, highlighted the pivotal 'role of education' in the upliftment of society.

Message from Former IAS Lalit K. Panwar and Prof. Shakeel Parvez: During the conference, former IAS and son of Marwar, Lalit K. Panwar, and the CEO and Academic Director of the Marwar Muslim Welfare Educational Society, Prof. Shakeel Parvez, delivered special messages via video conferencing. Both speakers highly praised the three main initiatives raised by the Samajik Ekta Manch and United Global Peace Foundation—eradicating unemployment, abolishing casteism, and conserving the environment—and affirmed that the foundation is doing excellent grassroots work in these directions.

From Integral Humanism to Sarvodaya: People of all religions and communities set an incredible example of unity and harmony by simultaneously pouring water into the urn placed on the stage. The clarion call of this Mahasammelan, rising from the holy land of Baba Ramdev, made it clear that Marwar has now taken a step in a new and positive direction based on employment, education, and brotherhood. Dr. Vikrant Singh Tomar stated that this urn is a symbol of moving from Integral Humanism towards Sarvodaya (Universal Upliftment). The Mahasammelan proved that if the entire society of Marwar unites to focus on education, employment, and the environment, the stigma of unemployment and casteism can be wiped out from Rajasthan forever. This successful Mahasammelan concluded with a vote of thanks by Durjan Singh.

Booklet Attracted Attention: A booklet distributed by the organizers caught everyone's attention. It revealed the truth behind the dominance and glare of solar companies in the region. It detailed two projects outlining a blueprint for unemployment eradication and environmental conservation, leaving everyone highly intrigued.

Organizers Pawan Tank and Kirti Tank shared that the pageant is being organized by India Glam Organization. Over the past five days, grooming sessions were successfully conducted, concluding with this special event. During these sessions, participants received professional training in areas such as ramp walk, personality development, styling, communication skills, diction, and self-confidence by industry experts and professional models from India Glam. They further informed that the grand finale of this prestigious pageant will take place from April 3 to 5 at Anant Mahal, Mansarovar, where talented participants from across the state will showcase their skills. The winners will be awarded three scooters along with numerous other prizes and hampers.

The event was graced by Jagdish Chandra, CMD of First India News, as the Chief Guest. During his one-hour motivational session, he interacted with the top semifinalists, encouraged them, and extended his best wishes. He emphasized that dedication, patience, and consistent hard work are essential for achieving success in today’s competitive world. He advised avoiding shortcuts and following the path of honesty and integrity for long-term success.

He also highlighted the importance of women’s safety, stating that such platforms provide a safe and empowering environment where participants can grow with confidence. He further remarked that the very first season of Blackrock Miss Glam Rajasthan is already creating history with its grand scale, which is a matter of pride for Rajasthan.

The event concluded on a high note, filled with enthusiasm, energy, and growing excitement for the upcoming grand finale.

The inauguration ceremony is expected to witness the presence of distinguished spiritual leaders and public figures, including Shri Rakesh Prabhu Ji of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission and Shri Vishal Baba Ji, Head Priest of Shrinathji Temple. Invitations have also been extended to prominent dignitaries such as Hon’ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

The statue portrays Lord Hanuman in a serene “Seva Bhav” posture, symbolising humility and eternal devotion to Shrinath Ji Bhagwan. Rooted in traditional belief, it is said that Lord Hanuman accompanied Lord Shiva when Shrinath Ji arrived in Nathdwara—an idea that finds artistic expression in this installation, completing a symbolic spiritual continuum.

Positioned atop Giriraj Parvat at an elevation of approximately 500 feet above road level, the statue commands a panoramic presence overlooking the temple town. Its strategic placement opposite the Shrinath Ji Temple enhances its spiritual relevance while offering devotees a holistic pilgrimage experience.

From an engineering standpoint, the project stands as a remarkable achievement. The 131-foot structure, weighing approximately 170 tons, was constructed over three years, from 2023 to March 2026. It incorporates a robust steel framework combined with advanced metallic composition and glass fibre reinforcement, ensuring durability and structural integrity.

