New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that in the Naxalite area where there used to be an atmosphere of fear, now a sports Kumbh like “Bastar Olympics” is being organised, which has become the biggest symbol of change in the country by bringing forward sports talents. In the 117th episode of his monthly program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast on All India Radio, PM Modi said on Sunday that such unique sports programs are being organized in the country which are a symbol of change in our country and the enthusiasm and passion of the young comrades. Referring to the Prayagraj Kumbh, the Prime Minister said that it will not only be huge and grand but will also be a display of digital system for the first time in the entire Kumbh area, giving the message of unity in diversity. PM Modi said that Mahakumbh is being held in Prayagraj next month, which will showcase the diversity and grandeur of the country and will give the message to the entire country that ‘the message of Mahakumbh is that the entire country should be united and the uninterrupted stream of Ganga should not divide our society’.
He said, ‘A unique Olympics has started in our Bastar. Yes, a new revolution is being born in Bastar with the first Bastar Olympics. It is a matter of great joy for me that the dream of Bastar Olympics has come true. You would also love to know that this is happening in an area which has once been witness to Maoist violence. The mascots of Bastar Olympics are – “Forest Buffalo” and “Pahari Myna”. It shows a glimpse of the rich culture of Bastar. The basic mantra of this Bastar Khel Mahakumbh is – “Karsay ta Bastar barsaye ta Bastar” i.e. “Bastar will play – Bastar will win”.
For the first time, 1 lakh 65 thousand players from seven districts have participated in Bastar Olympics. This is not just a statistic – it is a proud story of the determination of our youth. Athletics, archery, badminton, football, hockey, weightlifting, karate, kabaddi, kho-kho and volleyball – our youth have shown their talent in every sport.”
PM Modi narrated the story of the talents and said ‘Kari Kashyap ji’s story inspires me a lot. Kari ji, who comes from a small village, has won a silver medal in archery. She says – Bastar Olympics has given us an opportunity to move forward not only in the sports field but also in life. The words of Payal Kawasi ji of Sukma are no less inspiring. Payal ji, who won the gold medal in javelin throw, says – No goal is impossible with discipline and hard work.
The story of Punem Sanna ji of Dornapal of Sukma is an inspiring story of new India. Punem ji, who once came under Naxalite influence, is today winning medals by running in a wheelchair. His courage and courage is an inspiration for everyone. Archer Ranju Sori ji of Kodagaon has been chosen as “Bastar Youth Icon”. He believes that Bastar Olympics is giving an opportunity to the youth of remote areas to reach the national stage.
He said “Bastar Olympics is not just a sporting event. This is a platform where development and sports are converging. Where our youth are honing their talents and building a new India. I urge all of you to encourage such sports events in your area. Khelega Bharat-Jeetega Bharat Share stories of sports talents from your region. Give opportunity to local sports talents to progress. Remember, sports not only leads to physical development but it is also a powerful medium to connect the society with the spirit of the player. So play a lot and blossom a lot.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that this time Prayagraj Mahakumbh will not only be huge and grand, but digital system will be demonstrated for the first time in the entire Kumbh area, giving the message of unity in diversity. PM Modi said that Mahakumbh is being held in Prayagraj next month, which will showcase the diversity and grandeur of the country and will give the message to the entire country that ‘the message of Mahakumbh is that the whole country should be one and the uninterrupted stream of Ganga should not divide our society’.
He said, ‘Maha Kumbh is going to be held in Prayagraj from 13th of next month. At present, tremendous preparations are going on on the Sangam banks. I remember when I went to Prayagraj just a few days ago, my heart was filled with joy after seeing the entire Kumbh area from the helicopter. So huge, so beautiful, so grandeur. The specialty of Maha Kumbh is not only in its vastness, the specialty of Kumbh also lies in its diversity. Crores of people gather together in this event. Lakhs of saints, thousands of traditions, hundreds of sects, many Akharas, everyone becomes a part of this event. There is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, no one is small. Such a scene of unity in diversity will not be seen anywhere else in the world. That is why our Kumbh is also the Mahakumbh of unity. This time Mahakumbh will also strengthen the mantra of Mahakumbh of unity. I would ask all of you to come back with this resolve of unity when we participate in the Kumbh. We should also take a pledge to destroy the feeling of division and hatred in the society. Let me say in short words – the message of Mahakumbh is that the entire country should be united. And if I have to say it in another way then I will say… the continuous stream of Ganga, our society should not be divided.”
