Chandigarh- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the need to strengthen bonds of unity and brotherhood in today’s rapidly changing and modern era. He stressed the importance of events like ‘Raahgiri’ in fostering such relationships. He suggested that Raahgiri should be organized every Sunday to provide a golden opportunity to connect with traditional games and ‘Swadesi’ products.
On Sunday, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini addressed mass gathering of people at the Raahgiri event organized by Kurukshetra District Administration at Arjun Chowk on the banks of Brahma Sarovar.
Before this, Chief Minister and Haryana’s Minister of State for Urban Local Bodies, Sh. Subhash Sudha flagged off a cycle rally organized by the district sports department from Arjun Chowk.
Following the cycle rally, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, OSD and DIG, Sh. Pankaj Nain, Vice-Chancellor Professor Somnath Sachdeva, besides other dignitaries cycled to the exhibition site. Here, the Chief Minister participated in Raksha Bandhan celebrations and visited stalls set up by various departments and self-help groups.
The Chief Minister closely observed the organic fertilizer stall by a progressive farmer. Representatives from the education department, higher education department, sports department, social and religious institutions, police department, and other departments, as well as thousands of employees, students, and citizens of the city, enjoyed Raahgiri and the excellent cultural programs that changed the atmosphere at Brahma Sarovar.
After planting a tree under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign at Brahma Sarovar, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini spoke to the press, emphasizing that Raahgiri is a community event that showcases unity in diversity. Self-help group women showcased their products, offering them a better platform. The young generation’s participation in cycling, tug-of-war, football, yoga, and skating reflects their commitment to shining the country’s and state’s name and staying away from drug menace. The NCC youths’ performances were captivating, and the yoga demonstrations highlighted the importance of staying healthy.
He urged everyone to actively participate in tree planting activities to purify the environment. He encouraged planting trees on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant days, with a commitment to care for them for at least three years. The government has appointed around 50, 000 ‘Van Mitras’ to take care of and plant trees, receiving Rs. 20 per tree planted and Rs. 10 per tree for maintaining the planted sapling. NGOs and social and religious institutions should also organize more tree planting programs.
Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini initiated the tree planting program by planting a Peepal tree on the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar, dedicating it to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign initiative by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi.
He mentioned that 5100 trees were planted during Raahgiri to support this campaign. Additionally, saplings were distributed to the public to encourage planting around their homes. Addressing issues like air pollution and rising temperatures due to deforestation requires extensive tree planting and care. During the Van Mahotsav, it was resolved to plant over 1.5 crore trees this monsoon season with the help of the public and various organizations.
At the end of the program, OSD and DIG, Sh. Pankaj Nain and Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Shantanu Sharma presented a memento to the Chief Minister. Other notable attendees included Ambala Division Commissioner, Smt. Geeta Bharti, ADC, Dr. Vaishali Sharma, District Council Chairman Kanwaljit Kaur, Vice-Chairman DP Chaudhary, KDB Honorary Secretary Upendra Singhal besides other dignitaries.
Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha honored international athletes Sh. Surender Kumar Palad (Olympian hockey player), Manpreet Singh (international hockey player), Nancy (international shooter), Himanshi Singh (international cyclist), and Mandeep (international wrestler) with mementos on behalf of the state government.
Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited the stalls set up by the District Rural Livelihood Mission, where sisters tied rakhi to him. During Raahgiri, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited various stalls set up by self-help group women, inspecting their products. He also tasted the food products made by these groups.
A special stall was set up by the Municipal Council Thanesar to promote cleanliness, featuring a special poster for a signature campaign. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini signed this poster, encouraging people to make Kurukshetra clean.
Cultural programs made Raahgiri memorable. The cultural program by Harvinder Rana, organized by Kurukshetra University and Haryana Kala Parishad, captivated the audience. The patriotic songs by DAV School Sector-3 teacher Vikas Ralhan and his team made thousands of spectators sway. Rajasthani dance by students of Geeta Kanya School, solo dance by Arya Senior Secondary School student, Haryanvi dance by Government Girls Secondary School, and other excellent performances by students of Bhagwan Parshuram College and Government Girls College Palwal were highly appreciated.
Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini distributed tricycles and other equipment to the differently-abled on behalf of the Red Cross Society. He shared his thoughts with the differently-abled and discussed the benefits they are receiving from government schemes.
Through the special efforts of Vice-Chancellor Professor Somnath Sachdeva, a special stall was set up by Kurukshetra University’s Fine Arts Department and Haryana Kala Parishad at the Raahgiri event. Artists created a stunning painting of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh on the spot, which left him amazed. Vice-Chancellor Professor Somnath Sachdeva and Registrar Dr. Sanjeev Sharma presented this painting to the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini showcased his skills in boxing, played a game of chess, and other games during Raahgiri. He also played handball with girls. The Chief Minister spent about 40 minutes with players. During this time, international hockey player Olympian Surender Kumar Palad, international player Manpreet, Manish Rana, and dozens of athletes discussed the installation of astroturf at Dronacharya Stadium.