Drug-Free and Healthy Chhattisgarh Will Lay the Foundation for a Developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a drug-free awareness march organised from Devendra Nagar Chowk to Lal Chowk in Raipur on Wednesday. Accompanied by a large number of school students, youth, women, public representatives, and citizens, Chief Minister Shri Sai marched alongside a large number of school students, youth, women, public representatives and citizens, conveying the message of building an addiction-free and healthy society. At the conclusion of the march, Chief Minister Shri Sai paid tribute to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, by garlanding his statue at Lal Chowk.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that a drug-free and healthy Chhattisgarh will form the strong foundation of a developed Chhattisgarh. Addiction does not affect only an individual; its adverse effects extend to the entire family and society. Protecting youth from addiction, in particular, is our collective responsibility. He appealed to the people of the state to stay away from intoxicants and inspire those around them to adopt an addiction-free lifestyle.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that youth are the greatest strength of any state. If young people are healthy, educated and skilled, and channel their energy into positive activities, the state will progress rapidly. The State Government is expanding opportunities for youth in education, skill development, employment, self-employment, sports and entrepreneurship. He said the government's endeavour is to ensure that every young person in Chhattisgarh uses their talent and capabilities to contribute to the progress of their family, society and the state.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, Drug-Free Awareness March Week is being organised from September 25, the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, to October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Mahatma Gandhi gave the message of self-restraint, cleanliness, and healthy living. In this context, the de-addiction campaign is also a powerful way to take his ideas to the people.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has accorded the highest priority to service throughout his public life. Various public service activities are being organised across the country under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to mark the completion of 25 years of his journey in public governance, which began on October 7, 2001, when he assumed office as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. The campaign seeks to ensure widespread public participation in activities related to cleanliness, environmental conservation, health, social awareness, and public service.

He said that as part of the same campaign, the ‘Aashirwad Ka Diya’ programme was organised across the state with prayers for Prime Minister Shri Modi’s good health and long life. Various programmes are also being organised to connect youth with the spirit of service and nation-building. Bike riders who set out from Vadnagar in Gujarat were welcomed on their arrival in Raipur. Youth from Bastar also participated enthusiastically in this journey.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said Bastar remained affected by Naxalism for a long time, which slowed development in the region. Today, alongside peace and development, the government is working rapidly to expand opportunities in education, healthcare, roads, communication, and employment in the region. He said connecting youth to the mainstream of development is a government priority.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said the New Industrial Policy is encouraging investment to create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the state. Investments in modern and emerging sectors, including semiconductors and data centres, will open new avenues for employment and skill development for the state's youth. He said that the government's goal is to build a generation of young people who stay away from addiction and contribute to building a developed Chhattisgarh through their capabilities, hard work and innovation.

Chief Minister Shri Sai appreciated MLA Shri Purandar Mishra for organising awareness marches for the past 27 years on social issues such as de-addiction, tree plantation and cleanliness. He said that social transformation does not come through government efforts alone, but through public participation. Only when an initiative becomes a people’s campaign does it produce lasting, widespread results.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said it is satisfying that, inspired by these awareness marches, thousands of people have so far pledged to remain free from addiction. He expressed confidence that Drug-Free Awareness March Week will also become a medium for positive change in many people's lives and, in particular, inspire youth towards a healthy and purposeful life.

Chief Minister Shri Sai called upon the students and youth present to spread the message of de-addiction among their families, friends and society. He said that a healthy youth, a healthy family and an aware society together will build a healthy, strong and developed Chhattisgarh.

Rajya Sabha MP Smt Laxmi Verma, MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, State Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Shri Sanjay Shrivastava, State Kesh Shilpi Welfare Board Chairman Shri Gaurishankar Shrivas, Film Development Corporation Chairperson Smt Mona Sen, State Minorities Commission Chairman Shri Amarjeet Chhabra, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Smt Mamta Sahu, along with a large number of public representatives, distinguished citizens, students, youth, women and members of the public were present on the occasion.