*Haryana Chief Minister: Marathon Aims to Foster Fitness, Unity, and Brotherhood*
*Fit India Initiative Transforms into a Nationwide Movement*
*Haryana Government Plans Major Public Awareness Programs, Says Chief Minister*
Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana youth have distinguished themselves both nationally and internationally through their talent and skills. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi frequently commends the power of youth. A healthy body is fundamental to a fulfilling life, and it has been said that the first happiness lies in good health. Only healthy individuals can foster a healthy society, and a robust society is the cornerstone of a country's and a state's development and progress.
The Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed this while addressing gathering before flagging off a marathon at the grounds of Sector 13-17 in the historic city of Panipat on Sunday. He said that the marathon aims to raise awareness about fitness while promoting love and brotherhood among citizens. During the event, the Chief Minister honored the winners and administered an oath to the youth to stay away from drugs. He congratulated all participants in the 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races, saying that involvement in such events sends a positive message to society and inspires all, especially children and young people.
To further the Prime Minister's Fit India Mission, the state has consistently promoted marathons, sports, yoga, and Raahgiri initiatives in Haryana. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the administration and participating organizations for the event's success. He also joined marathon runners in an open vehicle and visited various stalls set up by local institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that the program would achieve its objectives, praising the enthusiasm shown by participants, including a significant number of school and college students, young athletes, police personnel, and even senior citizens over the age of 60, who actively participated in the marathon.
He highlighted the remarkable turnout and enthusiasm from the citizens of Panipat, stating that the event was a celebration of joy, excitement, and unity. The Chief Minister acknowledged the achievements of Haryana’s athletes across various sectors, including manufacturing in Manesar, startups in Gurugram, and the sports arena.
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s Fit India initiative launched on August 29, 2019, the Chief Minister underscored its goal of making fitness a fundamental aspect of daily life. He said that the Prime Minister's promotion of yoga, recognized worldwide, has greatly contributed to fitness awareness, especially with June 21 being designated as International Yoga Day since 2015.
The Chief Minister encouraged attendees to inspire their families and neighbors to embrace fitness, affirming the government’s commitment to prioritizing public health. He mentioned plans to establish open-air gymnasiums in every block as part of their Sankalp Patra initiative.
He said that the enthusiasm generated by the marathon has transformed the Fit India initiative into a mass movement. The growing participation in parks, sports stadiums, and open spaces across cities such as Panipat, Gurugram, and Faridabad is evidence of this trend, aligning Haryana with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai in hosting annual fitness events.
The marathon was part of the Haryana Uday program, launched in June 2023, aimed at fostering public welfare through community engagement. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the outreach success of Haryana Uday, pledging to organize more events in the future, including initiatives focused on cooperation between police and the public, Raahgiri, Cyclothons, sports competitions in crime-affected areas, and de-addiction campaigns.
On this occasion Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that such events inspire youth to seek new directions and foster interest in sports. He commended the entire administration and all social and religious organizations involved for their efforts in making the event a success.
During the program, School Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that this is an awareness campaign. He emphasized that the event, held on the historic land of Panipat, successfully made the general public 100 percent aware of the issues at hand.
On this occasion, Panipat MLA, Sh. Pramod Vij, Samalkha MLA, Sh. Manmohan Bhadana, Chief Minister's Special Officer (Community Policing and Outreach), Sh. Pankaj Nain, Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Virender Kumar Dahiya, and representatives from various social and religious organizations were also present.
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*Chief Minister Seeks Blessings from Saints for Haryana’s Development*
*CM Participates as Chief Guest at Annual Festival of Acharyakulam, Patanjali Yogpeeth*
Chandigarh, October 27- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini sought blessings from saints for Haryana’s development while addressing the 12th Annual Festival of Acharyakulam at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar as the Chief Guest.
The Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini extended his greetings for Dhanteras, Diwali, Annakoot (Govardhan Puja), Bhai Dooj, and Chhath to everyone present. He remarked, “I have come to Hari’s Dwar from the land of Hari,” expressing his fortune to be in the presence of saints.
The Chief Minister asked the saints to bless him in his efforts to drive new dimensions of development in Haryana. He shared that visiting the holy banks of the Ganges has filled him with enthusiasm and that he is taking renewed energy and purpose back to his state.
