Daijiworld Media Network - Panipat
Panipat, May 17: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said that educating daughters strengthens not only families but also the future of the nation.
Khattar was addressing a gathering at a programme organised at Arya PG College after distributing bicycles to schoolgirls in Panipat and Samalkha.
A total of 247 bicycles were distributed, including 104 in Panipat and 143 in Samalkha. Khattar said a plan had also been prepared, with the support of social organisations, to distribute 1,000 bicycles to girls.
The Union Minister said the initiative was not merely a bicycle distribution drive, but an effort to make girls self-reliant and encourage education among them.
“When social organisations come forward for the welfare of needy children and young girls, the values and compassion within society become stronger. Every act performed for the welfare of society is a meritorious deed,” he said.
Khattar further said bringing smiles to the faces of needy children provides a deep sense of fulfilment and urged the girls to use the bicycles to continue their education and build a bright future.
Recalling his childhood, he said he had to walk nearly three kilometres daily from his village to attend school.
“When my father gifted me a bicycle in Class 9, I felt immense joy. The same happiness is visible on the faces of these young girls today,” he added.
Khattar said he had always worked with the spirit of public service and ensuring development reaches the last person in society.
He also highlighted the government’s focus on rural development and said beautification work of village ponds was underway in 75 villages identified in the first phase.
He added that development works related to phirnis, libraries, schools, cremation grounds and graveyards were also progressing in these villages.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Bhatia praised Khattar’s commitment towards social welfare and development and appreciated the contribution of social organisations.
“Serving society is the greatest religion, and such programmes always show a new path to society,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Virender Kumar Dahiya and SP Bhupender Singh also addressed the gathering.