CM Sai Attends Holi Milan Ceremony at Raipur Press Club
Raipur, March 12
Holi is not just a festival of colors, but also an opportunity to strengthen mutual love, harmony, and brotherhood. This festival inspires us to forget small misunderstandings and start afresh in friendship. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed this at the Holi Milan ceremony organized by the Raipur Press Club.
Chief Minister Danced with Journalists Amidst the Colors
The members of the Raipur Press Club welcomed Chief Minister Shri Sai in a unique manner, draping him with a garland of okra (bhindi). On this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the special Holi edition of the Press Club’s magazine, Senseless Times.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the Raipur Press Club has a proud tradition of celebrating festivals together. Every year, he gets the opportunity to participate in this Holi celebration. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Raipur Press Club family, wishing that this festival, full of joy and enthusiasm, brings new energy and excitement into everyone’s life.
Chief Minister Played the Nagada, Journalists Celebrated with Enthusiasm
A unique sight of colors and fervor was witnessed at the Raipur Press Club’s Holi Milan ceremony when Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai played the nagada (traditional drum), doubling the enthusiasm of the event. As soon as the Chief Minister started playing the nagada, journalists and distinguished guests present at the ceremony applauded, spreading an atmosphere of excitement. The Chief Minister was seen dancing with journalists to folk songs and Holi tunes in the festive spirit. The celebration created a unique blend of music, festivity, and brotherhood.
A Big Gift for Journalists, ₹1 Crore Budget Provision for Press Club Renovation
Chief Minister Shri Sai appreciated the Raipur Press Club’s traditions and announced several significant decisions in favor of journalists in the current year’s budget. He stated that journalists act as the mirror of society, playing an important role in strengthening democracy. To develop the Raipur Press Club in line with the dignity of the capital, a budget provision of ₹1 crore has been made, which will be used for the renovation and expansion of its building. Additionally, a separate ₹1 crore budget has been allocated to fulfill the demand for exposure visits for journalists. Chief Minister Shri Sai also expressed concern for the welfare of senior journalists and stated that to ensure that those who have served in the field of journalism for long years don’t face financial difficulties after retirement, the government has increased the honorarium from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 per month.
Acknowledgment of Female Journalists’ Contribution
The Chief Minister also referred to the recent International Women’s Day program, where he honored female journalists and had the opportunity to understand their struggles and achievements closely. He acknowledged that there are many challenges in the field of journalism for women, but their courage and determination are equally remarkable.
Journalists’ Vital Role as Guardians of Democracy
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that journalists are the guardians of democracy and have an important responsibility. Cultural and social events like these are necessary to promote harmony and allow journalists to step away from work pressures and foster mutual goodwill.
The Raipur Press Club has been organizing Holi Milan and cultural programs for years, and this tradition should continue in the future. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLA Shri Anuj Sharma, MLA Shri Sunil Soni, Mayor of Raipur Municipal Corporation Mrs. Meenal Chaubey, Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Shri Pankaj Jha, Press Officer of the Chief Minister Shri Alok Singh, Shri Amit Chimanani, Shri Anurag Agarwal, along with other public representatives, eminent citizens, and officials. The event was also attended by Raipur Press Club President Shri Prafull Thakur and other members of the Press Club.