CHIEF Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joined youth, public representatives and citizens at Daya Bhawan in Fafadih, Raipur, on Sunday to listen to the 136th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modiís monthly radio programme ëMann Ki Baatí. Speaking after the broadcast, the Chief Minister said Mann Ki Baat has become a powerful platform for connecting with people and recognising inspiring initiatives, innovations and individuals contributing to nation-building. He said the repeated mention of Chhattisgarh’s achievements, cultural heritage and innovations in recent episodes is a matter of pride for every citizen of the state. He noted that the Prime Minister had earlier highlighted Malhar’s archaeological heritage, the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, while in the latest episode he appreciated Korba’s outstanding work under the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, bringing national recognition to the state’s innovation and community-driven development model. Referring to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Sai said the Catch the Rain campaign promotes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies and tree plantation. He noted that Korba is adopting scientific measures such as geospatial mapping, shallowaquifer management, recharge wells, and other modern techniques to improve groundwater levels and ensure longterm water security. He said conserving every drop of rain is essential for human life, agriculture and environmental sustainability.

 

The Chief Minister said the State Government is continuously promoting water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of ponds and traditional water sources, and large-scale tree sapling plantation. He emphasised that these initiatives should evolve into a mass movement with active public participation rather than remain limited to government programmes. He also appealed to citizens to actively participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Paying tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil War, Shri Sai said the Prime Minister began the programme by saluting the brave soldiers on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He said the day symbolises the courage, determination and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, and the heroism of the martyrs will continue to inspire generations in the service of the nation. The Chief Minister said the Prime Minister also called upon citizens to enthusiastically participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of Independence Day. He appealed to the people of Chhattisgarh to proudly hoist the National Flag at their homes and establishments. Highlighting the Prime Minister’s ‘Vocal for Local’ message, Sai said that Chhattisgarh’s tribal handicrafts, kosa silk, handloom products, bell metal crafts, bamboo handicrafts, terracotta, and forest produce possess immense potential. Referring to the Prime Minister’s appeal, he also urged people to adopt eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols during the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, saying the initiative supports local artisans while protecting the environment and water bodies.

 

Chief Minister Sai further said the Prime Minister appreciated the achievements of Indian youth in sports, science, space and innovation, including the successful launch of a privately developed rocket, outstanding performances at international science olympiads and achievements in sports. He said the youth of India are bringing global recognition to the country, and the Chhattisgarh Government remains committed to providing quality education, skill development, sports infrastructure, and opportunities for innovation to enable young people to contribute to the vision of a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh. MLA Purandar Mishra, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Vishva Vijay Singh Tomar, ViceChairman of the Chhattisgarh Rajya Gau Seva Aayog Rajiv Lochan Maharaj, along with a large number of youth, public representatives, citizens and dignitaries, were present on the occasion