PM Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat

HIGHLIGHTS

·         2022 has indeed been very inspiring and wonderful in many ways. This year India completed 75 years of her independence and in this very year Amritkaal commenced. 2022 saw India attaining the status of the world's fifth largest economy. In this very year, India made a historic feat of administering 220 crore doses of COVID vaccine. The country also crossed the exports figure of 400 billion dollars.

·         The people adopted the historic resolve of making India Atmanirbhar. We welcomed India's first indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant as India made remarkable strides in the Space, Drone and Defence Sector. Even in the field of sports, be it the Commonwealth Games, or the victory of our women's hockey team, our youth have shown tremendous potential.

·         Taking forward the resolve of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat, the people of the country organized many amazing events to celebrate unity and togetherness. In events like the Madhavpur Mela in Gujarat, and the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, many colors of unity were visible

·         The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign organised in the month of August was also an exemplary display of nationalism and unity. This Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav will continue in the same way next year as well and it will further strengthen the foundation of Amritkaal.

·         In the year 2023, we have to take the enthusiasm of G20 to new heights; make this event a mass movement.

·         On 25th December, the nation celebrates the festival of Christmas with much fervor. We also remember our respected former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji who was born on this very date. He was a great statesman who gave exceptional leadership to the country. He has a special place in the heart of every Indian. Be it infrastructure, education or foreign policy, he strove to take India to new heights in every field.

·         On 26th December, we observe Veer Bal Diwas dedicated to the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji. The country will always remember the sacrifice of Sahibzade and Mata Gujri.

·         I am happy that in the era of evidence-based medicine, Yoga and Ayurveda are now standing up to the touchstone of the modern era. An intensive research done by the Tata Memorial Center in Mumbai has revealed that Yoga is very effective for breast cancer patients. The centre presented its findings at the prestigious Breast Cancer conference held recently in the United States of America and at the European Society of Medical Oncology conference in Paris. These results have attracted the attention of the world's biggest experts. According to the research, regular practice of Yoga reduces the risk of recurrence of breast cancer in patients by 15 percent. This is the first example of Indian traditional medicine being tested visa vis the stringent standards of the Western methods. Also, this is the first study, in which Yoga has been found to improve the quality of life in women affected by breast cancer. Its long term benefits have also come to the fore.

·         The Center for Integrative Medicine and Research, established six years ago at AIIMS, Delhi, is also making efforts to validate our traditional medical practices. By using latest modern techniques and research methods. The center has already published 20 papers in reputed international journals that include a paper published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology describing the benefits of Yoga for patients suffering from Syncope. Similarly, in a paper published in the Neurology Journal, the benefits of Yoga in Migraine have been explained. Apart from these, studies are being done regarding the benefits of Yoga in many other diseases like heart disease, depression, sleep disorder and problems faced by women during pregnancy.

·         In the recently concluded World Ayurveda Congress in Goa, delegates from more than 40 countries participated and more than 550 scientific papers were presented. Around 215 companies from around the world including India displayed their products in the exhibition that was held on the sidelines of the event. The way we all are seeing the power of Yoga and Ayurveda in this time of the Corona global pandemic, evidence-based research related to these will prove to be very significant.

·         The disease named 'Kala Azar' is now getting eradicated rapidly from India. Till recently, the scourge of Kalaazar had spread in more than 50 districts across 4 States. But now this disease is confined to only 4 districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. I am sure, the strength and awareness of the people of Bihar-Jharkhand will help the government's efforts to eliminate 'Kala Azar' from these four districts as well. I also urge the people of 'Kala Azar' affected areas to keep two things in mind. One is - control of sand fly, and second, diagnosis and complete treatment of this disease as soon as possible.

·         In this spirit of Sab ka Prayas, we are also working towards eradication of TB (Tuberculosis) by the year 2025. You must have seen, in the recent past, when the TB Mukt Bharat campaign started, thousands of people came forward to help the TB patients. These people, as Nikshay Mitras, are taking care of the patients, helping them financially. This power of public service and public participation achieves every difficult goal with certainty.

·         There is a big responsibility on all of us to keep River Ganges clean. With this objective, eight years ago, we started the Namami Gange campaign. It is a matter of pride for all of us that the United Nations has included the Namami Gange mission in the world's top ten initiatives to restore the ecosystem. With the popularity of the Namami Gange mission, its scope has increased much more than the cleaning of the river. Whereas this evidence is direct proof of our willpower and tireless efforts, on the other hand, it is also going to show a new path to the world in the direction of environmental protection.

·         I am happy that the Swachh Bharat mission has become firmly rooted in the mind of every Indian today. Since the inception of this mass movement in the year 2014, to take it to new heights, many unique efforts have been made by the people. These efforts are being made not only within the society but also on part of the government. The result of these continuous efforts is that - due to the removal of garbage, removal of unnecessary items, a lot of space opens up in the offices, new space is available.

·         A new awareness is dawning in our country about our art and culture, a new consciousness is awakening. Just as art, literature and culture are the collective capital of the society, in the same way; it is the responsibility of the whole society to take them forward. Such successful efforts are being made in Lakshadweep by the Kummel Brothers.

·         Challengers Club by training the youth in the local art of Kolkali, Parichakli, Kilipaat and traditional songs. Likewise, Quemashreeji, who lives in Gadak district of Karnataka has been continuously engaged for the last 25 years in the mission of reviving the art-culture of Karnataka by creating a platform by the name of 'Kala Chetna'. This enthusiasm of the countrymen towards their art and culture is a manifestation of the feeling of pride in our heritage.

·         Ever since the country changed the British-era laws related to bamboo, a huge market has developed for it. Even in areas like Palghar in Maharashtra, tribal people make many beautiful products from bamboo, thus creating opportunities for employment. In Shivamogga in Karnataka, people are making many decorative things ranging from trays, plates and handbags from betel nut fiber. Their products are being sold in London and other markets of Europe. In this traditional knowledge of India, the world is looking at ways of a sustainable future.

(This is an approximate English translation of PM's Mann Ki Baat speech originally delivered in Hindi.)

Source: pmindia.gov.in