Haryana Government’s Commitment to Promote Yoga and Ayurveda
The Chief Minister praised Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev for his role in reviving Ayurveda and Yoga, noting that the Haryana Government is actively working to promote these fields. Gyms have been established in about 6,500 panchayats, wellness centers in villages, and yoga teachers appointed to inspire the youth toward yoga. Yoga has been made a compulsory subject from grades one to ten, and initiatives like Sri Krishna Ayush University in Kurukshetra and a research center in Jhajjar demonstrate the government’s dedication. Additionally, 506 Ayurvedic dispensaries and Ayushman centers have been established.
*Plans for a New Acharyakulam in Haryana*
During the event, Swami Ramdev announced plans to establish an Acharyakulam in Haryana that would be larger than the one in Haridwar. In response, the Chief Minister pledged his full support for this project, expressing that it would be a source of pride for the people of Haryana. He said that the youth from this Acharyakulam would become true pillars of society and emphasized the importance of Acharyakulam in contributing to both the economic and ideological growth of the nation, moving it toward global leadership.
Upon the Chief Minister's arrival at Patanjali Yoga Sansthan in Haridwar, Acharya Balkrishna welcomed him with a bouquet. Before attending the main event, the Chief Minister visited the Kanya Gurukul, Wellness Center, and Research Center at Patanjali Sansthan. He showed keen interest, particularly in the Ayurvedic Research Center, and discussed the facilities in detail with Dr. Anurag Varshney from the Research Center. He mentioned plans to establish similar research institutes in Haryana.
*Distinguished Guests*
Present at the annual festival included Uttarakhand Transport Minister, Sh Prem Chandra Agarwal, Haryana State General Secretary (Org.) Haryana, Sh. Phanindra Nath Sharma, Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev, Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Akhara Parishad President Swami Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj along with many other saints and dignitaries.
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*Development of Society and Nation Possible Only Through the Union of Education and Culture - Minister Ranbir Singh Gangwa*
Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Public Health Engineering Minister Mr. Ranbir Singh Gangwa said that Gurukuls instill values alongside education, contributing significantly to nation and society building.
Addressing attendees as the chief guest at the annual festival of Gurukul Arya Nagar in Hisar on Sunday, Mr. Gangwa said that Gurukuls not only focus on academics but also impart values essential for life. He attributed rising crimes against women and youth involvement in such incidents to a lack of values. Many Gurukul students now hold esteemed positions, benefiting from the mental peace nurtured in Gurukul's pure environment.
The Public Health Engineering Minister announced a grant of Rs 11 lakh for a shed in the Gurukul and approved requests for water supply from water works to the Gurukul, as well as the construction of a road from the main road to the Gurukul. He stated that the road estimate would be prepared soon, with construction to follow. He affirmed his commitment to prioritize development work in the area.
Mr. Gangwa further shared that Arya Nagar and Kamri village would be included in the Mahagram Yojana to provide village residents with city-level facilities. Additionally, development projects worth Rs 78 crore are underway in Gangwa village as part of the Mahagram Yojana.
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*Efforts to Accelerate Haryana’s Development at a Rapid Pace: Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana*
*Chandigarh, October 27* – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has issued clear directives to the concerned officials to purchase every grain of paddy with up to 17 percent moisture. He said that any complaints in this regard would result in strict action against the responsible officials. Government procurement is ongoing at MSP rates in Haryana’s mandis, with payment being deposited directly into farmers' bank accounts.
The Minister Sh. Rana said that the government stands firmly with the farmers. Under another beneficial initiative, the Haryana Government is providing a subsidy of Rs 1,000 per quintal on certified wheat seeds for the Rabi crop in 2024-25.
Commending the Central Government, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana acknowledged Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign, launched in Haryana to improve the status of women. Over the past decade, both Central and Haryana Governments have made significant efforts to honor and empower women. He said that the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Bill exemplifies the government’s commitment, alongside various schemes like Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, Free Ujjwala Gas, Mudra Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana. The drive for women’s empowerment continues through initiatives like Self-Help Groups and the Drone Didi program.