Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai hoists national flag on 78th Independence Day

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday hoisted the national flag on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day in Raipur and urged everyone to plant saplings and preserve the state's culture.
"Hearty congratulations to all the people of Chhattisgarh on the 78th Independence Day of the country. Today, on this auspicious occasion of Independence Day, we all are sharing the joy of independence. We have this freedom due to the hard struggle and sacrifice of our ancestors against British imperialism. This freedom is the gift of many of our historical heroes like Shaheed Gend Singh, Shaheed Dhurva Rao, Shaheed Yadav Rao, Shaheed Venkat Rao, Veer Gundadhur, Shaheed Debari Dhur, Shaheed Aaytu Mahara, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, who showed indomitable courage and awakened the spirit of independence in the minds of the people," said the Chief Minister while addressing the public during the 78th Independence Day celebrations in Raipur.
"...Looking at climate change, we must contribute to protect and conserve nature. We have to make our new generation acquainted with our culture. In this direction, I urge everyone to plant saplings... I have also planted saplings under the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign'. Lord Rama spent ten years of his exile in Chhattisgarh. This is the land of Mata Shabri. We are lucky that we were born here," said the Chief Minister.
Paying tribute to the soldiers, the CM said, "Today we also express our gratitude towards our soldiers who are fighting the anti-democracy, Naxalism terror in our state with full courage and passion. In the last eight months, our soldiers have shown indomitable courage and killed 146 Naxalites. During this time we have opened 32 new security camps and are going to start 29 new camps in the coming days. Today, after many years, the people of the area feel safe, the reason for this is the hard work and valour of our brave soldiers."
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for major reforms in the farm sector on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day celebrations and emphasised efforts to make the lives of farmers in the country better.
Delivering his customary address on Thursday from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, the Prime Minister commended farmers for choosing organic farming and added that the country's farmers can make India the organic food basket of the world as it moves towards its goal of Viksit Bharat.
"Organic food is a need. We can become the organic food basket of the world. We must strive to make the lives of farmers better," he said.