PM Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat

101st Edition: Highlights

·         Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 101st episode of Mann Ki Baat on 28th May 2023. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and participation in the program's 100th episode. He acknowledged the constructive analysis and appreciation received from both Indian and international audiences.

·         The Prime Minister engaged in a conversation with Shri Gyamar Nyokum, a first-year Mechanical Engineering student from Arunachal Pradesh, and Ms Vishakha Singh, a young woman from Bihar. The conversation revolved around their participation in the Yuva Sangam, an initiative aimed at fostering unity and strength in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat. Shri Gyamar shared that he was captivated by the magnificent forts and lakes, which he had previously only seen in films and on his phone. The warm hospitality of the people and the opportunity to learn about rainwater harvesting left a lasting impression on him.

·         Meanwhile, Ms Vishakha shared her memorable experiences in Tamil Nadu, including visiting ISRO and meeting the Governor. She discussed with the PM the cultural differences in food and her newfound friendships. The PM encouraged both of them to write blogs sharing their experiences in the Yuva Sangam. Lauding Yuvasangam - a Ministry of Education initiative, the PM said that through this program, young individuals visit different states, experiencing various cultures and meeting people from diverse backgrounds. The first round of Yuvasangam saw 1,200 youths touring 22 states, creating lifelong memories. He implored everyone to explore the beauty and richness of India.

·         The PM shared his experiences during his recent visit to Japan, where he visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial museum. He described the emotional experience and emphasised the importance of cherishing historical memories for the benefit of future generations. The Prime Minister also mentioned the International Museum Expo held in India, which showcased the specialties of over 1,200 museums worldwide. He highlighted various unique museums in India, such as Gurugram's Museo Camera, housing a vast collection of cameras, and Tamil Nadu's Museum of Possibilities, designed with a focus on accessibility for Divyang (differently-abled) individuals. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, preserving over 70,000 items, and the Indian Memory Project, an online museum connecting India's history through pictures and stories, were also mentioned. He urged people to visit these museums and share their experiences through the hashtag #MuseumMemories, reinforcing the connection of Indians with their rich culture

·         The Prime Minister commended the work of innovative startups in water conservation - Fluxgen that utilises IoT-enabled technologies to manage water usage effectively, and LivNSense that employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor water distribution and reduce wastage. Another startup called KumbhiKagaz is making paper from water hyacinth, a plant that was once considered a threat to water sources. He mentioned the youth of Balod district in Chhattisgarh, who go doorto-door to educate people and raise awareness about water misuse, particularly during events like weddings. He also applauded the people of Khunti district in Jharkhand for their successful water conservation initiative through the construction of check dams

·         Reflecting on the iconic slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan given by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri during the 1965 war, PM Shri Narendra Modi observed that former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee later included Jai Vigyan (hail science) and he himself introduced Jai Anusandhan (hail research) in his discussions with scientists. The Prime Minister then shared the inspiring story of Shivaji Shamrao Dole, a retired exserviceman from a poor tribal farmer family in Maharashtra. After retiring from the army, Shivaji Dole pursued a diploma in agriculture, embodying the spirit of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan. He formed a team of 20 people, including ex-servicemen, and took over the management of a dormant cooperative organisation called Venkateshwara Co-Operative Power & Agro Processing Limited. Under his leadership, the cooperative has rapidly expanded to multiple districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, involving around 18,000 people, including many ex-servicemen. The team, which engages in agro farming and water conservation, has also embraced organic farming and dairy production.

·         Prime Minister Modi also remembered Veer Savarkar, a great freedom fighter known for his sacrifice, courage, and determination, on his birth anniversary. Recalling his visit to the cell in Andaman where Veer Savarkar endured the hardships of Kalapani (cellular jail), the PM praised Savarkar's unwavering spirit, aversion to slavery, and his contributions to social equality and justice

·         Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also extolled Sant Kabirdas whose birth anniversary falls on June 4th. He shared Kabirdas' profound words - Kabira Kuan Ek Hai, Pani Bhare Anek Bartan Mein Hi Bhed Hai, Paani Sab Mein Ek which means there could be myriad kinds of people who come to the well to draw water…But the well does not differentiate anyone…water remains the same in all utensils. The Prime Minister encouraged society to follow Kabirdas' path of opposing division and working towards empowerment

·         Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute to NT Rama Rao, popularly known as NTR, on his 100th birth anniversary. He acknowledged NTR's exceptional talent and versatility, both in the film industry and politics. The Prime Minister honored NTR's significant contributions and his ability to rule the hearts of the people

·         Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister implored the countrymen to participate in the upcoming celebration of World Yoga Day on June 21st. He invited people to share their thoughts and suggestions on these topics for future discussions in Mann Ki Baat.

PIB