New Delhi: In a distinctive fusion of sports and social advocacy, political leaders from both Houses of Parliament convened at Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand Stadium on Sunday to promote the objective of achieving a tuberculosis (TB)-free India by 2025.
The event, known as the “TB Mukt Bharat Awareness Cricket Match,” featured a 20-over format aimed at increasing awareness of tuberculosis and emphasizing public health as India strives to realize a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari highlighted the match’s importance, stating, “We want to send a global message about TB. It is a significant issue that requires proper attention, and we are using this match to raise 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 leaders from various parties uniting for this cause. Our aim is to eradicate TB by 2025, and we need more initiatives like this to raise awareness as we work toward a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Uniting against diseases is crucial for achieving this goal.”
BJP leader Ravi Kishan described the match as historic, underscoring the role of fitness in overcoming TB: “Our goal is to win, and I urge everyone to refrain from any form of intoxication. Through this cricket match, we are promoting fitness as a means to combat TB. Together, we can realize the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 by defeating illnesses like TB.”
AAP leader Raghav Chadha commended the initiative, saying, “It’s fantastic to see MPs from both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha come together for such a noble cause. I hope we witness more collaborative efforts among political leaders to advocate for critical issues like this.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “A TB-free India is our commitment. This cricket match aims to raise awareness about TB, and through this engagement among MPs, we seek to tackle this serious concern with the unifying power of sports. To serve the nation effectively, we must maintain both mental and physical fitness. Sports have always been my passion, and this event offers a chance to contribute to our mission of developing India by 2047.”
The match, which commenced at 9 a.m. on December 15, featured Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur as captain of the Lok Sabha Speaker XI team, while Kiren Rijiju led the Rajya Sabha Chairman XI team.