Dehradun, August 30 (H.S.): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday listened to the 137th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme at Kunwa Wala. Following the programme, Dhami said ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has emerged as an effective platform to inspire citizens to actively participate in nation-building while giving national recognition to people and innovative initiatives bringing positive change to society.

The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister, during the programme, called upon the youth to stay away from drugs and make the resolve of ‘Drug-Free Youth, Developed India’ a mass movement. He said a drug-free youth population would form a strong foundation for an empowered and developed India. The Prime Minister’s appeal would help increase awareness among young people against drug abuse and give new energy to a healthy, positive and nation-building-oriented youth force, he added.

Dhami said the Prime Minister also highlighted innovative efforts to take India’s glorious history and heritage to the younger generation in a simple and engaging manner. Such initiatives help connect young people with the country’s rich history while strengthening their sense of pride in India’s culture, heritage and national identity, he said.

He said through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister has been giving national recognition to extraordinary work, innovations and public participation initiatives undertaken by ordinary citizens in different parts of the country. This, he added, inspires others to bring positive change in their respective fields and contribute to nation-building.

The Chief Minister urged the people of Uttarakhand, particularly the youth, to incorporate the Prime Minister’s messages into their lives and actively contribute to building a drug-free, healthy, empowered and developed India.

Rajya Sabha MP and BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt, Cabinet ministers Satpal Maharaj, Ganesh Joshi, Dr Dhan Singh Rawat and Madan Kaushik, and MLA Bharat Chaudhary were among those present on the occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar