Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat

27th November 2022

India's G20 Presidency:  The G20 is a partnership comprising two-thirds of the world's population, three-fourths of world trade, and 85% of world GDP. It is a great opportunity for India to preside over such a big group, such a powerful group. This becomes even more special because India was awarded this responsibility during Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal. We have to make full use of this opportunity and focus on global good, world welfare. Whether it is peace or unity, sensitivity towards the environment, or sustainable development, India has solutions to challenges. The theme that we have given to India's G20 Presidency - 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'- shows our commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam that is; there should be welfare of all, peace to all, fulfilment to all and well-being for all.

G20 - an Opportunity to Showcase India's Pride : In the coming days, many programs related to G20 will be organised in different parts of the country. During this period, people from different parts of the world will get a chance to visit your states. I am sure that you will bring the diverse and distinctive colors of your culture to the world. You also have to remember that the people coming to the G20, even if they come now as delegates, are tourists of the future. I would also urge schools, colleges and universities to create opportunities for discussions, debates and competitions related to G20 in their respective places. If you go to the www.G20.in website, you will find many things there according to your interest.

India's Strides in Space Sector: On the 18th of November, the whole country witnessed history being made in the space sector with the launch of 'Vikram-S' - the first such rocket, which was designed and developed by the private sector of India. Vikram-S is equipped with many features and is lighter and cheaper than other rockets. Its development cost is much less than the cost incurred by other countries involved in space missions. In space technology, world class standard at a low cost, has now become the hallmark of India You will be surprised to know that some crucial parts of this rocket have been made through 3D Printing. This marks the dawn of a new era for the private space sector in India and the beginning of a new era full of self-confidence for the country. India is sharing its success in the space sector with its neighbouring countries as well. India recently launched a satellite jointly developed with Bhutan. This satellite will help Bhutan in the management of its natural resources. The launching of this satellite is also a reflection of the strong Indo-Bhutan relations.

Drones Delivering Apples: A few days ago we saw how apples were transported through drones in Kinnaur, a remote district of Himachal where there is heavy snowfall in this season. During snowfall, Kinnaur's connectivity, especially transportation of goods, with the rest of the state becomes very difficult for weeks. Now with the help of Drone technology, delicious Kinnauri apples of Himachal will start reaching people more quickly. This will reduce the expenditure of our farmer brothers and sisters. As apples will reach the market on time, there will be less wastage. Our countrymen are making things possible with their innovations, which could not even be imagined earlier. In recent years, our country has undertaken a long journey of achievements. I have full faith that we Indians and especially our young generation are not going to stop now.

Indian Music Making a Mark: You will be pleased to know that in the last 8 years, the export of musical instruments from India has increased three and a half times. Talking about electrical musical instruments; their export has increased by 60 times. This shows that the craze for Indian culture and music is increasing all over the world. The biggest buyers of Indian musical instruments are developed countries like the USA, Germany, France, Japan and the UK. It is a matter of fortune for all of us that our country has such a rich heritage of music, dance and art. Our forms of music have not only enriched our culture, but have also left an indelible mark on the music of the world. The fame of Indian music has spread to every corner of the world.

Preserving Tribal Culture; Promoting Sustainable Living: The lifestyle of the Naga community in Nagaland; their art-culture and music; is an important part of the glorious heritage of our country. The life of the people of Nagaland and their skills are also very important for a sustainable life style. In order to save these traditions and skills and pass them on to the next generation, the people there have formed an organisation -'Lidi-Cro-U'. 'The organisation has undertaken the work of reviving beautiful facets of Naga culture which were on the verge of being lost. For example, this organisation has started the work of launching Naga music albums. They also organise workshops related to folk music and folk dance, traditional Nagaland style of apparel making, tailoring and weaving, and making bamboo products. With this, these youth not only get connected with their culture, but also create new employment opportunities. Friends, there will be such cultural styles and traditions in your region too. You too can make such efforts in your respective areas.

Kindling the Flame of Education: In Bansa, a village in Hardoi, 70-80 kilometres away from Lucknow, Jatin Lalit Singh ji is engaged in kindling the flame of education by establishing a 'Community Library and Resource Centre' two years ago. The centre has more than 3000 books related to Hindi and English literature, computer, law and materials that can be useful in preparing for many government exams. Small children also come here to learn new things while playing. Be it offline or online education, about 40 volunteers are busy guiding the students at this center. Similarly, Sanjay Kashyap ji of Jharkhand is also giving new wings to the dreams of poor children. He is known as the 'Library Man' for children in many districts of Jharkhand. When Sanjay ji had started working, he had got the first library built at his native place. Wherever he was transferred during his job, he would get involved in the mission of opening a library for the education of poor and tribal children. His mission to open a library is taking the form of a social movement today.

Manav Mandir - an Epitome of Human Service:  The world of medical science has made a lot of progress with the help of research and innovation as well as state-of the-art technology and equipment, but some diseases, even today, remain a big challenge for us. One such disease is - Muscular Dystrophy! It is mainly a genetic disease that can occur at any age, in which the muscles of the body begin to weaken. The treatment and care of such patients require great sense of service. We have such a centre at Solan in Himachal Pradesh, which has become a new ray of hope for the patients of Muscular Dystrophy. The name of this centre is 'Manav Mandir' and is run by the Indian Association of Muscular Dystrophy. Along with Physiotherapy, Electrotherapy, and Hydrotherapy, diseases are also treated here with the help of Yoga-Pranayama. The centre also organises awareness camps for patients not only in Himachal Pradesh but across the country. The most encouraging thing is that the management of this organisation is mainly done by people suffering from this disease. Efforts are also on to develop Manav Mandir as a hospital and research centre.

(This is an approximate translation of PM's Mann Ki Baat originally delivered in Hindi). Source: pmindia.gov.in)