Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday flagged off a marathon here to mark the 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” radio broadcast.
The marathon, organised by the Hindustan Scouts and Guides, the Dogra Kranti Dal, and Kashmir Road Safety Foundation, was one of 100 marathons scheduled throughout the day across the Union Territory to celebrate the monthly broadcast.
“The 100 marathons across the Union Territory will also raise awareness and strengthen action and cooperation against drug abuse and trafficking,” Sinha told the gathering before flagging off the marathon at the Balidan Stambh (War Memorial) here, an official press release informed.
It said the LG expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inspiring the youth of the country through Mann Ki Baat to overcome challenges and set the ambitious goal in life. “The Prime Minister has brought together youth from different backgrounds with a single dream of nation-building,” he added.
“India’s greatest strength is its unity in diversity. Through the Mann Ki Baat programme Hon’ble Prime Minister has inspired the people to take pride in their heritage and acknowledged the remarkable contribution of scientists, teachers, litterateurs, and artists in raising India’s stature in the world,” said the LG.
Addressing the youth on the occasion, the LG said that people from different walks of life have joined the fight against the drug menace.
He also expressed confidence that collective efforts will eliminate narco-terrorism unleashed by “the neighbouring country” in the Union Territory.
The LG also hosted a special programme to celebrate the programme at the Raj Bhawan here, terming it a “historic moment” as hundreds of eminent personalities came together to listen to Modi’s “wisdom and vision that is guiding India’s developmental journey”.
“Today, the youngsters of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against drug abuse. I am confident that our collective efforts will eliminate the narco-terrorism unleashed by the neighbouring country and lead the way for realising the goals of building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir,” Sinha said, referring to Pakistan.
He said the prime minister has inspired the country’s youth through “Mann ki Baat” to overcome challenges and set an ambitious goals in life.
“He has brought together youths from different backgrounds with the single dream of nation-building. India’s greatest strength is its unity in diversity,” the LG said.
The LG said the PM, through Mann Ki Baat, has established “an effective and two-way communication with the citizens and made the radio an integral part of every family.
“‘Mann ki Baat’ is not only a powerful radio programme but also a source of inspiration to realise the dreams of the society. Dialogue is the soul of democracy. The direct communication between a statesman and citizens ensures that the foundation of democracy is strong, participation of citizens in governance is ensured and their voice is at the centre of policies,” he said.
“Mann Ki Baat is the true reflection of the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’. It has empowered the common man to become a key contributor in nation-building,” he added.
The LG also inaugurated a Photo Exhibition to commemorate the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
