RAIPUR: A poignant celebration of Raksha Bandhan unfolded in Raipur on Tuesday as schoolgirls, women from self-help groups and specially-abled girls tied rakhis on the wrists of personnel from the armed forces, central security forces and police, honouring their service and sacrifice.
At the ‘Sneh Ki Dor’ programme held at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium, around 800 personnel from the CISF, BSF, ITBP, CRPF, Army and state police participated in the event.
The most emotional moment came when Madhuri Verma, wife of Sub-Inspector Yugal Kishore Verma, who was killed in a Naxal encounter a day before Raksha Bandhan in 2017, tied a rakhi on the wrist of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The chief minister became emotional and paid tribute to the martyr, reiterating the government’s commitment to stand by the families of security personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice.
Sai said the rakhi was more than a symbol of the bond between a brother and sister, describing it as a mark of trust and affection between a martyr’s family and society.
“Martyrs’ families are our own families,” he said, adding that the state would remain committed to protecting their dignity and standing with them in times of happiness and sorrow.
Naxalism’s decline a gift of security to women
Sai said the sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against Naxalism had helped pave the way for peace and development in Chhattisgarh.
He said the gradual end of Naxal violence was the “biggest gift of security and confidence” for women in the state, expressing hope that no mother would have to lose her son and no wife would lose her husband because of Naxal violence.
Referring to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and security forces, Sai said the gains against Naxalism had opened a new phase of peace and development in Bastar and other affected areas.
He said Bastar’s identity would increasingly be associated with peace, development, tribal culture and tourism rather than violence. Roads, electricity, education, healthcare, communication networks and employment opportunities were being expanded in areas that had remained deprived of development because of Naxalism, he said.
Women tie rakhis to security personnel
The women participating in the event included school students, specially-abled girls, sanitation workers, drone entrepreneurs, Lakhpati Didis and members of women’s self-help groups.
Sai said the programme represented the wider meaning of Raksha Bandhan, with security personnel serving not only as protectors of the country’s borders and society but also as brothers to women across the state.
The personnel also took a pledge to protect the dignity, safety and honour of the women who tied rakhis to them. The chief minister honoured personnel who had made notable contributions to the fight against Naxalism.
Sai said the affection and blessings of women across Chhattisgarh were a source of strength for him and that his government was working to improve women’s safety, dignity, financial independence and empowerment.
He said more than 30 lakh women were associated with over 2.42 lakh self-help groups in the state, while 13.85 lakh women had become Lakhpati Didis under the initiative.
Rs 631 crore for nearly 68 lakh women
The chief minister said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana had emerged as an important source of financial support and self-reliance for women in the state.
He announced that around Rs 631 crore would be transferred to the bank accounts of nearly 68 lakh women as the 31st instalment of the scheme ahead of Raksha Bandhan. Eligible beneficiaries receive Rs 1,000 every month directly into their bank accounts.
Sai said the government’s objective was to ensure that women became financially stronger, took decisions independently and celebrated festivals with dignity.
The chief minister also administered a pledge to citizens to uphold India’s unity and integrity, discharge their responsibilities as citizens and maintain respect for the country’s security personnel.
Five projects launched in Raipur
During the programme, Sai launched five initiatives prepared by the Raipur district administration and various departments — ‘Harit Poshanam’, ‘Project Niramay’, ‘Tiranga Shakti Fest’, ‘Project Ahigundikah’ and ‘Raipur Unfiltered’.
Under ‘Harit Poshanam’, fruit-bearing saplings and improved vegetable seeds will be provided to anganwadis and women’s groups to promote nutrition gardens.
‘Project Niramay’ will cover health and blood screening for 65,920 students studying in Classes 9 to 12 across 215 higher and higher secondary schools in Raipur district. Students found to have health issues will be provided necessary treatment free of cost.
‘Tiranga Shakti Fest’ will organise monthly programmes focusing on social harmony, culture, good governance, youth leadership and national spirit, particularly seeking to engage young people in nation-building.
‘Raipur Unfiltered’ will feature podcasts with prominent personalities, artists and people who have made notable contributions in different fields, bringing their experiences and perspectives before the public.
Under ‘Project Ahigundikah’, a special campaign will seek to connect families from the Saura (snake charmer) community with government welfare schemes and essential documents, including Aadhaar, Ayushman cards, housing benefits and job cards.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap also highlighted the role of central security forces and paramilitary personnel in the fight against Naxalism and called for greater social awareness against forces that threaten national unity and integrity.