Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday led a grand celebration in Dibrugarh to mark Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, aligning with the nationwide launch of the “Swasth Nari – Sabal Pariwar Abhiyan” and the eighth Rashtriya Poshan Maah.
From Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Modi dedicated these initiatives to the nation, underscoring his vision of ensuring robust healthcare, improved nutrition, and stronger families. In Dibrugarh, Union Minister Sonowal spearheaded a day-long program that brought together citizens, healthcare providers, women’s groups, and community leaders, reinforcing Assam’s commitment to the prime minister’s transformative agenda.
The local celebrations featured a series of people-centric initiatives: free health checkups, distribution of essential medicines, and a voluntary blood donation camp. These activities were designed to build awareness about preventive healthcare, nutrition, and community service –issues that Modi has repeatedly emphasised as crucial to building a healthy India.
“Today is not just the birthday of the world’s most popular leader, but also a day when India rededicates itself to the mission of good health, strong families, and women-led development,”Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said while addressing the gathering. “As a son of Assam, it fills me with pride to see Dibrugarh contributing wholeheartedly to this national movement. On behalf of the people of this constituency, I extend my heartfelt wishes to our beloved prime minister on his 75th birthday and pray for his continued good health and long life.”
One of the highlights of the Dibrugarh program was the tree plantation drive under the campaign“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, which encourages citizens to plant trees in honour of their mothers. Shri Sonowal reminded participants that preserving the green heritage of Assam is both a cultural and environmental duty. “As Srimanta Sankardeva wisely said, ‘Ek Briksha, Das Putra Sam,’ we must protect and nurture trees with the same reverence as raising children. Our responsibility is to leave behind a balanced and sustainable environment for future generations,” he said.
Women’s participation was a central feature of the Dibrugarh celebrations. Shri Sonowal praised their active involvement and connected it with the PM's long-standing emphasis on Nari Shakti. Sonowal recalled an inspiring example from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where two women – Rupa and Delna – sailed a small boat across 50,000 kilometres of ocean, demonstrating courage and resilience. “Their journey proves that nothing is impossible before the determination of women. This is exactly why our PM Modiji has made women’s empowerment a cornerstone of governance – whether through ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, improved maternal health programs, or women’s economic inclusion,” Shri Sonowal said.
Shri Sonowal also interacted with doctors, nurses, health workers, and mothers during his visit to the health camp, appreciating their service and dedication. “A healthy society is the foundation of a strong nation. The efforts of our medical professionals and volunteers today reflect the collective spirit of building a fitter, stronger, and more resilient India,” he noted.
The minister emphasised that the ‘Swasth Nari – Sabal Pariwar Abhiyan’ is not merely a healthcare initiative but a societal mission. By addressing obesity, strengthening nutrition, and promoting voluntary blood donation, the campaign is expected to add new momentum to the PM's mission of a healthy, empowered India. “This is about building a society where every woman has access to quality healthcare, every child has the nourishment to grow, and every family feels secure. When women are healthy and empowered, families thrive, and when families thrive, the nation prospers,” Shri Sonowal said.
The Dibrugarh event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including MLA Chakradhar Gogoi, Motok Development Council CEO David Chetia, Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Bikram Kairi, Dibrugarh Development Authority (DDA), Chairman, Asim Hazarika, social workers Dulal Bora and Sushil Tasa, Mamun Gogoi Mitra, and Zilla Parishad, Chairperson,Pushpanjali Sonowal, among others. Their participation reflected broad community support for the prime minister’s initiatives.
As the celebrations concluded, Shri Sonowal reiterated his commitment to carrying forward the prime minister’s vision from Dibrugarh to every corner of Assam. “Under Shri Narendra Modi ji’s leadership, India has already carved out a proud and unique place on the world stage. From healthcare to women’s empowerment to environmental stewardship, we must all do our part to realise his vision of a healthier, stronger, and self-reliant Bharat,”Sonowal said.
With the nationwide launch of ‘Swasth Nari – Sabal Pariwar Abhiyan’ and ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah’, coupled with the enthusiasm of people in Dibrugarh, the day marked not only the celebration of Prime minister’s 75th birthday but also the renewal of India’s pledge to build a healthier and empowered future.
Copyright © 2017 Indian Grapevine a unit of Integrated Media Enterprises
