Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat broadcast on 25th August 2024, resonated with themes of national pride, innovation and social responsibility. Through this broadcast, the Prime Minister touched upon several critical areas, each reflective of India's aspirations and the collective efforts that are shaping the nation. Here are the highlights of the key topics discussed:
Chandrayaan-3 and the First National Space Day
The Prime Minister began by highlighting the historic significance of August 23, which marked the celebration of the first National Space Day. This day commemorated the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's southern pole, specifically at the Shiv-Shakti point. This achievement positioned India as the first nation to land at this part of the moon, fostering national pride and global recognition.
Prime Minister Modi interacted with young entrepreneurs from the Spacetech start-up GalaxEye, a venture initiated by IIT-Madras alumni. The dialogue with the founders-Suyash, Daniel, Rakshit, Kishan and Praneet- underscored the impact of space sector reforms introduced in 2020. The conversation revealed how these reforms have invigorated India's space ecosystem, making it conducive for start-ups to innovate and contribute to national security and agricultural development through advanced satellite technology.
A Call for a New Generation of Political Leaders
Shri Narendra Modi reiterated a crucial appeal he made from the Red Fort on Independence Day- a call for one lakh youth from non-political backgrounds to engage actively with the political system. The Prime Minister emphasised that for India to achieve its vision of becoming a developed Bharat, it is essential to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only politically aware but also driven by a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to public service. He stressed that the active participation of the youth in politics is not just about contesting elections but also about engaging in the democratic process at multiple levels- be it through grassroots activism, community service or policy advocacy. This call, as highlighted by the Prime Minister, is not merely a response to the current political climate but a proactive measure to ensure that India's democratic system remains vibrant and resilient. As the nation charts its course towards becoming a global leader, the involvement of its youth in politics will be instrumental in shaping policies that are forward-thinking, inclusive and reflective of the country's dynamic spirit.
A Nation United Under the Tricolor
The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign was another focal point of the broadcast. The Prime Minister highlighted the widespread participation in this initiative, where citizens from all walks of life displayed the national flag across homes, schools and public spaces. The campaign, which saw more than five crore selfies uploaded on its official website, served as a powerful symbol of national unity and the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat.
Conservation and Environmental Responsibility
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared a heartwarming story from Barekuri village in Assam, where the Moran community has cultivated a unique bond with the Hoolock Gibbons, an endangered species native to Northeast India. This relationship reflects India's tradition of living in harmony with nature. The villagers have created a sanctuary for these primates, ensuring their protection despite the pressures of modern development. This example under-scores the community's commitment to conservation and the idea that human progress can coexist with environ-mental stewardship.
The Prime Minister highlighted another innovative conservation effort in Arunachal Pradesh where young innovators use 3D printing to create biodegradable replicas of animal parts, like horns and tusks, to combat poaching. These realistic, sustainable replicas help protect endangered species by reducing demand for real animal parts in illegal markets. The Prime Minister praised this initiative as a powerful intersection of tradition, technology and environmental steward-ship, encouraging more start-ups to contribute to such causes.
By spotlighting these efforts, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of empowering young innovators in environmental conservation. He stressed that preserving India's biodiversity is vital for future generations and aligns with the broader vision of a developed Bharat, where progress is achieved through sustainable resource management.
Waste to Wealth: A Model of Environmental Stewardship
The Prime Minister lauded the sanitation workers of Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, who turned waste materials into beautiful artworks, embodying the mantra of 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.' Their creative use of plastic waste, old tyres and other materials not only beautified their local park but also set an example of environmental stewardship that others can follow.
Sanskrit's Global Reach
Shri Narendra Modi shared a captivating story from Lithuania, where a professor organised an event called "Sanskrit on the Rivers" on World Sanskrit Day. This unique event involved reciting Vedic texts on the banks of a river, drawing participants and spectators alike to connect with the ancient language in a serene, natural setting. The event in Lithuania highlights how Sanskrit, often regarded as the mother of many modern languages, continues to resonate with people far beyond India's borders. It reflects a growing appreciation for the language's historical significance, philosophical depth and its role in preserving ancient knowledge. The recitation of Vedic texts, a practice deeply rooted in Indian tradition, took on a new dimension in this European context, bridging cultures and fostering a shared reverence for ancient wisdom. The Prime Minister praised this initiative as an example of how Sanskrit can be celebrated and revived in innovative ways across the world. He called for more initiatives that celebrate the language's legacy, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of contemporary culture and education.
Strengthening the Nation Through Fitness and Nutrition
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underscored the significance of physical fitness and proper nutrition, highlighting the ongoing Fit India campaign as a cornerstone of the nation's health agenda. He reiterated that a healthy population is fundamental to a strong and prosperous nation and that fitness should be a priority for every citizen, regardless of age or background. The Prime Minister stressed that physical activity alone is not enough; a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. He emphasised that good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy life, particularly for children, whose growth and development are directly influenced by their dietary intake.
In this context, the Prime Minister announced that September has been designated as Nutrition Month, a dedicated period aimed at raising awareness about the importance of nutrition, especially for children. One of the key focuses of Nutrition Month will be enhancing child nutrition, recognising that the well-being of the nation's future generations depends on it. The Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role of Anganwadi centers, which are grassroots-level childcare facilities in India, in this effort. These centers, along with local communities, are instrumental in providing essential nutrition and health services to young children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Through targeted campaigns, educational programmes and community involvement, Nutrition Month aims to bring about a significant shift in public awareness and behaviour regarding nutrition. The Prime Minister called upon all stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental organisations and citizens, to actively participate in these initiatives.
Honouring Mothers and Nurturing Nature: A Tree for Every Mother
Shri Narendra Modi also touched upon environmental responsibility through the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" (One Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign. This initiative encourages citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, symbolising both the nurturing role of mothers and the vital importance of environmental conservation. By linking the act of planting a tree to a personal and emotional connection, the campaign aims to foster a deeper commitment to protecting the environment. The Prime Minister emphasised that this campaign not only contributes to the nation's green cover but also instills values of respect and care for nature in the younger generation. He encouraged every citizen to participate in this movement, which aligns with broader national efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable living.
Compiled by EN Team
(Source:pmindia.gov.in)