Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat'
Celebrating Athletic and Academic Triumphs
In his latest 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi started by cheering the Indian athletes taking part in the Paris Olympics. He then went on to celebrate another prestigious global competition - the International Mathe-matics Olympiad (IMO). His recogni-tion of India's impressive IMO haul of four Gold and one Silver medal emphasises a larger narrative of national excellence and aspiration. The PM's choice to invite the IMO winners for a live conversation was a brilliant move to personalise and celebrate the country's academic feats. By engaging with Aditya Venkat Ganesh, Siddharth Chopra, Arjun Gupta, Kanav Talwar, Rushil Mathur and Anando Bhaduri, the Prime Minister not only honoured their achievements but also highlighted the dedication and hard work behind their success.
The interaction offered a glimpse into the students' rigorous preparation and the personal stories that fueled their success. Arjun Gupta's mention of his supportive family and the sheer intensity of solving mathematical problems for hours illustrated the relentless pursuit of excellence. Similarly, Kanav Talwar's reflection on the journey rather than just the destination resonated with a broader life philosophy that values effort and learning over mere accolades. Rushil Mathur and Anando Bhaduri provided insightful perspectives on overcoming the fear of mathematics, stressing that curiosity and creativity are essential to understanding and enjoying the subject. Their emphasis on patience and deep comprehension over rote memorisation speaks to a critical educational insight that could transform how mathematics is taught and perceived.
Northeast India's First UNESCO World Heritage Site
Another spotlight of the broadcast was the inclusion of Charaideo Maidam in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. As the first site from Northeast India to receive this honour, Charaideo Maidam stands as a beacon of cultural significance and historical legacy. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi described Charaideo Maidam, located in Assam, as the "shining city on the hills" that was once the capital of the Ahom dynasty. The Maidams-mound-like structures used to honour deceased kings and dignitaries-are unique symbols of respect and reverence in Ahom culture. This recognition by UNESCO not only celebrates the architectural and historical uniqueness of Charaideo Maidam but also promises to boost tourism and global interest in the region. PM Modi's reflection on the Ahom Empire's enduring legacy was both enlightening and inspiring. He praised the empire's remarkable ability to sustain itself from the 13th to the 19th century, attributing its longevity to strong principles and beliefs. His personal experience with the Ahom community, including the unveiling of the tallest statue of the Ahom warrior Lasit Borphukan, added a heartfelt touch to his commentary. The Prime Minister encouraged listeners to include Charaideo Maidam in their travel plans, underscoring its importance as a cultural landmark.
Encouraging Art in Public Spaces
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also introduced Project PARI (Public Art of India), which aims to enhance public spaces through art. He highlighted how this initiative brings emerging artists together to create vibrant murals and artworks in urban areas, enriching public spaces and fostering a deeper appreciation for Indian culture. His mention of notable installations at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi and other public spaces serves as an invitation to art enthusiasts to support and engage with this growing movement.
Traditional Craft for Sustainable Living
Another compelling story from the broadcast was the success of the UNNATI Self Help Group (SHG) in Rohtak, Haryana. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared the inspiring journey of over 250 women who transformed their lives through block printing and dyeing. By joining the SHG, these women have turned their traditional skills into a thriving enterprise, producing high-demand textiles and earning substantial incomes. This narrative of empowerment through skill development highlights the positive impact of community support and entrepreneurial spirit. The PM also shed light on the growing popularity and economic impact of handloom and Khadi industries. His announcement of Khadi Village Industry's turnover surpassing Rs 1.5 lakh crore-marking a 400% increase in sales-highlights a significant shift towards sustainable fashion. The Prime Minister's call to embrace Khadi, especially in August, as a symbol of national pride and independence, reflects a broader trend towards supporting local industries and sustainable practices.
'Manas' Initiative for Combating Drug Abuse
Another pivotal segment of the broadcast focused on the government's efforts to combat drug abuse through the newly launched 'Manas' initiative. By introducing a toll-free helpline and portal, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of accessible support and confidential reporting. This initiative represents a crucial step in addressing the pervasive issue of drug addiction, aiming to provide guidance and resources to those in need.
Community Involvement in Wildlife Preservation
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's discussion on tiger conservation was equally compelling. With Tiger Day on the horizon, the Prime Minister celebrated India's remarkable achievement of housing 70% of the world's tiger population. Highlighting local conservation efforts, such as the "Kulhadi Band Panchayat" in Ranthambore and eco-tourism initiatives by the Gond and Mana tribes in Maharashtra, PM Modi showcased the positive impact of community involvement in wildlife preservation. The stories of tribes like the Chenchus and the efforts in Pilibhit demonstrate a collective commitment to maintaining harmonious relationships between humans and wildlife, ensuring a future for tigers in India.
Environmental Stewardship and Community Efforts
The Prime Minister's discussion on the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign illustrated a significant commitment to environmental conservation. He proudly shared the success of a recent event in Indore, where over 200,000 saplings were planted in a single day. This initiative, which encourages planting trees in honour of one's mother, exemplifies how personal gestures can contribute to broader environmental goals. The PM's call for citizens to participate by posting selfies with their saplings on social media taps into contemporary trends, fostering a sense of personal connection to environmental stewardship. This personal and communal engagement not only aids in increasing forest cover but also strengthens the emotional bond people feel towards both their families and the environment.
Celebrating National Pride with 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan'
As the nation approaches Independence Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's emphasis on the 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan' underscores the deep-seated pride and enthusiasm that the Tricolor invokes across India. This campaign, which encourages citizens to display the national flag at their homes and public spaces, has evolved into a nationwide celebration of patriotism. The PM's mention of the innovative ways people are incorporating the Tricolor into their lives-whether through decorating homes, offices or vehicles-demonstrates how national symbols can foster unity and collective pride. The call to share selfies with the flag on the 'harghartiranga.com' website not only promotes widespread participation but also leverages social media to amplify the sense of national pride.
Inviting Public Participation
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's invitation for suggestions from the public for his Independence Day address reflects a commitment to inclusivity and engagement. By encouraging citizens to share their ideas via MyGov or the NaMo App, the Prime Minister's approach not only enriches the national dialogue but also ensures that diverse voices are heard and represented.
(Source:pmindia.gov.in)