Agartala, Aug 16: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha called upon young generation to actively participate in creative, cultural and sports activities. He also emphasized the role of clubs in this regard, towards the vision of Drug-free Tripura.

He was speaking at a blood donation camp in Agartala on Sunday.

He said, blood donation is not just an aspect of a camp, it is a great expression of human kindness and humanity. Blood donation does not have an alternative. That is why the youth and clubs have to come forward in social welfare activities to build a healthy society. 

The Chief Minister made these remarks after inaugurating a blood donation camp organized by Mukti Sangha at Ramnagar area. 

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said, there was a time when chaotic scene of disputes involving clubs was a normal thing. Now visible changes have come in that culture. Nowadays clubs are showing significant act of social accountability by organising blood donation camp, and other welfare activities in education, sports and other fields. This club culture of welfare mindset, staying away from political influence, should be encouraged further. He said, these days people are showing more and more interest and participation in blood donation. 

The Chief Minister said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has time and again spoken in favour of giving utmost priority to activities of service to mankind. Keeping that in mind, people of all strata should come forward to serve the mankind. Blood donation is one such act of service. These days, various organizations and common people are coming together in blood donation. This side of humanity has strengthened social bond and accountability towards each other. This holistic side of the youth will, in future, play a vital role in building a healthy and strong society. 

The Chief Minister said, the state government is working with utmost emphasis on the welfare of humanity. With the holistic steps of the government, the state is moving forward in the field of health, education, connectivity and infrastructure. Tripura has come out as a ‘front runner state’ in various evaluations of the NITI Aayog. Tripura has received multiple national awards in the Panchayat sector. Per capita income of the state has reached near the national average. 

In the context of healthcare service, the Chief Minister said, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme now surgery and treatment of various complex diseases is being possible in the state. This has reduced the tendency to travel out of the state for treatment purpose and the number of referred cases has also declined. Food at Rs. 10 has been made available for the relatives of patients of GB Hospital accompanying them. At the same time the government is also standing beside the helpless people at social level. 

Regarding infrastructure development he said, earlier rain water used to be stagnant for longer period, now with the improved drainage system water-logging time has reduced. Modern technology has been applied to identify various issues in the drainage system. Drone and modern cameras have been deployed for this. The Chief Minister said, the state government is working with a ‘zero tolerance policy’ towards drugs. He emphasized keeping the youth involved in sports and cultural activities to keep them away from intoxicants. 

He said, Family, clubs and social organizations can play an important role in developing a healthy body and mind, adding that the youth should also be involved in politics. Opportunities have to be opened for even the children of ordinary families to come forward in social welfare activities. Politics is not a monopoly of a particular family; it is rather a medium to serve the mankind. 

At the event Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Dipak Majumder said, interest and participation of people in blood donation camps is increasing day by day. A holistic change has come in the club culture also. Their sense of social accountability has become stronger. People are collectively coming forward to donate blood. 

He said, blood donation is the highest form of humanity and it has no other alternative. He called upon all to participate in blood donation regularly. The Mayor said, due to the holistic efforts of the state government, the state is moving forward in health, education, connectivity etc. sectors. People’s faith in the government’s efforts is also increasing. The government is working with the motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Biswas’. 

Welcome address was delivered by the club secretary. Social worker Shyamal Kumar Deb also spoke on the occasion. Another social worker Shekhar Datta also graced the event. On the day a hearse was donated to the club from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. 

In addition, ‘Sabuj Saathis’ of AMC, persons involved in social welfare activities from the area and achievers of education and sports field were felicitated. Chief Minister Dr. Saha and other dignitaries present there felicitated them. Before the programme began, the Chief Minister visited the blood donation camp and interacted with the donors. Many people voluntarily donated blood there.

Besides, Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha inaugurated the newly constructed building of Naba Oikya Club near the Bhattapukur Bapuji School Road in North Badharghat on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebration. He also inaugurated a blood donation and mega health camp organized as part of that programme. 

The programme was also graced by noted educationist and social worker Ashim Bhattacharya, Mayor-in-Council of AMC Ward no. 37 Bappi Das, TRTC’s Board of Director Shyamal Kumar Deb, Chairman of AMC South Zone Abhijit Mallik, presidentsecretary and members of Naba Oikya Club. Speaking at the event the Chief Minister said, clubs have to play a more proactive role for the holistic development of society. Although nowadays young generation is showing less interest in club culture, it is necessary to associate them with social and cultural activities. 

He said a club is not just a centre for sports and cultural activities, it also plays a significant role in resolution of local issues and leading welfare activities. The Chief Minister said, more the clubs get into action to solve local issues relating to road, drinking water, social problems, the very area would develop faster. Keeping the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Biswas and Sabka Prayas’ policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead, he urged all to come forward in developing the society. 

He also emphasized participation of people of positive and caring mindset in various welfare activities. He reiterated that blood donation is the noblest of all service acts. At the same time generation of awareness about health and implementation of various health programmes are equally important. Appreciating the initiative of Naba Oikya Club, he called upon the club to organize more activities of sports, cultural practice, distribution of clothes and educational materials etc. 

At the beginning of the programme the Chief Minister visited the blood donation camp and encouraged the donors. Around 30 people donated blood there and more than 200 people received healthcare service from the mega health camp. Necessary medicines were also distributed to the beneficiaries of the health camp. Welcome address was delivered by the treasurer of the club Kanu Deb. In addition, noted social worker Asim Bhattacharya also addressed the event.