Raahgiri programme: Haryana CM flags off cycle rally, fetes sportspersons

Kurukshetra, July 21

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today said events like ‘Raahgiri’ could play a crucial role in strengthening the bond and unity in society and that such events should be held every Sunday.

The CM was addressing a gathering during the Raahgiri programme at Arjun Chowk near Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra.

The Chief Minister flagged off a cycle rally, rode a cycle, played chess and interacted with budding players during the programme. He participated in the games so that he could motivate youngsters to take up sports and stay away from drugs.

Saini also planted a sapling under ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ at the Brahma Sarovar campaign being run by the Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department. As many as 5,100 students of government and private schools in Kurukshetra planted one sapling each at Brahma Sarovar on the occasion.

He said, “Events like ‘Raahgiri’ bring people on one platform and it develops a sense of unity and harmony among the people. The students displayed their skills in various sports and cultural activities. It was good to see children participating enthusiastically and this will motivate other children too, to come forward and take part in various events. We should keep organising events like ‘Raahgiri’ regularly. The Raahgiri programme helps in spreading the message of staying away from drugs.”

Expressing concerns over rising pollution, Saini said, “Tree plantation is the only medium to bring the temperature down and save environment. We should pledge to plant more saplings, take care of them until they become trees, keep the environment clean.Children should grow at least one plant. The government has been playing its part by planting saplings and protecting these through the Van Mitras. During the monsoon season, 1.5 crore saplings will be planted. The government will give Rs 20 per tree to the Van Mitra for planting the sapling and its protection.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister visited stalls set up by various departments, self-help groups and institutions on the occasion.

The Chief Minister also honoured hockey Olympian Surinder Kumar, International hockey player Manpreet Singh, international shooter Nancy, cyclist Himanshi and wrestler Mandeep on the occasion.

The CM distributed tricycles and other equipment to Divyang persons and enquired about the facilities being provided to them under the government’s schemes.

On the action being taken by the enforcement directorate against Sonepat Congress MLA, the CM said, “The matter is related to the ED. If there is anything wrong, the agency will take action. We never intervene in their work.”

Minister of State for Urban Local Bodies and Thanesar MLA Subhash Sudha, BJP district chief Ravi Battan, DIG Pankaj Nain, Divisional Commissioner Geeta Bharti, Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma, ADC Vaishali Sharma, Vice-Chancellor Kurukshetra University Professor Som Nath Sachdeva and several officials were also present.