Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday appealed for public cooperation on issues of social concern like drugs, TB eradication, natural agriculture, among others. “These subjects are related to public concern in which every person needs to cooperate,” said the Governor while speaking at length over the issues of drug de-addiction, Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, natural farming, and millet cultivation on the sidelines of a special screening of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program’s 100th edition at Raj Bhavan.
The special screening program was organized through the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati, and the Governor was present as the chief guest. Padma Shri awardees Vidyanand Saraik and Nek Ram Sharma, winners of various awards at the national level and persons from the State who were mentioned by the Prime Minister in the program 'Mann Ki Baat' in different episodes were also present on the occasion.
‘Mann Ki Baat’ was a program of social dialogue with an objective to create such a social asset, which could result in a positive change in the society, said the Governor adding that the program aims to project the people with inspirational work in the society as social heroes so that others get inspired by them. He said that there were several topics in 'Mann Ki Baat' which were directly related to public concerns.
The Governor also mentioned the talent of the persons related to the State, who were mentioned by the Prime Minister in his program. “While they have become an inspiration for the countrymen, it is also a matter of pride for the State,” he said.
These include Solan-based ‘Manav Bharti’ Sanstha and its associates including Urmila Baldi, Sanjana and Vipul Goyal; teacher Ashish Behl hailed from Bhatiyat assembly constituency of Chamba; primary teacher Ram Kumar Joshi from Bhatoli village of Una district; and Jagdish Chand from Hamirpur etc.
On the occasion, a 'Discussion Session' was also organized in which Deputy Inspector General of Police (Crime) DK Chaudhary and Dr Nidhi, a drug addiction specialist from Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, gave a presentation on drug abuse.