Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, participated in the 'Khelo India Samvad - Khel ki Baat PM Modi ke Saath' program at Mata Sundri College for Women in Delhi, organized with the cooperation of My Bharat. The event was part of a nationwide initiative under the auspices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with an open platform for students to share suggestions.
During the dialogue, Minister Chouhan emphasized the importance of youth participation in Prime Minister Modi's 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) vision and stated that sports are as important as studies for developing discipline, confidence, tolerance, and personality. He assured that youth suggestions would lead to necessary policy amendments and implementation.
Female students presented several key suggestions, including: implementing regular psychology-weighted modules at Khelo India centers and government sports academies focusing on stress management, meditation, motivation, performance pressure, handling failure, and emotional coaching; focusing on rural and remote areas with better sports infrastructure, affordable/accessible equipment, trained coaches, awareness campaigns, career guidance, and ensuring equal opportunities; creating programs to help economically weaker students pursue their chosen sports through grants, equipment rentals, and local training centers; and conducting workshops to sensitize parents and teachers to better encourage young sports talent.
Minister Chouhan listened to all suggestions and praised the students, promising to forward feasible suggestions to relevant departments for further action. He specifically assured special emphasis on mental health, nutrition, and development of rural sports. During the program, the minister also administered an anti-drug pledge to the students, stating that healthy youth are the real strength of the country, and mentioned that preparations for national and international competitions are ongoing with priority given to providing better opportunities for athletes.
Participating students expressed satisfaction at having a platform to directly communicate their problems and suggestions to the minister, with many hopeful that their voices would reach policymakers and lead to practical changes.