Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
*“A healthy mother is the foundation of a strong society,” says PM Modi
*Modi’s Initiatives Are the Strong Foundation of Viksit Bharat; Women, Youth, Farmers and Poor Are Its Four Pillars : CM Sai
Raipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday September 18, 2025 launched the Swasth Nari–Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan and the 8th National Nutrition Month from Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi virtually joined the launch event from the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University’s Krishi Mandapam in Raipur, along with thousands of women. On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Nutrition Calendar and visited stalls of the Women & Child Development and Health Departments.
Launching the scheme, Prime Minister Modi said that the journey of Viksit Bharat rests on four pillars — Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti, farmers and the poor — and the campaign would strengthen this mission. He announced that over one lakh health camps will be organised across the country from September 17 to October 2, offering free check-ups and medicines for TB, anaemia and cancer. He urged mothers and sisters to attend the camps so that no woman suffers due to lack of timely diagnosis.
The Prime Minister said Nari Shakti is the main pillar of the nation, and when a mother is healthy, not only the family but society also becomes strong. Referring to the achievements of the PM Matru Vandana Yojana and Poshan Abhiyan, he noted that more than 4.5 crore women have received assistance worth ₹19,000 crore so far. He recalled that the Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission was launched from Shahdol to safeguard tribal communities. More than five crore screenings have been conducted and one crore cards issued, securing the health of future generations. Modi said every scheme — from free ration to Ayushman cards — is designed to transform the lives of the poor. “Twenty-five crore people have already come out of poverty — this is Modi’s guarantee,” he asserted.
Sharing details of PM Mitra Parks and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, he said both initiatives would generate lakhs of jobs and give artisans new recognition. On the festive season, he urged citizens to adopt swadeshi, saying: “Whatever you buy, let it be made in India — so that money stays in the country and development accelerates.”
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, India has gained a new global identity. He described women, youth, farmers and the poor as the four strong pillars of Viksit Bharat, noting that the new initiatives were laying a robust foundation for the nation’s bright future. He said that from September 17 to October 2, women would be provided free tests and medicines for TB, anaemia and cancer in the health camps — a historic step for maternal health. Referring to PM Matru Vandana Yojana, Poshan Abhiyan and the Sickle Cell Mission, he said crores of women and tribals had benefitted. He added that PM Mitra Parks and PM Vishwakarma Yojana are empowering lakhs of youth and artisans with jobs and recognition.
CM Sai underlined that more than 25 crore people have come out of poverty as a result of the Prime Minister’s policies, which reflect his sensitive leadership. He said the PM’s call for adopting swadeshi during festivals is an inspiration for every Indian. The Chief Minister stressed that the schemes launched on the Prime Minister’s birthday form the strong foundation of the Viksit Bharat resolve.
CM unveils Nutrition Calendar, honours girl students
At the Raipur event, CM Sai unveiled the Nutrition Month Calendar and honoured meritorious girl students under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. He also inspected health camps and departmental stalls, interacting with visitors about schemes. The stalls showcased Poshan Sangoshthi, Hamar Swasth Laika, Ready-to-Eat nutrition, Chhattisgarh millets, Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Child Marriage Free Campaign, Mental Health, TB screening, ENT, Sickle Cell testing, Adolescent and Maternal Health initiatives.
CM flags off Poshan Rath, plants sandalwood sapling under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’
On the launch of the 8th National Nutrition Month, CM Sai flagged off the Poshan Rath, which will tour districts spreading awareness on nutrition and health among women. Along with Union Minister Annapurna Devi, he also planted sandalwood saplings in the university campus under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, MP Brijmohan Agrawal, MLAs Rajesh Munat, Purandar Mishra and Sunil Soni were also present.
