Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat

28th January 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating 75 Years of Republic

As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi started his 'Mann Ki Baat' on 28th January 2024, he conveyed greetings to the nation, noting a surge of enthusiasm in Amritkaal. Re-calling the grand celebration of the 75th Republic Day on 26th January 2024, he drew attention to the simultaneous milestone of the Constitution and the Supreme Court completing 75 years. He noted that such celebrations of Democracy strengthen India's position as the 'Mother of Democracy'.

Unity in Pran Pratishtha

The PM observed that the occasion of Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya (consecration of Lord Ram's idol in Ram Janmbhoomi temple) was a unifying force, with millions expressing unanimous feelings and devotion, marked by the widespread singing of Ram Bhajans and the lighting of Ram Jyoti. This collective spirit manifested a crucial foundation for India's developmental aspirations, he noted.

Continuing Collective Effort for Cleanliness

The Prime Minister shared his satisfaction regarding the cleanliness campaign he had initiated, urging the citizens to run it from Makar Sankranti to January 22. He expressed joy at the devotion of lakhs of people who actively participated in cleaning religious places in their respective areas. The Prime Minister acknowledged that many had sent him pictures and videos related to this campaign, emphasising the need for the sentiment not to diminish and the campaign not to stop. He highlighted the transformative power of collectivity, envisioning it as the driving force propelling the country to new heights of success.

Nari Shakti Strengthening the Republic

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared his reflections on the Republic Day parade, highlighting the 'Nari Shakti' (Women Power) displayed by the women contingents of the Central Security Forces and Delhi Police marching on Kartavya path. Drawing attention to the DRDO tableau, he underscored how it captured everyone's attention by showcasing how woman power is protecting the country across diverse fields - water, land, sky, cyber and space. Thus the Prime Minister  highlighted the 21st-century India's commitment to Women- led development as a guiding mantra for progress.

SHGs - Beacon of Women’s Empowerment

Shifting focus to another area where women have made a significant impact, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the growth of women Self-Help Groups in the country. He envisioned a future where Namo Drone Didis would be assisting in farming using drones in every village. The Prime Minister shared an inspiring example from Bahraich, UP, where women in Nibiya Begumpur village, associated with Self-Help Groups, are preparing bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide using local ingredients. This initiative not only increased the income of these women but also improved their financial condition, showcasing the transformative impact of women-led Self-Help Groups in contributing to the country's progress.

People's Padma

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to discuss the remarkable individuals who have received the Padma Awards for their impactful work at the grassroots level. He acknowledged the curiosity across the country to learn about the life journeys of these inspiring awardees, who have worked away from the media spotlight and headlines. He highlighted the diverse contributions of Padma Award recipients, ranging from providing ambulance services and arranging shelter for the destitute to nature conservation efforts and the conservation of rice varieties. Some have played a crucial role in spreading awareness against drug and alcohol addiction, while others are involved in connecting people with Self Help Groups, especially through the Nari Shakti campaign. The Prime Minister under scored the significance of the fact that 30 of the awardees are women, actively contributing to societal progress at the grass-roots level. He described each Padma Awardee's contribution as an inspiration for the country-men.

The Prime Minister shared his satisfaction with the transformed Padma Awards system, which has become more inclusive and participatory over the last decade. Emphasising it as the "People's Padma," he noted that individuals now have the opportunity to nominate themselves. This change has led to a significant increase in nominations, 28 times more than in 2014, showcasing the rising prestige, credibility and respect for the Padma Awards.

Organ Donation: The Gift of Life

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delved into the profound concept that every life has a purpose and individuals are born to fulfill specific goals. High-lighting the diverse ways people contribute to society, be it through social service, military service, or education, he drew attention to a remarkable group among us who continue their responsibility even after life through organ donation. The Prime Minister shared that in recent years, over a thousand people in the country have selflessly chosen to donate their organs after death. Acknow ledging the difficulty of this decision, he emphasised its profound impact as it becomes a lifeline for multiple individuals. Recognising the commendable efforts of various organisations in the country, he described their inspiring initiatives towards organ donation. Some organisations focus on creating awareness about organ donation, while others actively assist in registering individuals willing to donate organs. These collective efforts are fostering a positive environment in the country, leading to an increased awareness and willingness towards organ donation, ulti-mately saving precious lives.

