Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation via his radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, 29 July.
PM Modi began his address by expressing concern about the heavy rains lashing the country. He called for patience and responsibility in tackling the monsoon.
The PM mourned the passing of poet Gopaldas Neeraj and urged the nation to celebrate Ganesh Utsav in an eco-friendly manner.
Here are key highlights of the 46th edition of the monthly programme.
On Hima Das and Ekta Bhayan
The Prime Minister expressed adulation for India’s “brave daughters” – athletes Hima Das and Ekta Bhyan. Ekta won the gold and bronze medals in World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2018, held in Tunisia.
On Students
July and August are crucial for the youth, PM Modi said, addressing young Indians who are headed to college. He also congratulated Asharam Choudhury, the son of a rag-picker, for having cleared his Jodhpur AIIMS exam in his first attempt. The prime minister shed light on other young Indians who have overcome odds through their dedication.
On ‘New India’
PM Modi acknowledged the efforts of two young IIT professionals from Rae Bareilly, who used their skills and technology to develop the ‘Smart Gaon’ App. He lauded them for contributing towards the vision of “New India.”
He said that it was time to re-emphasise what Bal Gangadhar Tilak had once said: “Swaraj is my birth right and I shall have it,” pointing that everyone must be able to reap the benefits of good governance and development, the true foundation of “New India”.
On Saints and Festivals
Speaking of the Wari pilgrimage, PM Modi said that the "teachings of our saints continue to inspire us in the fight against social evils". The pilgrimage is proof that India’s youth uphold and respect tradition, he says.
He paid tribute to Indian nationalist Lokmanya Tilak and his resistance of the British Rule. Tilak used Ganesh Utsav to promote values of harmony and equality against the British, he said.
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