Media Tour Showcases Progress of Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Maharashtra

Mumbai:  In a spirit of unity and national development under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ a Media Tour was organized as part of the Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra by the Press Information Bureau, Mumbai, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The tour brought together seven media representatives each from Uttarakhand and Odisha to witness the progress of the Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Maharashtra from January 8, 2024, to January 13, 2024. The aim was to observe developmental projects, understand governance models, and immerse in the cultural spirit of Maharashtra.

Key Highlights of the Media Tour:

1. Visit to Pune:
   • Journalists explored the Film and Television Institute of India, understanding film courses and production subjects.
   • Heritage walk in Pune facilitated exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
   • Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation showcased its governance model, including the award-winning Smart City Sarathi App and a waste-to-energy project.
   • Visit to the National Institute of Virology in Pune to learn about its role in safeguarding public health and efforts against the Covid pandemic.
2. Exploration of Lonavala:
   • Visit to INS Shivaji, a technical establishment under the Southern Naval Command, offering insights into training personnel for naval operations.
   • Immersion in yoga and meditation at Kaivalyadhama, a centenarian yoga institution in Lonavala.
3. Mumbai Visit:
   • Witnessed cargo handling at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, South Asia’s premier container port.
   • Called on the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais, at Raj Bhavan, discussing media trends and development initiatives.
   • Interaction with PIB Mumbai officials, gaining insights into their regional work and developmental communication initiatives.
   • BMC showcased its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and the 128-year-old heritage building housing its headquarters.
   • Visit to Film City to witness the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking.
   • Exploration of the National Museum of Indian Cinema, showcasing the history of Indian cinema.
4. Observation of Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Mumbai:
   • Witnessed the Yatra’s progress in Goregaon West, observing its unique initiative of bringing governance to citizens’ doorsteps.
   • Interacted with scheme beneficiaries to understand the impact of the Yatra on the poor and vulnerable.

The Media Tour, spanning six days, aimed to provide journalists with a comprehensive understanding of the progress of central government schemes and initiatives in Maharashtra. It also highlighted the operational aspects of regional offices of the Press Information Bureau and fostered professional bonds among journalists from different parts of the country.

The Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 15, 2023, aims to cover over 2.60 lakh Gram Panchayats and 4000+ Urban Local Bodies across the country by January 25, 2024. The Media Tour serves as a crucial initiative to raise awareness and achieve the saturation of various welfare schemes.