PM Modi Calls for Fitness, Sporting Excellence and Drug-Free Youth
Munish Sood
Mandi
Khelo India Samvad held at Vallabh Government College (VGC), Mandi, on Thursday hosted a National Sports Day programme under the nationwide “Khelo India Samvaad – Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath” initiative, bringing students together around the themes of sports, fitness, youth leadership and a drug-free lifestyle.
The programme was organised under the aegis of Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. VGC Mandi was among three institutions selected in Mandi district for the initiative.
The central feature of the programme was the live address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called upon young people to make sports and physical fitness an integral part of their daily lives. He highlighted the role of sporting activity in developing discipline, teamwork, leadership, self-confidence and perseverance—qualities that contribute to both individual development and nation-building.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem by identifying talent at the grassroots level and creating greater access to quality coaching, training facilities and sports science. He urged young people to set ambitious goals and participate actively in nation-building through youth leadership and volunteering.
A strong emphasis was also placed on the need for young people to remain away from substance abuse and adopt healthy, positive and productive lifestyles.
The Prime Minister’s address was followed by an interactive youth session with Kamal Kishore, Football Coach at the Khelo India Centre, Mandi. The session was moderated by Neeraj of Nehru Yuva Kendra and focused on sports, fitness and issues concerning youth development. Students actively participated in the interaction and shared their views on sporting opportunities and healthy living.
The programme was attended by Santosh Kumar Kapoor as chief guest, while Kamal Kishore was the special guest. College Principal Dr Sanjeev Kumar was also present. The event commenced with the welcome of the guests, presentation of rosettes and ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
NSS volunteers, Rover-Rangers, sports students and NYK volunteers participated actively in the programme. As part of the anti-drug campaign, all participants were administered an anti-drug pledge, reinforcing the message of responsible choices and a healthy lifestyle.
The programme concluded with the National Anthem and a group photograph. The organisers said the initiative provided students with a platform to engage with the national conversation on sports and fitness while reinforcing the importance of leadership, volunteering and a drug-free society.
Dr Deepali Ashok, Coordinator, MY Bharat Nodal Officer and NSS Programme Officer, said the National Sports Day initiative was aimed at strengthening young people’s engagement with sports, fitness, leadership and volunteering, while encouraging them to make healthy and constructive choices.
The programme was conducted with the support of various college committees and the teaching and non-teaching staff of VGC Mandi.
