Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Mann Ki Baat at 11AM today. This is the third Mann Ki Baat programme in PM Modi’s second consecutive term as the Prime Minister of India. The Prime Minister spoke on a wide range of issues in today’s edition of Mann Ki Baat.
Mann Ki Baat, August 2019: Highlights
Shri Krishna Janmashtami
PM Modi started today’s Mann Ki Baat by talking about Janmashtami. He said that one can find answers to today’s problems by following the life of Shri Krishna. “The noble being that he was, although a millennia ago, yet it is as relevant as ever in providing solutions to problems as well as inspiration today”, PM Modi said in today’s address.
“Can anyone even imagine the greatness of his personality, that even after thousands of years, the festival comes along with renewed novelty, a new inspiration, with fresh energy.”
– PM Narendra Modi
“Despite the tremendous might that he possessed, there were times when he would immerse himself in performing the RAAS; at other times he would be in the midst of cows and cowherds; sometimes indulging in sports & games; often playing the flute. A personality brimming with diverse talents and immense capability, yet devoted to empowering society and people, a persona that embodied pioneering accomplishments, a repository, a saviour of people.”, PM said in today’s edition of Mann Ki Baat.
Recalling Shri Krishna and Sudama’s friendship, PM Modi said, “What qualities should the virtue of friendship possess? Who can forget the incident of Sudama? And on the battlefield? Despite his myriad facets of greatness, assuming the role of a charioteer! Or running errands such as lifting a hillock, or at other times picking up leftover leaf plates! One feels a sense of newness in whatever he does.”
150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
India is preparing for a mega festival and the world is talking about it- October 2nd, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The spirit of service has been an inseparable part of Mahatma Gandhi’s life.
“On the one hand, these days, our country is enjoying the feast of rains; on the other, every corner of the country is celebrating festivals and fairs. And this will go on till Diwali.”
– PM Narendra Modi
Remembering Mahatma Gandhi, PM talked about how he served in South Africa and Champaran. Gandhi’ji focused on community service and community mobilisation. PM also requested everyone to visit the places associated with Gandhi Ji and share experiences with others. This year `Swachhata Hi Sewa’ fortnight will begin on September 11.
While stressing about the need for abolishing single-use plastic for environment conservation, PM said, “This year, on the 2nd of October, when we celebrate Bapu’s 150th birth anniversary, we shall not only dedicate to him an India that is Open Defecation Free but also shall lay the foundation of a new revolution against plastic, by people themselves, throughout the country.”
Fight Against Malnutrition
Balanced and nutritious food is essential for all, especially for women and infants as they are the foundation of society’s future. PM called for observing the month of September as “Poshan Abhiyan.” Recalling the ‘Mutthi Bhar Dhaanya’ initiative, the Prime Minister said, “Mutthi Bhar Dhaanya” initiative has turned into a big movement in Nashik. Under this initiative, Anganwadi workers used to collect a handful of grains from people, and they used it to prepare food for children and woman.
Man vs Wild
“When I was thinking about Mann Ki Baat this time, I knew there will be questions on Man vs Wild”
– PM Modi
Talking about his Man vs Wild episode with Bear Grylls, PM said, “I have had a chance to get connected to youth all over the globe. I never thought I’ll be able to touch so many youths all over the world.” PM also put an end to all the doubts whether the episode was shot multiple times or edited as PM was speaking in Hindi and Bear Grylls didn’t know Hindi. PM said that technology helped them to overcome the communication gap between them. A cordless device attached to Bear’s that ear translated Hindi into English simultaneously. “So I used to speak in Hindi but he heard it in English and because of that the communication became very easy and this is an amazing aspect about technology.”, PM said.
PM also talked about the recently published Tiger Census where the number of tigers in India had touched 2,967. Referring to the Tiger Summit that took place in 2010 at St. Petersburg, Russia, PM said that a resolution was passed to double the number of tigers by 2022. “But this is New India, where we accomplish goals in the quickest time possible. We doubled our tiger numbers in 2019 itself.”, PM said.
Fit India Movement
PM also asked the listeners to take part in the ‘Fit India Movement’ that will be launched on National Sports Day, 29th of August. PM will reveal the details about the movement on the 29th of August to spread awareness about fitness.
“My dear countrymen, I will be waiting for your participation on 29th August in ‘Fit India Movement’, in ‘Poshan Abhiyaan’ during the month of September and especially in the ‘Swachhata Abhiyan’ beginning from the 11th of September to the 2nd of October. And 2nd October as a day has been totally dedicated to riddance from plastic. All of us with all our might must try to get rid of plastics from our home and everywhere outside our houses. And I know that all these campaigns will make a big splash on social media. Come, let us proceed with a new zeal, new resolve and renewed strength.”
– PM Modi
PM concluded the address by saying, “Come, let us all march together to make the India which was dreamt of by our freedom fighters and realize Gandhi’s dreams – ‘Swantah: Sukhayah’. Let us proceed, enjoying our inner bliss, expressing our spirit of service.”
