MP Khatana inaugurates CBC’s 8-day multimedia exhibition at Navratra Festival Katra

Katra: Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha, Er Gulam Ali Khatana inaugurated an eight-day multimedia exhibition organized by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), J&K, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, at the Government Higher Secondary School premises in Katra in the presence of Director of CBC and PIB Jammu, Neha Jalali (IIS), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Katra) Piyush Dhotra, and other officials.

The outreach drive, themed “12 Saal—Vishwas Ke, Vikas Ke, Jan Kalyan Ke”, coincides with the ongoing Navratra festival at Katra that witnesses lakhs of Devotees every year to pay obeisance at the revered shrine.The inaugural ceremony also focused on themes like Reform Utsav and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Speaking on the occasion, Gulam Ali Khatana highlighted the significant reforms and transformative initiatives undertaken by the Narendra Modi-led government over the past 12 years, aimed at strengthening the Indian economy, promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life of citizens. He said that the government has taken several important steps to simplify business processes, promote ease of doing business, encourage entrepreneurship and create new opportunities for the youth.

Khatana observed that the multimedia exhibition would serve as an effective medium for generating awareness about the welfare schemes and development initiatives of the Modi government. Through informative displays, audio-visual presentations and other communication materials, the exhibition can help people understand the objectives, benefits and implementation of various government programmes, he underlined. The MP stressed that greater public awareness is essential to ensure that the benefits of these initiatives reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly those living in rural, remote and underserved areas.

While appreciating the efforts of CBC in effectively disseminating information of GoI schemes, Sh Khatana urged the CBC officials to organise more such exhibitions in remote areas to strengthen public outreach at the grassroots level. He emphasised the importance of conducting these programmes in local languages so that people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds can easily understand the information being shared and make informed use of the available welfare opportunities.

Expressing concern over the harmful impact of drugs, the MP called for focused awareness activities to educate people, especially young people, about the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse. He emphasised that multimedia exhibitions, community outreach programmes and awareness drives in educational institutions and local communities can play a significant role in discouraging drug abuse and encouraging a healthier and more responsible society.

Earlier, Ms. Jalali outlined the aims and objectives of various awareness initiatives of the department, stating that last-mile communication remains critical to ensuring that benefits under central welfare schemes reach intended beneficiaries. She briefed about various key welfare initiatives and structural reforms introduced over the past 12 years across sectors such as financial inclusion, women empowerment, healthcare, and rural infrastructure.

Khatana also undertook a walkthrough of the venue to inspect the thematic exhibits and departmental stalls set up at the venue.Several key government departments, including Social Welfare, ICDS, Agriculture, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Sheep Husbandry, Sericulture, and Health, have set up operational helpdesks at the venue to offer on-spot information and assistance regarding scheme enrollment.

The opening day also featured thematic lectures by resource persons. Dr. Ankush Khajuria spoke on the salient features of the National Education Policy (NEP), while ICDS Supervisor Ritika outlined nutritional measures under Poshan Abhiyaan. Social Welfare official Sonali detailed services available through One Stop Centres, and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bishan Dubey spoke on anti-drug awareness initiatives under Nasha Mukt Bharat.

Various cultural troupes presented thematic skits and folk performances highlighting initiatives of Government of India.The inaugural event was also attended by Principal of GHSS Katra Smt. Geeta Choudhary, Administrative Officer, CBC, O.P. Maurya, and Tehsildar Katra Joginder Singh, among others. The exhibition will remain open to the public free of charge until October 19.