Chandigarh, July 2 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal today attended a Raahgiri programme organized in Karnal. On this occasion, the Chief Minister encouraged the artists, players, and youth participating in various activities in the programme.  With several mesmerising activities, the Raahgiri programme left an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of those who attended the programme. During this, apart from the fun of cultural programmes and different sports activities, The Great Khali was the centre of attraction.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the Raahgiri programme of Karnal has earlier also bagged first place in the entire state and now today the restarting of this Raahgiri programme in Karnal is a praiseworthy effort. Along with the organizers, the audience also has an important role to make such an event a big success, said the Chief Minister.

He said that under the Haryana Uday programme, the state government has given priority to Raahgiri Marathon. By organising such programmes, not only does a person get physical health benefits, but his aura also becomes positive.

After the COVID-19 Pandemic, the state government has decided to restart cultural programmes like Raahgiri after many years, under which several programmes have been organised in Gurugram and Panipat. To inspire the youth, a historic marathon was organised in Sirsa, and Pinkathon was organised in Panipat, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to make Raahgiri programme a part of their lives and remain associated with it regularly. He also asked the organisers of Raahgiri that they must organize a Raahgiri programme in a week or in 15 days. Raahgiri programme is a social event and rising above politics such programmes should be organised on regular intervals as such events increase the feeling of brotherhood among people, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister said that the theme of the Raahgiri programme is following road safety rules. He said that following the road safety rules not only prevents accidents but the lives of people are also safe. He said that a driving training and research centre has been opened by the Honda company in Karnal, where knowledge about road safety rules and driving training must be taken. Along with the government, the general public and organizations will have to come forward to create awareness about road safety.  He also urged the general public to strictly follow the traffic rules.

He said that awareness about Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, environment protection, water conservation, and drug addiction is being disseminated through Raahgiri programmes.

During the programme, the Chief Minister also planted saplings and gave the message of environment protection to the general public. He said that the monsoon season has started. Such a season is suitable for planting and every person must plant a tree and inspire others to plant trees.

Gatka a game of bravery, courage, and intelligence, CM

Sh. Manohar Lal also met the Gatka team in the Raahgiri programme and saw their spectacular performances. He said that Gatka is a game of bravery, courage, and intelligence. It is played with passion. Along with strength, intelligence has to be used in this game.

Do yoga to stay healthy

The Chief Minister participated in the Yoga organised by Patanjali Yog Samiti and Mera Mission-Mera Bharat in Raahgiri programme and said that all the citizens should do Yoga and stay healthy. Make yoga a part of your daily routine and keep your life healthy and happy, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Chief Minister tried his hand in Judo-Karate, defeated his opponent

During the event, the Chief Minister tried his hands in the Judo-Karate competition in the Raahgiri programme and defeated his opponent. He said that sports competition is a game of intelligence. That's why all the young players should train well and bring laurels to their state and country by winning medals in the competition. Commonwealth Championship gold medalist (Shooting) player Anish Bhanwala and London Olympics boxing player Sumit Sangwan also attended the programme. During this, the Chief Minister congratulated world champion Neeraj Chopra for winning the gold medal.