WHO Codification of AYUSH Data

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced that the Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, has successfully categorised data and terminology related to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine. Through this joint effort, the terminology for diseases and treatments in these traditional practices has been codified. This coding ensures that all doctors within these systems use a standardised language on prescriptions, enabling seamless communication and under-standing among practitioners. The Prime Minister emphasised the benefits of this standardised approach, explaining that a single prescription or slip would now contain comprehensive information about the patient's illness, treatment, medications, duration of treatment and allergies. This break-through not only eases the patient's transition between doctors but also aids researchers by providing complete information about diseases, medicines and their effects. Expressing confidence in the swift adoption of this coding by AYUSH practitioners, the Prime Minister acknowledged the invaluable contributions of experts within these systems.

A Radio Revolution in Chhattisgarh

In the heart of Chhattisgarh, a transformative radio programme, 'Hamar Hathi - Hamar Goth,' has been making waves for almost seven years. Broadcasting from four Akashvani stations - Ambikapur, Raipur, Bilaspur and Raigarh - this unique initiative has captured the attention of people living in the forests and surrounding areas. The observations shared by the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shed light on the impactful nature of this programme. The PM commended the programme for its role in announcing the movement of elephant herds through specific forest areas, proving invaluable for the local residents. Upon receiving alerts through the radio about the presence of elephant herds, communities become vigilant, averting potential dangers associated with their paths. Beyond mere protection, this initiative contributes to data collection for elephant conservation. Notably, the success of 'Hamar Hathi - Hamar Goth' extends beyond the airwaves. Social media platforms are employed to disseminate information about elephants, facilitating a balanced coexistence between local communities and these magnificent creatures. This pioneering approach in Chhattisgarh, highlighted by PM Modi, holds lessons for other forest regions across the country, showcasing the transformative impact that radio, even in the age of digital communication, can bring to the lives of communities.

National Voters Day and the Essence of Participation

Describing National Voters Day, celebrated on January 25th, as an echo of the vitality of India's democratic traditions, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the remark-able scale of the country's electorate, with approximately 96 crore voters- a figure nearly three times the population of America and one and a half times that of entire Europe. Commending the Election Commission for its unwavering efforts to fortify democratic values, the PM highlighted the impressive increase in India's voting percentage noting that in the first general elections of 1951-52, only about 45 percent of voters participated. Today, this figure has significantly risen, showcasing a growing engagement of citizens in the democratic process. Acknowledging the importance of continuous amendments to facilitate young voters' registration, the Prime Minister applauded community-level initiatives to enhance voter awareness. Whether through door-to-door campaigns, artistic expressions like paintings, or engaging street plays, these efforts add diverse colors to the celebration of democracy. In a special message to first-time voters, PM Modi urged them to register through the National Voter Service Portal and Voter Helpline App. He emphasised the transformative potential of a single vote, encouraging citizens to recognise the profound impact their participation can have in shaping the destiny of the nation.

Homage to Icons of Patriotism

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid homage to two remarkable personalities, Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. The Prime Minister acknowledged Lala Lajpat Rai's multifaceted contributions, not just as a freedom fighter but as a visionary involved in establishing institutions like Punjab National Bank. He highlighted Rai's focus on not only expelling foreign rule but also strengthening the nation's economic fabric, leaving a lasting impact on Bhagat Singh. The Prime Minister Modi saluted Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa for setting an example of courage and bravery while leading the Indian Army during a crucial period. He underscored Cariappa's significant role in fortifying and enhancing the strength of the armed forces.

Celebrating Sports Fervour

The Prime Minister Modi went on to highlight India's rising prominence in the sports arena. Emphasising the significance of providing ample opportunities for athletes, he lauded the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai, where over 5 thousand athletes showcased their talents. The Prime Minister expressed joy over the continuous creation of new platforms, including the recently organised Beach Games in Diu. India's first multi-sports beach games featured diverse competitions such as Tug of war, Sea swimming, pencak silat, Malkhamb, Beach volleyball, Beach Kabaddi, Beach soccer and Beach Boxing. Despite hailing from landlocked states, players, particularly from Madhya Pradesh, displayed remarkable talent, securing the highest number of medals. This sports fervour, transcending geographical constraints, reflects the spirit that propels a nation to greatness in the sports world.

(Source: pmindia.gov.in)