Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the first 'Mann Ki Baat' episode of the year on Sunday, 30 January. This is the 85th episode of the programme.
"We saw that the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' near India Gate and the Jyoti lit at the 'National War Memorial' in the vicinity, were merged. There were tears in the eyes of many countrymen and martyr families on this emotional occasion," Modi said.
"The contribution and inspiration of martyrs is eternal, much like the flame of the Amar Jawan Jyoti," PM Modi said.
PM Modi also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 74th death anniversary, saying it is our collective endeavour to further popularise his ideals.
Speaking about a postcard from a girl in Uttar Pradesh who had said she wants to see an India free of corruption by 2047, Modi said, “You have talked about corruption-free India. Corruption is like a termite which makes the country hollow. Why wait for 2047 to get rid of it? This is a work all the people of the country, today’s youth, have to do together, it has to be done as soon as possible.”
Regarding India’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, PM modi noted that over 4.5 crore children have so far received a dose of the vaccine. “India is fighting with great success with the new wave of Corona,” he said.
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