PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday called for the active participation of citizens, teachers and students in building a clean and drug-free India, saying the country’s challenges required a collective response.
Speaking at a programme marking Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti, Sawant said Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, Swadeshi, the mother tongue, local culture and cleanliness remained relevant after Independence.
“While previous generations fought for freedom from foreign rule, today our priorities include making India terrorism-free, Naxal-free, TB-free and drug-free,” he said.
Sawant said the fight against drug abuse could not be left to the government alone, urging citizens, teachers, students and public representatives to contribute. He said the Centre and Goa government were working to eliminate tuberculosis.
He said cleanliness, rural development and farmers’ welfare were central to Gandhi’s vision, and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government with strengthening cleanliness campaigns through initiatives such as Swachhata Hi Seva.
Sawant also highlighted Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Vocal for Local as initiatives promoting indigenous production and development.
Recalling Lal Bahadur Shastri’s contribution, Sawant cited “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, saying it recognised the importance of soldiers protecting the country and farmers feeding the nation.
“To achieve Viksit Bharat 2047, the active contribution of all citizens and our young children is vital. This is the true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri,” he said.
