Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said that Panchkula, situated in the foothills of Shivalik, has become the identity of culture and sports. Now, it is also set to symbolize a drug-free Haryana, he said while speaking at a Raahgiri programme in the city wherein thousands of people participated and administered a pledge against drug addiction and embraced the patriotic theme of 'Rang De Basanti'.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic presence of women, school children, and enlightened individuals, who collectively took pledge to abstain from plastic usage, promote environmental protection, save and educate daughters. Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, and several other dignitaries were also present.
Kicking off the programme with a cycling event, the Chief Minister said that the programme will now be a regular occurrence. He highlighted the ongoing Raahgiri events happening in different cities across the state.
Underlining the significance of initiatives like Raahgiri in terms of stress relief and health enhancement, he underscored that maintaining a healthy mind is essential for overall well-being. Moreover, he revealed the forthcoming plans for the Cyclothon programme, set to begin in Karnal on September 1 and spanning a duration of 25 days. This program will cover the entire state, culminating in Yamunanagar.
The Raahgiri programme of this year embraced the theme ‘Rang De Basanti’, with the intention of nurturing patriotism within the younger generation. Students from Panchkula enthusiastically paraded the national tricolor during the event, infusing it with even more vitality.
The Chief Minister himself wholeheartedly embraced the theme, gracing the stage with a rendition of the song ‘Rang De Basanti’, wherein he interpreted its essence as a clarion call to fulfill one’s responsibilities towards the nation. He spurred on the students to commit to a path of progress, propelled by the unwavering principle of achieving excellence through their pursuits.
The event featured 37 stalls focused on patriotism and health benefits, including exhibitions by numerous women self-help groups. The Chief Minister visited a stall showcasing reusable bags, imparting the message of reducing plastic usage. He highlighted the presence of over 55 thousand self-help groups in the state, emphasizing their contribution to self-reliance through products and the government's provision of timely loans.
Commending India's feat of successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon, the Chief Minister attributed this accomplishment to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the substantial contributions made by the scientists of our country.