Chief Minister Interacts with Gen Z and Gen Alpha Students at Gen Next Samvad
Chief Minister Encourages Youth to Dream Big, Set Goals and Achieve Them Through Hard Work
Chief Minister Shares His Personal Struggles and Experiences of Success with Youth
Chief Minister Answers Students’ Questions in a Friendly and Engaging Manner, Discusses Education, Employment, Water Conservation and Chhattisgarh’s Future
Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the ‘Gen Next Samvad – Young Minds, Meaningful Conversations’ programme organised by News 24 and Lalluram.com at Saddu in Raipur on Thursday. He said India is the world’s youngest country, and its youth will be the greatest strength in building a developed, strong nation. He encouraged young people to dream big, set goals aligned with their interests, and achieve them through hard work and dedication. The Chief Minister said that making good use of time, working consistently, and staying determined toward one’s goals are essential for success in life.
During the programme, the Chief Minister interacted with Gen Z and Gen Alpha students. The students asked him questions on various subjects, including his personal struggles, politics, education, the state’s economic development, competitive examinations and water conservation. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai answered their questions in a friendly and engaging manner and shared experiences from his life.
India’s Global Prestige Has Grown Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 25 years of public service as Chief Minister of Gujarat and Prime Minister of India. The country is observing the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to mark this occasion.
Referring to the Swachh Bharat Mission, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for cleanliness from the Red Fort, people questioned the initiative. Today, cleanliness has become an important part of everyday life.
He said that building toilets in households has protected women’s dignity and health and freed villages from open defecation. The Swachh Bharat Mission has brought major changes in attitudes and behaviour towards cleanliness.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India continues to progress as a strong and prosperous nation. The surgical strikes and Operation Sindoor have demonstrated India’s capabilities and determination to the world. He said that India has also made remarkable economic progress. Prime Minister Shri Modi has resolved to build a developed India by 2047, and the country’s global prestige has increased.
Referring to his recent visit to Singapore, Chief Minister Shri Sai said he met with representatives of several major companies during his four-day visit. Business representatives in Singapore also acknowledged India’s growing global reputation under Prime Minister Shri Modi’s leadership.
Chief Minister Recalls His Childhood, Highlights Changes in Education
During his interaction with the youth, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also shared memories of his student life. He said, “Talking to all of you reminds me of my childhood. When I was studying in primary school in Bagiya village, our school didn’t even have facilities to conduct the Class 5 board examination. I had to travel several kilometres to another village and stay there for five days to appear for the examination. At that time, school buildings were also temporary structures, and rainwater would leak through the roofs during the monsoon.”
The Chief Minister said that circumstances have completely changed today. Educational facilities have expanded rapidly in Chhattisgarh, and the state now has various higher education institutions.
He said that earlier, the state had only one medical college, whereas today it has 15 medical colleges. He encouraged students to make full use of the educational opportunities and facilities available to them and build a bright future.
“I Never Imagined Becoming Even a Sarpanch, but God’s Blessings Made Me Chief Minister”
BBA student Ashmit Shinde asked the Chief Minister what inspired him to become Chief Minister. In response, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recalled a difficult period in his life. He said, “I grew up in a small village called Bagiya in Jashpur. When I was around 10 years old, my father passed away suddenly. Being the eldest among my brothers, I had to take responsibility for my younger brothers, mother and grandmother at an early age.”
The Chief Minister said he managed farming alongside his studies and worked to help his younger brothers stand on their own feet. At that time, he had never imagined that he would even become the Sarpanch of his village.
He said that as he progressed in public life, he received opportunities to serve the people as Sarpanch, MLA, Member of Parliament, Union Minister of State and now Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai told the youth that he had always followed the principle of ‘Work is Worship’ in his life. He tried to fulfil every responsibility entrusted to him with complete dedication and honesty.
He said that when people work sincerely for a good purpose, God supports them too. Perhaps God’s blessings led him to serve people, which is why a Sarpanch from a small village received the opportunity to become Chief Minister.
Understand the Value of Time and Turn Your Interests into Goals
Student Karan Bhosle asked the Chief Minister about the guiding principle of his life. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that everyone should understand the value of time. He told students this is their time to study and build a strong foundation for their future. The better they use this time, the brighter their future will be.
He said that dreams inspire people to work hard. Every young person should identify their interests, set goals accordingly and make every effort to achieve them.
“Water is Life” — Chief Minister Calls for Making Water Conservation a People’s Movement
Class 9 student Aditya Raj Tiwari asked Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai how school students could contribute to water conservation. The Chief Minister said, “Jal Hai To Kal Hai” (Water is essential for the future). He said groundwater levels are continuously declining, a concern worldwide.
He said that the Central Government is implementing the ‘Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari’ campaign.
Referring to the 5 Per cent Model implemented in the Koriya district, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that it has produced encouraging results in water conservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also mentioned this model in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.
He said good work is also underway in Rajnandgaon to construct soak pits. The Chief Minister encouraged youth to promote rainwater harvesting in their homes, schools and communities.
Target of Building a Rs. 75 Lakh Crore Economy by 2047
Mitansh Singh, a Class 11 student of Chhattisgarh Public School, asked the Chief Minister about the state’s economic development. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh prepared its Vision Document with 2047 in mind. He said Chhattisgarh is rich in natural resources and is making continuous efforts to increase its income by managing them better.
New Education Policy Connecting Education with Values, Skills and Employment
Student Saniya Parveen asked about state government schemes for students preparing for competitive examinations. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said 17 Prayas schools operate in the state. These institutions provide support to students preparing for competitive examinations through trained teachers.
The Chief Minister said the government is also working to improve the quality and infrastructure of government schools. The Central Government’s PM SHRI Yojana includes 341 schools in Chhattisgarh. Under the scheme, these schools are being equipped with modern educational facilities, including improved infrastructure, smart classrooms, and laboratories.
He said the state has implemented the New Education Policy. Its objective is to ensure education is not limited to degrees but is also connected to values, skills, and employment. The government aims to provide children and youth with an education that prepares them for future challenges and opportunities.
Chief Minister Enjoys Devotional Songs with Youth and Honours Young Achievers
During the programme, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma enjoyed devotional songs presented in a modern style under ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ along with the youth.
The Chief Minister also honoured and encouraged young people who had achieved notable success in sports and various other fields. Distinguished citizens, students, and many young people were present.
