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ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein Friday called upon the people of the state to uphold the ideologies and principles of Mahatma Gandhi on non-violence, truth, brotherhood and peace.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the walkathon and cyclothon events which, was organized to mark Gandhi Jayanti, Mein said that Mahatma had inspired millions of Indian and people across the world through his works because of which he is remembered all around the world today.
Highlighting Gandhi's contributions in the Indian freedom struggle and in promoting domestic products by people's movements like 'Swadeshi and Boycott' the Deputy Chief Minister said Gandhi was a profound campaigner of 'vocal for local'.
"Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is also a realization of his dreams and visions for a clean and hygienic India which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a mass movement by launching the abhiyan from the Red Fort on August 15, 2014," Mein added.
The Deputy Chief Minister called upon the people to not only enjoy the freedom the country received because of the toils and sacrificed made by the freedom fighters but also to realize their duties and responsibilities towards the motherland.
"To maintain hygienic conditions and to keep our surrounding clean and green, is one of the biggest responsibilities we have towards the mother earth, atmosphere, nature and also towards the future generation," Mein said.
He urged the people to join the 'Fit India Movement' initiated by union Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry and to remain fit besides maintaining a pollution free environment. He lauded the Itanagar Smart City Corporation and capital administration for organizing the walkathon and cyclothon events which is directed towards fitness, health and hygiene.
The Deputy Chief Minister also lauded the state police, the civil administration and the state narcotic cell for their fight against drugs addiction and called upon all sections of the society to join hands to make Arunachal a drug free state.
Earlier, Mein flagged off the cyclothon and walkathon events from the tri-junction near Gandhi Park at Niti Vihar here and also paid floral tributes to the Father of Nation along with hosts of ministers and MLAs.
Among others, Legislative Assembly Speaker P D Sona, RWD Minister Honchun Ngandam, PHE Minister Wangki Lowang, MLAs Ninong Ering (Pasighat), Techi Kaso (Itanagar) and other were present on the occasion.
About 50 cyclists and hundreds of students participated in the cyclothon and walkathon events organized with the theme 'Freedom to Walk & Cycle. The event was also organised at Raj Bhawan here.
Speaking on the occasion virtually from Aizawl in Mizoram, Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra urged upon the people to promote and abide by the Gandhian values. He also called for strengthening the spirit of non-violence as endorsed and propagated by Mahatma Gandhi.
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