Special Guests at Republic Day: Union Health Ministry hosts ASHAs and applauds their contributions towards the success of various health initiatives

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Delhi, Jan 25
Union Health Ministry hosted ASHAs who are special invitees at the 76th Republic Day celebrations to honour and respect their tireless efforts contributing to the success of various health initiatives, here today.

To commemorate the outstanding contributions of ASHA, Government of India has invited around 250 ASHA along with their spouses across various States of India as Special Guests to the 76th Republic Day Ceremony. This recognition not only uplifts the morale of these dedicated health workers but also underscores the crucial value of their contributions, setting a strong precedent for acknowledging their essential role. It highlights the significance of their work in advancing public health across India, reinforcing the vital impact they have in improving healthcare access and outcomes.

Speaking at the occasion, the Union Health Secretary stated that “ASHAs are the backbone of health schemes in the country.” Appreciating their immense contribution to the society, she highlighted that “notable success in the TB elimination mission is significantly attributed to the grassroots level work done by the ASHAs.” She also described ASHA as a display of India’s Nari Shakti.

Currently, over 10.29 lakh ASHAs serve as the first point of contact in India’s healthcare system, acting as a crucial link between communities and essential health services. They play a pivotal role in various government health initiatives, such as maternal and child healthcare, promoting immunization, and supporting the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program. ASHAs are also instrumental in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and contribute to a wide range of other national health programs. Through their efforts, they are saving countless lives and ensuring that critical health interventions reach those in need, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Upon their arrival in the capital, they were warmly received by the officials of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Special sightseeing arrangements are made for them to visit Delhi’s iconic landmarks. They will visit the National War Memorial at Kartavya Path with a stop at India Gate allowing them to pay homage to the nation’s martyrs and will witness the 76th Republic Day parade tomorrow.

The event was also attended by Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary & Mission Director (NHM) and Senior Officials of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026: A National Celebration of Chhattisgarh’s Literary Spirit* *Three-day event to be held at Purkhouti Muktangan, Nava Raipur from January 23 to 25* Raipur, January 19, 2026// With the aim of giving national recognition to Chhattisgarh’s rich literary, cultural and intellectual traditions, the Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026 is being organized on January 23, 24 and 25, 2026 at the Purkhouti Muktangan in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The three-day festival is set to become a strong platform for literature, culture and dialogue, drawing large participation from writers, thinkers, readers and literature enthusiasts from across the State and the country. Nearly 120 renowned writers and literary figures from Chhattisgarh and other parts of India are scheduled to attend. A total of 42 literary sessions will be held during the festival, featuring in-depth discussions on contemporary social, cultural, political and intellectual themes. The sessions will include discussions on subjects such as intellectual discourse, the Indian knowledge tradition, the Constitution, cinema and society, the country’s new awakening, literature in Chhattisgarh, literature through the lens of history, and the standard of language and literature in educational institutions, addressing key intellectual concerns of the present time. In addition, detailed discussions will be held on Natyashastra and artistic traditions, literature and politics, contemporary women’s writing, tribal literature, Chhattisgarh’s folk culture, tourism, journalism and governance. Contemporary issues such as challenges faced by publishers, writing in the digital age, and readers in the digital era will also remain at the centre of discussions. Preparations are underway, with the administration targeting completion of all arrangements by January 21. Work related to the stage, pavilions, technical arrangements, decoration and other essential facilities is being finalized at the venue. The festival will be inaugurated on January 23 by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh. The inaugural ceremony will also be attended by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Dr Kumud Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Wardha International Hindi University. The festival will conclude on January 25 in the presence of State ministers and eminent literary and cultural personalities including Dr Sachchidanand Joshi and Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi. A major attraction of the festival will be the special staging of the popular play ‘Chanakya’ by noted writer and theatre artist Shri Manoj Joshi, scheduled on January 23 at 7 pm. The festival will also feature participation by Shri Nitish Bharadwaj, who played Lord Krishna in the Mahabharat television series, and acclaimed filmmaker Shri Anurag Basu. A special poetry reading will be held on January 24 in memory of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Four separate pavilions have been set up at the venue for discussions and sessions. The main pavilion has been named after Chhattisgarh’s only Jnanpith Award-winning author, late Shri Vinod Kumar Shukla. The second pavilion has been named after Pt Shyamlal Chaturvedi, the third after Bastar’s noted writer Lala Jagdalpuri, and the fourth after author Aniruddh Neerav. A large book fair will also be organised at the venue, where around 15 national-level publishers including Prabhat Prakashan, Rajkamal Prakashan, Saraswati Book, Yashasvi Prakashan, Hind Yugm Prakashan and Rajpal Prakashan will showcase and sell their books. Books written by Chhattisgarh’s authors as well as school students will also be displayed. Proper arrangements have also been made for the launch of new books authored by writers participating in the festival. An attractive exhibition showcasing Chhattisgarh’s development over the last 25 years will be put up at the venue. A talent zone has been created for local youth and folk artists, featuring poetry recitations, story readings, folk dance and musical performances. Daily quiz competitions will also be organised, with winners receiving prizes and certificates. To facilitate travel from Raipur to Purkhouti Muktangan, the administration is arranging around 20 free buses on six routes, including Railway Station, Bus Stand, Tatibandh and Telibandha. Over 500 officers and staff are engaged in managing arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival. About 15 food stalls are also being set up at the venue, offering local cuisine including traditional Chhattisgarhi dishes. All essential facilities including drinking water, cleanliness and toilets are being ensured at the venue. Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026 stands as a strong national showcase of Chhattisgarh’s intellectual spirit, cultural heritage and contemporary thought. The festival aims to connect society through literature, dialogue and culture, while further strengthening interest among the younger generation in reading, expression and creativity.

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