Chandigarh– Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the Raahgiri program promotes the spirit of love and brotherhood among the people as well as provides a platform to the children to showcase their talent through various activities. He praised the initiative, highlighting that such programs promote physical health and rejuvenate individuals, thereby accelerating overall development.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing thousands of children, youth, sportspersons and dignitaries, as the chief guest in the Raahgiri program organized in Panchkula today.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Raahgiri program by cycling in the rally organized by the District Sports Department. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, and Mayor Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal rode bicycles to the program's main gate, where they were welcomed by artists performing traditional drums and Been. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Yash Garg, Deputy Commissioner of Police Himadri Kaushik, and Special Officer Community Policing and Outreach Sh. Pankaj Nain were also present on this occasion.
Addressing the large gathering at the Raahgiri program in Panchkula, the Chief Minister praised it as a commendable initiative. He highlighted the significant participation of children, citizens, and dignitaries, emphasizing how Raahgiri fosters a sense of camaraderie and promotes a healthy lifestyle. The Chief Minister underscored the importance of such events in today's fast-paced life, noting that Raahgiri programs are organized across districts on Sundays, attracting enthusiastic participation from all segments of society. He also commended the women self-help groups for showcasing their products at stalls during the event, which he found inspiring.
While praising the theme of the Raahgiri program, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi had started the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5. The Haryana Government while taking this campaign forward in the state has so far planted 50 lakh saplings . A target of planting 1.50 crore saplings has been set during the rainy season, he said. The Chief Minister urged everyone especially the children, to plant at least one sapling on birthdays, any festive family occasion and the birth anniversary of great personalities. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining these saplings.
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana Government has appointed Van Mitras in the state. The Van Mitra is given Rs 20 as incentive by the government for planting a sapling and its subsequent protection. Likewise to safeguard saplings planted by NGOs, religious and social organizations, or individuals, Van Mitra receives an incentive of Rs 10 per tree.
Chief Minister congratulated players Manu Bhakar and Sarabjot Singh
The Chief Minister also extended congratulations to all the athletes who displayed their talent through various sports activities at the Raahgiri program. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed pride in Haryana's achievements, highlighting Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh's medals in shooting competitions at the Paris Olympic Games, both of whom have brought honor to the state both nationally and internationally.
At the Raahgiri program, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also recognized two exceptional sports personalities from Panchkula, boosting their morale. Jatin Bishnoi, the gold medalist of the Taekwondo Para World Championship 2023, and Aranya Thakur, the silver medalist in the Taekwondo World Championship 2022, were both congratulated by the Chief Minister for their achievements. He expressed hope that they would continue to excel in their future endeavors.Thereafter, the Chief Minister reached the yoga camp organized under the joint aegis of Haryana Yog Ayog and Patanjali Yog Samiti, Panchkula and encouraged the yoga practitioners. He said that yoga not only keeps the body healthy but also increases immunity and infuses new energy into the body. The Chief Minister also planted a sapling in the park adjacent to the venue.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited the stalls set up by various departments at the Raahgiri event. He displayed keen interest in the products crafted by the women self-help groups and gathered information about their offerings. Stalls featuring the Road Safety Campaign, Traffic Rules by Police, CPR by Red Cross, and Nirogi Haryana by the Health Department were also present at the event. Additionally, detailed information was provided about the emergency response activities conducted by NDRF.
During the performance of Saurabh Atri, an emerging folk artist, the people danced enthusiastically on Haryanvi Songs. His energetic rendition of the Haryanvi song 'Deshan Ma Desh Haryana, Jit Doodh Dahi Ka Khana' infused the audience with enthusiasm. Saurabh also welcomed the Chief Minister to the stage with his song 'Haryana Mai Nayab Ji Ki Aavegi Doosri Baari', earning praise from both leaders and the audience alike.
During the Raahgiri, the Chief Minister encouraged the players by reaching among them in boxing, football, fencing, hockey, gatka, thangta, basketball, volleyball, judo, wrestling, kabaddi, taekwondo, wushu, horse riding and other sports activities. The players also looked excited to have the Chief Minister among them. He also got photographs taken with the Chief Minister to make these moments memorable.