Shivraj Singh Chouhan Interacts with Youth from Seven States at Vande Mataram 150th Anniversary Programme
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in a youth interaction programme marking 150 years of Vande Mataram at the Smart City Park in Bhopal on Saturday. During the event, he joined young volunteers from seven states in a tree plantation drive and interacted with them on issues concerning national development, social responsibility, women’s safety and the responsible use of social media.
Addressing the participants, Chouhan described MY Bharat as an important platform for developing a creative and socially responsible youth force capable of contributing to the vision of a developed India. He emphasised that nation-building requires young people to work not only for their personal growth but also for the welfare of society and the country.
MY Bharat: Connecting Youth with Nation-Building
Chouhan said platforms such as MY Bharat play a significant role in encouraging young people to participate in nation-building activities. He highlighted the importance of developing creativity, a spirit of service and a sense of civic responsibility among young citizens.
He added that direct interactions with young people help strengthen their character, develop their personalities and encourage them to become responsible citizens. According to him, India’s development depends on the active participation of its citizens, particularly the younger generation.
Chouhan Calls for Strict Punishment for Crimes Against Women and Children
Speaking about crimes against women and girls, the Union Minister stressed the need for effective action by both the government and society to prevent sexual violence and harassment and ensure a safer environment.
Chouhan said offenders involved in heinous crimes against women and children should face stringent punishment. Referring to his tenure as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, he recalled the introduction of legal provisions providing for the death penalty in cases of rape involving minor girls.
He also referred to provisions introduced under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership concerning capital punishment for certain heinous sexual offences.
The minister further highlighted the need to examine ways to expedite judicial proceedings in such cases. He noted that appeals before higher courts and the availability of mercy petitions in death penalty cases can extend the time taken to reach a final outcome. He called for consideration of measures that could help deliver timely justice to victims.
Responsible Social Media Use Is Essential, Says Chouhan
Chouhan also urged young people to use social media platforms responsibly, describing them as powerful tools for sharing knowledge, useful information and positive ideas.
He cautioned that misinformation, rumours and misleading campaigns can create social unrest and unnecessary conflict. He advised young people to verify facts before sharing news or messages on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
The minister said social media should not necessarily be avoided; instead, it should be used thoughtfully to promote awareness, knowledge and constructive discussions. He emphasised that information should be assessed critically and decisions should be based on verified facts.
Tribal Families’ Concerns Raised Before Chief Minister
Referring to the concerns of tribal families in Kosmi, Chouhan said community members had presented their difficulties, grievances and demands before the Chief Minister.
According to the minister, their principal request was that their concerns be heard appropriately. He said the Chief Minister had assured them that justice would be delivered and stressed the importance of addressing the issues of tribal families with sensitivity and taking appropriate action.
The programme combined youth engagement with environmental participation and discussions on civic responsibility, public safety and social awareness, highlighting the role of young citizens in India’s development.