The project’s structural design and wind analysis were conducted under the guidance of renowned engineer Shri Sharad Gupta, known for his expertise in large-scale installations. A specialized coating system—developed through international research and sourcing materials from countries such as Thailand—has been applied to withstand extreme weather conditions while preserving the statue’s aesthetic appeal.

The initiative brought together a multidisciplinary team comprising 40 skilled artisans led by Naresh Kumawat, along with over 40 technical experts and workers. One of the most significant logistical challenges was transporting materials to the hilltop site. To address this, a custom track-based transportation system was engineered, demonstrating innovation and precision planning.

This installation is expected to significantly enhance the spiritual and tourism appeal of Nathdwara. By integrating the presence of Shrinath Ji, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman within a single sacred geography, it offers devotees a deeper and more immersive religious experience.

Beyond its religious importance, the project is anticipated to drive economic growth in the region by boosting pilgrimage tourism, generating employment opportunities, and positioning Nathdwara as a global spiritual destination. Drawing comparisons to iconic landmarks such as the Jakhu Temple in Shimla, the Hanuman statue is poised to become a defining symbol of Rajasthan’s cultural identity.

About Naresh Kumawat

Naresh Kumawat is an internationally recognised sculptor with over three decades of experience. His portfolio includes monumental works across India and more than 30 countries. Among his notable achievements is the creation of the Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam), the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shiva, along with contributions to India’s New Parliament Building and the Supreme Court. His works continue to blend spiritual depth with artistic and engineering excellence.

According to the directive issued by the state government, district administrations have been instructed to assess the impact of the unseasonal rainfall on standing crops and agricultural infrastructure. Officials have been asked to carry out field inspections, gather accurate data from affected villages, and prepare a detailed evaluation to help determine appropriate relief measures.

The state government emphasized that the objective of the survey is to ensure that farmers who have suffered crop losses receive timely and adequate assistance. District collectors have been directed to coordinate with agriculture departments and local revenue officials to complete the assessment efficiently and transparently.

In a public statement, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma acknowledged the hardships faced by farmers due to the adverse weather conditions. He stated that farmers are the backbone of Rajasthan’s prosperity and that the government stands firmly with them during this challenging time.

“The prosperity of Rajasthan rests on the strength and hard work of our farmers. The state government is fully sensitive and responsible toward their concerns and stands firmly by their side,” Sharma said in his statement.

The Chief Minister further assured that providing prompt and appropriate assistance to every affected farmer is the government’s top priority. He reiterated that the administration remains committed to supporting farmers and ensuring that relief measures reach them as quickly as possible.

Unseasonal rainfall in several districts has reportedly caused damage to crops ready for harvest as well as those still in the growth stage. Farmers in many regions have expressed concerns over potential financial losses due to waterlogging and crop deterioration.

Agricultural experts note that sudden weather fluctuations during critical crop cycles can have serious consequences for yield and income. For many farmers, even minor weather disturbances during harvesting periods can significantly affect their annual earnings.

The state government’s decision to initiate rapid surveys is aimed at establishing an accurate picture of the situation on the ground. The collected data will likely be used to determine compensation packages, relief distribution, and potential policy responses to support the affected agricultural communities.

Officials have also been instructed to ensure that the survey process remains transparent and inclusive, taking into account the concerns raised by farmers at the village level. The administration is expected to work closely with local authorities to ensure that no affected farmer is left out during the evaluation process.

Meanwhile, farmers’ organizations across the state have welcomed the government’s move to conduct an immediate assessment. They have urged authorities to complete the surveys swiftly and provide compensation to farmers whose livelihoods have been impacted.

As Rajasthan continues to experience unpredictable weather patterns, the government’s focus remains on safeguarding the interests of farmers and strengthening mechanisms for disaster response in the agricultural sector.

The state administration is expected to review the survey reports soon after submission and announce necessary relief measures based on the extent of the damage identified in various districts.