CM says collective participation crucial for ‘Drug-Free Youth, Developed India’; lauds Chhattisgarh’s Mahima Rajput for contribution to space science
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 30, 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has emerged as a powerful platform for bringing grassroots innovations, inspiring initiatives and the achievements of individuals working for society to national attention.
Sai listened to the 137th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at Niranjan Dharamshala in Raipur. He said the programme was more than a radio broadcast, describing it as a platform through which the Prime Minister connects with citizens across the country and highlights people whose work often remains away from the limelight.
The Chief Minister said ‘Mann Ki Baat’, broadcast on the last Sunday of every month, encourages people engaged in social service, environmental conservation, cleanliness and innovation to continue their efforts. Recognition at the national level, he added, inspires others to undertake similar initiatives and strengthens the spirit of public participation.
Collective effort needed for drug-free youth
Referring to the Prime Minister’s message on the goal of a ‘Drug-Free Youth, Developed India’, Sai said the country’s youth were its greatest strength and protecting them from substance abuse was a collective responsibility.
He said drug abuse affects not only individuals but also their families and society as a whole. Families, communities and institutions must therefore work together to encourage young people to adopt healthy and positive lifestyles, he added.
‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ reflects national pride
Sai said the enthusiasm generated by the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign reflected citizens’ deep emotional connection with the national flag.
He noted that more than eight crore people had uploaded selfies with the Tricolour as part of the campaign. Describing the participation as more than a statistic, he said it demonstrated respect for the national flag and strengthened the spirit of national unity and civic responsibility.
PM SVANidhi boosting women’s economic empowerment
The Chief Minister also highlighted the discussion on women’s economic empowerment through the PM SVANidhi scheme.
He said women account for around 46 per cent of the scheme’s beneficiaries, with nearly 35 lakh women across the country using the initiative to strengthen their street-vending and small businesses.
An economically empowered woman, Sai said, contributes not only to her family’s financial stability but also to the broader development of society and the nation.
Cleanliness must become a people’s movement
Sai said the Prime Minister’s emphasis on cleanliness highlighted the need to transform sanitation from a government campaign into a sustained public habit and responsibility.
He urged citizens to take responsibility for cleanliness in their homes, neighbourhoods, villages and cities, saying collective efforts could improve both the quality of life and the identity of communities.
Chhattisgarh’s Mahima Rajput highlighted
The Chief Minister expressed pride over the mention of Chhattisgarh’s Mahima Rajput in the programme in connection with initiatives encouraging girls to explore satellite technology and space science.
He said Indian daughters were increasingly making their mark in science, technology, education, sports and other fields. Initiatives such as ‘Mission Shakti Sat’, he said, provide female students from India and abroad opportunities to learn about satellite technology and innovation.
Sai congratulated Mahima Rajput and wished her success, saying her achievement would inspire other girls in Chhattisgarh to pursue ambitious goals in science and technology.
Chhattisgarh’s achievements featured on national platform
Sai said Chhattisgarh had been highlighted on several occasions in different episodes of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, including references to the Bastar Olympics, ancient copper plates discovered at Malhar and blackbuck conservation efforts.
He said such recognition had helped showcase the state’s culture, heritage, innovations and development initiatives before the country while boosting the morale of people working for positive change.
According to Sai, one of the programme’s most significant strengths is its ability to connect inspiring initiatives from different parts of India and encourage citizens to contribute to cleanliness, self-reliance, innovation, social service and nation-building.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Rajya Sabha MP Lakshmi Verma, Revenue Minister Tankram Verma, MLAs Motilal Sahu and Purandar Mishra, saints, chairpersons of various corporations and boards, public representatives and a large number of citizens were present on the occasion.
