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Special Content


Issue no 15, 13 - 19 July 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat'

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, delivered on June 30, 2024, marked a significant return to the airwaves after a hiatus during the election period. After being elected Prime Minister for the third time, Shri Narendra Modi reconnected with the nation and spoke about democratic pride, cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and global achievements of Indians.

Celebrations and Tributes

In his first 'Mann Ki Baat' address since the general elections, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi extended heartfelt gratitude to the citizens for reaffirming their faith in India's democratic system. The PM's acknowledgment of the Election Commission's role and the smooth conduct of the elections highlighted the logistical and administrative prowess required to manage such a vast democratic exercise. The participation of 650 million voters, the largest in any election worldwide, stands as a testament to the strength and vibrancy of India's democracy.

Reminiscing 'Hool Diwas' that commemorates the 1855 Santhal rebellion led by Veer Sidhu-Kanhu, the Prime Minister honoured the courage and sacrifice of the Santhal tribe in their fight against British colonial rule. This rebellion, which predated the well-known 1857 uprising, is a poignant reminder of the numerous contributions to India's freedom struggle from various communities across the country. The PM's tribute served to highlight the often overlooked, yet crucial, role of tribal communities in shaping India's history.

The PM's speech reinforced the notion that democratic spirit and commemoration of historical events are intertwined, underpinning the idea that India's strength lies in its diverse and inclusive heritage.

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the unparalleled value of the mother-child relationship, while remembering the recent World Environment Day event wherein he launched the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign encouraging people to plant trees in honour of their mothers. The campaign has gained significant traction, with people from diverse backgrounds participating and sharing their tree-planting experiences on social media.

The PM emphasised that Mother Earth, much like a nurturing mother, deserves our care and protection, noting the remarkable expansion of forest areas in India over the last decade and the creation of over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars during the Amrit Mahotsav.

Kerala's Karthumbhi Umbrellas: A Beacon of Empowerment

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of the monsoon season and spoke a few words of admiration for a special kind of umbrella from Kerala. The ‘Karthumbhi Umbrella’, which is crafted in Attappady, Kerala. These colourful umbrellas, made by tribal women of Kerala, hold cultural and traditional importance in the region. The Prime Minister praised the Vattalakki Cooperative Farming Society, led by women, for their remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. This society has not only produced these splendid umbrellas but has also ventured into bamboo-handicraft, aiming to open retail outlets and traditional cafes. The Karthumbhi Umbrellas have gained popularity across the country and are even being sold online.This initiative exemplifies the concept of being ‘vocal for local’, as it promotes local craftsmanship and empowers tribal women by providing them with a platform to showcase their culture and traditions.

Cheering Indian Athletes Ahead of Paris Olympics

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi turned his attention to the upcoming Paris Olympics, stirring excitement and anticipation among the citizens. He expressed his hope that all Indians are eagerly waiting to cheer for the Indian sportspersons. The Prime Minister wished the Indian team the very best, recalling the memorable performance of the athletes at the Tokyo Olympics that had filled every Indian heart with pride. Highlighting the rigorous preparations of the Indian athletes post-Tokyo, he mentioned that they have collectively participated in nearly nine hundred international competitions, a testament to their dedication and hard work. He pointed out that the Paris Olympics would feature several firsts for India, including significant advancements in shooting, with both men's and women's teams qualifying in table tennis and the inclusion of shooter daughters in the Indian shotgun team. Additionally, Indian athletes will be competing in new categories in wrestling and horse riding, promising a heightened level of excitement in the games.

Emphasising the importance of nationwide support, he urged everyone to use the hashtag #Cheer4Bharat to encourage and motivate the athletes. He assured that this collective enthusiasm and encouragement would help showcase India's magic to the world.

Hindi Radio Broadcast in Kuwait

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke about a Hindi programme that is broadcasted on Kuwait Radio. The programme, which airs every Sunday for half an hour, showcases various aspects of Indian culture, including films and discussions on the art world, which have garnered significant popularity among the Indian community residing in Kuwait. The Prime Minister expressed sincere gratitude to the government of Kuwait and its people for embracing this initiative, which not only promotes cultural diplomacy but also strengthens the bonds of friendship between India and Kuwait.

India's Global Cultural Influence

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's address touched upon several instances that celebrate India's cultural influence worldwide. He highlighted how Rabindranath Tagore's statue in Turkmenistan, among 24 global poets, honors not just the poet but also India's rich literary heritage. Similarly, the vibrant celebrations of Indian heritage in Suriname and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines underscore the pride and enthusiasm of the Indian diaspora, reflecting a global embrace of Indian culture. Moving on to the significance of International Yoga Day, PM Modi commended the global participation and record-setting events, such as a Saudi woman leading a yoga session for the first time and diverse celebrations from Egypt to Myanmar and even the United States. This widespread participation not only promotes yoga's health benefits but also fosters cultural exchange and global unity.

Highlighting local products' global success, Shri Modi praised Araku coffee from Andhra Pradesh, noting its exceptional quality and the positive impact on tribal communities involved in its cultivation. The success story of Araku coffee exemplifies how indigenous products can thrive globally, benefiting local economies and enhancing farmers' livelihoods.

Local Innovation

The Prime Minister continued by highlighting inspiring stories from across India, showcasing the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. In Jammu and Kashmir, the successful export of snow peas to London from Pulwama stands as a testament to local innovation and initiative. Abdul Rashid Mir's pioneering efforts in cultivating snow peas have not only brought global recognition to Kashmiri produce but also opened avenues for economic growth and prosperity in the region. This achievement underscores the potential of Indian agriculture to diversify and expand into international markets, resonating with the Prime Minister's call to celebrate such local successes with #myproductsmypride.

Celebrating and Preserving Sanskrit

Switching gears, the Prime Minister commemorated 30th of June 2024 as the 50th anniversary of Akashvani's Sanskrit Bulletin, a dedicated broadcast that has kept countless individuals connected to the ancient language over the decades. The PM acknowledged the pivotal role Sanskrit has played in India's cultural and scientific heritage, emphasising the need to integrate Sanskrit into daily life to preserve its rich legacy. Highlighting an innovative initiative from Bengaluru, the PM shared the success of 'Sanskrit Weekend' at Cubbon Park, where enthusiasts gather every Sunday to converse and debate in Sanskrit. Spearheaded by Samashti Gubbi, this initiative has gained widespread popularity, fostering a renewed interest in Sanskrit among people of all ages. By promoting such grassroots initiatives, Prime Minister Modi envisions a broader revival of Sanskrit's relevance in contemporary society, encouraging all Indians to embrace and engage with this ancient language's timeless wisdom.

While concluding the Mann ki Baat episode, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged upcoming religious processions like the Rath Yatra, Amarnath Yatra, and Pandharpur Wari, along with the festive spirit of Kutchi New Year - Ashadhi Beej, reflecting his deep respect for India's rich cultural and spiritual traditions.

(Source: PIB)