New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed pride in India’s progress in the field of health and fitness. He mentioned several government schemes and campaigns promoting sports. In the 117th episode of his radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said, “This winter season, many activities related to sports and fitness are taking place across the country. I am happy that people are including fitness in their daily routine.”
Discussing the increasing enthusiasm towards sports in the country, he gave examples like skiing in Kashmir and kite flying in Gujarat. Also praised the campaigns like ‘Sunday on Cycle’ and ‘Cycling Tuesday’, which are motivating people to make cycling a part of fitness. Referring to Bastar Olympics, Prime Minister Modi described it as a new revolution in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This area was earlier affected by Maoism, but is now getting a new energy through sports.
He said, “A new revolution is being born in Bastar through Bastar Olympics. It is a matter of great pleasure for me that this dream has come true. The mascots of Bastar Olympics ‘Jungli Bhainsa’ and ‘Pahari Myna’ reflect the rich culture of Bastar. The mantra of this Mahakumbh is ‘Karse ta Bastar, Barse ta Bastar’, that is, Bastar will play, Bastar will win. PM Modi said that 1.65 lakh players from seven districts participated in this event. He described it as an inspiring story of youth’s determination and success. Bastar Olympics included sports like athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho and volleyball, in which the youth showed their skills.
He also shared stories of inspirational participants of Bastar Olympics. Like – silver medal winner in archery Kari Kashyap, gold medal winner in javelin throw Payal Kawasi, and wheelchair racer Poonam Sanna of Sukma, who won medals after overcoming Naxal influence. Apart from this, archer Ranju Sori from Kodagaon was selected as ‘Bastar Youth Icon’. PM Modi said, “Bastar Olympics is not just a sports event. This is a confluence of development and sports, where our youth are honing their talent and building a new India. I appeal to all of you to encourage such sports events in your area. Give the message of ‘Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat’ and give the youth a chance to move forward.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on two major achievements of India in the health sector, which are attracting the attention of the entire world. He said, “Both these achievements have been achieved in the field of health. The first is our fight against malaria, which has been a major challenge for humanity for 4000 years. Malaria was one of the biggest health problems for us at the time of independence. It ranked third among diseases that killed children aged one month to five years. But today I can proudly say that India has defeated this challenge collectively and strongly.”
Referring to the World Health Organization report, PM Modi said, “There has been an 80% reduction in malaria cases and deaths in India between 2015 and 2023. This big achievement is the result of everyone’s contribution. People from every corner of the country participated in it.” He told how tea garden workers in Jorhat, Assam fought malaria using technology and social media. In Kurukshetra, Haryana, information about avoiding the breeding of mosquitoes was given through street plays and radio messages.
Prime Minister Modi also mentioned the progress made in cancer treatment. Citing the report of the medical journal The Lancet, he said, “The possibility of timely initiation of cancer treatment in India has increased significantly. “With the help of Ayushman Bharat scheme, 90% of cancer patients are able to start treatment on time.” He told that earlier poor patients used to avoid getting tested and treated for cancer due to financial difficulties. But now Ayushman Bharat scheme has become a support for them, which has reduced the financial barriers in cancer treatment and encouraged people to get timely treatment. Prime Minister Modi said, “There is only one mantra to fight cancer – awareness, action, and belief. Awareness means understanding cancer and its symptoms. “Action means timely diagnosis and treatment, and trust means assurance that all possible help is available for patients.”
