January 8, 2014
WB CM participates in Vivek Chetana Utsav at Jhargram
West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee today attended the prize distribution ceremony of the sports competitions held during the Jangamahal Vivek Chetana Utsav, at Jhargram Stadium.
The programme, organised by the Youth Services Department of the State Government, saw the participation of more than 30,000 men and women. 1600 clubs took part in the sports events. Football matches, kabaddi, archery were some of the sporting events while there was Chhau dance for cultural programme. Winners were provided with sports equipments and jerseys, apart from award certificates.
The Vivek Chetana Utsav is being held across the state to commemorate the closing ceremony of yearlong celebration of Swami Vivekananda`s 150th birth anniversary.
Apart from the prize distribution ceremony, the chief minister also inaugurated several Govt projects, laid the foundation stones for upcoming projects and distributed certifications of Govt schemes to beneficiaries.
Excerpts from the Chief Minister`s speech:
I welcome everyone present here, specially the sportspersons and Chhau artists. I am glad to inform you all that 30,000 girls and boys participated in the sports events held in the district as part of Vivek Chetana Utsav. They are all present here. Vivek Chetana Utsav is being held to commemorate the closing ceremony of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. On 12th January, 151st Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda will be celebrated. Last year we initiated the year long celebrations with at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata through a grand programme. On January 10 this year, we will hold a big parade at the Red Road, to mark the closing ceremony.
The Vivek Chetana Utsav has already been held in Jhargram, Midnapore Sadar, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum. Along with Government representatives and elected representatives a number of footballers from yesteryears are present here today. We have given financial help of Rs 25,000 to the 1600 clubs that participated in different sporting events. We have given special jackets to 30,000 children to help them tide over the cold winter months. We have recruited about 15000 youths as part of police force in the past. 21,000 people were given jobs in the Civic Police Force. We shall continue the process in the future.
I am requesting all of you to study as well as take part in sports. I want all my brothers and sisters belonging to backward classes to become part of the mainstream. Your higher education must not stop at any cost, no matter what the hurdle is. We are committed to provide you all the support that you need. If you study well, you need not seek jobs; it will automatically come to you.
Swami Vivekananda once said one can attain God by playing football, rather than reciting the Geeta. I want the footballers present to compete with players like Goutam Sarkar and Bidesh Bose, who are present on stage. Let us celebrate the Vivek Chetana Utsav with football.
The people here do not get the chance to show their talent. I request the sports ministry to showcase the athletic talent of Jangalmahal in Kolkata through various events. I thank you all. I request the district officials to keep in touch with the people. We salute you all.
Amar Jangalamhal shantir mahal, swastir mahal, shaktir mahal ebong unnayaner mahal hisebe sara prithibi ke poth dekhak.
