Lawmakers Join Forces in Cricket Match to Advocate for TB Elimination by 2025
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New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) In an innovative fusion of athletics and social consciousness, lawmakers from both Houses of Parliament converged at Delhi's Major Dhyan Chand Stadium on Sunday to champion the vision of a TB-free India by 2025.
The 20-over cricket event, termed the "TB Mukt Bharat Awareness Cricket Match," is designed to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and underscore the significance of public health in India's endeavor to evolve into a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari highlighted the match's importance, stating, "We are striving to convey a message to the globe regarding TB. TB is a grave issue and requires serious attention. This match serves as a platform for raising awareness."
Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu remarked, "We are intensifying our efforts in the ongoing fight against TB in India. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with political figures from various parties uniting for this cause. Our target is to eliminate TB by 2025. We need more initiatives like this to elevate awareness as we aim for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. To realize this goal, we must come together to combat diseases."
BJP leader Ravi Kishan characterized the match as historic and emphasized the critical role of fitness in overcoming TB: "We will strive for victory against our opponents. I urge everyone to abstain from any form of intoxication. Through this cricket match, we are delivering a message to maintain fitness and conquer TB. We will turn our vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 into reality by overcoming diseases like TB."
AAP leader Raghav Chadha lauded the initiative, stating, "It is commendable that MPs from both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have united for such a noble cause. I hope to witness more endeavors where political leaders from diverse parties collaborate to advocate for significant issues like this."
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also underscored the event's significance, asserting, "A TB-free India is our commitment. We’ve arranged this cricket match to elevate awareness about TB. Through this match involving MPs, we aim to confront this severe illness with the influence of sports. To serve our nation, we must be both mentally and physically robust. Sports has always been a passion for me, and this is an opportunity to contribute to our goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047."
The match commenced at 9 a.m. on December 15, with Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur captaining the Lok Sabha Speaker XI team, while Kiren Rijiju led the Rajya Sabha Chairman XI team.
