Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat
Reflecting on a Decade of 'Mann Ki Baat'
In the 114th episode of Mann Ki Baat on September 29, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reflected on the emotional journey of the programme, which completed a decade. He highlighted how this platform, which coincidentally began on the occasion of Vijayadashami and marked its 10th anniversary on the first day of Navratri, fostered a deep connection with millions of listeners. He fondly recalled how listeners from every corner of the country contributed to the show, sharing positive and inspiring stories that shaped its unique identity.
Acknowledging Contributors
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to those involved in the success of the programme, particularly the teams at Doordarshan, Prasar Bharati, and All India Radio, for their tireless efforts in making the show accessible. He also extended his thanks to TV channels, regional networks, print media, and YouTubers who played a role in amplifying the messages shared in Mann Ki Baat. The programme, broadcast in 22 Indian languages and 12 foreign languages, has become a household name, and PM Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged the wide-ranging efforts to popularise it, including the quiz competitions hosted on MyGov.in.
Water Conservation Initiatives
Turning to issues of national importance, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of water conservation, especially in the context of recent heavy rains. He praised initiatives like 'Catch the Rain' and shared inspiring stories from Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, where women from a Self Help Group, known as 'Jal Saheli,' revitalised the Ghurari river using local techniques. The Prime Minister also commended efforts from Madhya Pradesh, where women-led initiatives in Raipura and Khomp villages have improved water conservation and generated livelihoods through fish farming and fruit forests.
Grassroots Cleanliness Campaigns
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spotlighted grassroots cleanliness efforts, particularly in Uttarkashi's Jhala village, where the youth have initiated the 'Dhanyvaad Prakriti' campaign, and in Puducherry, where Ramya led a team of youth in beach cleaning efforts. These campaigns, he noted, were part of the larger Swachh Bharat Mission, which had been transforming the cleanliness landscape of the nation for a decade. As the mission approached its 10th anniversary on October 2, 2024, Shri Modi urged citizens to continue participating in cleanliness drives and adopt the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. He also mentioned the inspiring work of Subramanian from Kozhikode, Kerala, who repaired over 23,000 chairs, embodying the spirit of the 'Waste to Wealth' initiative.
Heritage Restored
The Prime Minister proudly shared that, during his recent visit to the United States, President Mr. Joe Biden returned approximately 300 ancient artefacts to India, some dating back 4,000 years. These artefacts, made of materials such as terracotta, stone, ivory, and bronze, including statues of Jain Tirthankaras, Bhagwan Buddha, Bhagwan Shri Krishna, and animal figurines from various parts of India. The PM expressed his happiness at the return of these treasures, which were often smuggled out of the country. He emphasised that India's efforts to reclaim its heritage had been met with respect from the global community, leading to the return of many such artefacts over the past decade.
Preserving Tribal Languages: A Digital Initiative for 'Santhali'
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi opened his address by spotlighting the efforts to preserve the Santhali language, spoken by the Santhal tribal community in India and neighboring countries. He said, Shri Ramjeet Tudu's digital campaign to promote the use of Santhali through its Ol Chiki script highlighted how technology could revitalise endangered languages. This initiative not only preserves cultural heritage but also empowers margina-lised communities, allowing their langu-age and stories to reach a broader audience.
Environment Conservation: A National Campaign
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi praised public participation in environmental campaigns, particularly the initiative Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam which saw millions of saplings being planted across the country. He said, the record-breaking efforts of states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan reflected the nation's collective resolve to address environmental issues. Individual stories like that of Telangana's Shri K.N. Rajasekhar, who personally planted over 1,500 saplings, showcased the power of individual action in contributing to a larger cause. The PM's emphasis on environmental responsibility resonated with the global urgency to combat climate change.
Traditional Medicine and Herbal Gardens: Connecting Past and Future
Highlighting the inspiring story of Ms. Subhashri from Tamil Nadu, who cultivated a herbal garden with over 500 rare medicinal plants, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi brought attention to India's rich heritage in traditional medicine. Her personal journey of exploring medicinal herbs, driven by an incident from her childhood, demonstrated how traditional knowledge can play a vital role in contemporary health solutions. The segment served as a reminder of the need to preserve and promote indigenous knowledge systems that are both practical and culturally significant.
New-Age Careers: Creativity and Innovation in Focus
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also addressed the changing landscape of job opportunities, especially in emerging fields such as gaming, animation, film making, and digital content creation. Through the Create in India initiative, the government is providing platforms for young creators to showcase their talent, emphasising that the future economy will be driven by creativity and digital innovation. This focus on new-age skills reflects the shifting nature of employment in an increasingly digital world, encouraging the youth to harness their potential in these areas.
Celebrating 'Make in India': A Decade of Progress
Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Make in India campaign, the Prime Minister expressed pride in how the initiative had transformed India into a global manufacturing powerhouse. He attributed the success to the collective efforts of big industries, MSMEs, and small shopkeepers. By stressing the importance of 'Quality' and 'Vocal for Local,' Shri Modi reiterated the need for Indian goods to meet global standards while promoting indigenous products. The example of Bhandara's Tussar Silk Handloom industry underscored how local craftsmanship is being revitalised through community efforts, particularly women-led Self-Help Groups.
A Call for Festive Inclusivity and National Pride
Concluding his speech, Shri Narendra Modi encouraged citizens to celebrate the upcoming festival season by promoting local products, reinforcing the message of Vocal for Local. His appeal for inclusivity during festivals highlighted the importance of shared joy and national pride in Indian-made goods.
This Mann Ki Baat episode covered a wide range of topics, each reflecting the broader narrative of a self-reliant and culturally enriched India. From the preservation of tribal languages and environmental conservation to the promotion of traditional knowledge and emerging creative industries, Shri Modi's speech painted a picture of an evolving nation deeply rooted in its heritage but forward-looking in its aspirations. The call for collective participation, innovation, and pride in Indian-made products continues to resonate as key themes in the Prime Minister's vision for India's future.
(Compiled by EN Team. Source: pmindia.gov.in)