Agartala, September 11: Voluntary blood donation is one of the finest examples of humanity, and the younger generation must come forward in greater numbers to strengthen the voluntary blood donation movement in Tripura, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha said on Friday.
“Today, blood donation programmes have become part of our culture in the state. More people need to be brought into such programmes,” Saha said while inaugurating a blood donation camp and unveiling the marble statues of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda at the Netaji Subhas Regional Coaching Centre (NSRCC) in Agartala.
The blood donation camp was organised by the Tripura Sports Council.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda as outstanding examples of patriotism and humanity. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working for the country’s development while drawing inspiration from the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji.
Saha said that if people increasingly embraced the ideals of Vivekananda and Netaji in both their personal and social lives, society would move in the right direction.
He said voluntary blood donation creates a positive atmosphere in society. Greater involvement of young people in sports and other social welfare activities, he added, would help accelerate efforts to build a drug-free and progressive Tripura.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of sports alongside education, saying that young people can improve their socio-economic conditions through sporting activities. To succeed in sports, he said, individuals need to be strong both physically and mentally.
Saha noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed emphasis on yoga as a means of strengthening the physical and mental well-being of the country’s youth.
Highlighting Tripura’s progress in sports, the Chief Minister said athletes from the state have established themselves at national and international levels through their talent and achievements.
Youth Affairs and Sports Department Secretary Tapas Roy also addressed the programme.
Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Padma Shri awardee Dipa Karmakar and Director of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department L. Darlong were among those present at the event. Tripura Sports Council Secretary Sukanta Ghosh delivered the welcome address.
During the programme, Chief Minister Saha felicitated former state footballer and sports coach Bimal Kumar Roy Choudhury.
