Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 29 August, addressed the nation in the 80th episode of "Mann ki Baat", opening it with a tribute to Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, on the occasion of his birthday, which is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
"This year, we won an Olympic medal in hockey after 40 years. You can imagine how happy Major Dhyan Chand must be today. We're seeing love for sports in the youth today. This passion for sports is the greatest tribute to Major Dhyan Chand," the PM said in his monthly radio broadcast.
"We must not let this momentum stop. Our sports grounds in villages, towns, cities must be full. Only through the participation of all can India attain the height in sports it deserves make it a reality with the mantra 'Sabka Prayas'," he added.
As the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Games are underway, the PM Modi said, "India is cheering for our Paralympics contingent. At a larger level, there is renewed momentum towards sports across India. Our fields must be full of players."
Youth of Nation Want to Do Something New: PM Modi
Speaking about the youth, PM Modi said that they want to do something new and on a large scale and that the start-up culture has become very vibrant in India with youngsters in even smaller cities embracing it, which indicates a bright future for the nation.
"Youths are exploring the unknown. They want to carve out new paths and the youth want to take risks, they want to give wings to their dreams by building startups in new sectors," he said.
"Ask any youngster what he or she wants to do and a common answer will be – a start up," he said, adding that India’s youth is giving emphasis to quality.
PM Modi on 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'
The prime minister also said that the need of the hour is to give importance to skill development.
In his address, PM Modi emphasised a need to keep the momentum on the nation's 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' and praised Indore and Mumbai for their efforts in this regard.
"MP's Indore continues to be number one in 'Swachhata' rankings for last many years. Now, the people of Indore have resolved to make their city a 'Water Plus City'. In our country, cleanliness will improve with the number of 'Water Plus' cities," he said.
PM Modi further said that it is the responsibility of the citizens to carry forward the spiritual traditions and philosophy of India.
"Let us celebrate our festivals, understanding the scientific reasons behind the festivals. There is an underlying message in every festival," he said.
Citing the example of 'Vishwakarma Puja', the Hindu god considered to be the divine architect, which is to be held in the coming days, he said that the festival is essentially an ancient Indian practice of pay tributes to different skills.
"Be it an ironsmith, a potter, a carpenter, an electrician, a house painter, a sanitation worker, or someone who repairs mobiles and laptops. They are known only for their skills. In modern form, they are also known as Vishwakarma," the PM said.
PM Modi Calls for Efforts to Promote Sanskrit Language
The PM highlighted the "inspiring work" being done by people across the world in researching the Sanskrit language, mentioning the names of Rutger Kortenhorst, Sanskrit scholar and teacher in Ireland, Professor Boris Zakharin of the Moscow State University, also the Sydney Sanskrit School in Australia.
He also talked about an FM radio station from Gujarat's Kevadiya that works to promote Sanskrit language.
It must be noted that India has observed the Sanskrit Week from 19 August to 25 August this year.
The PM also added that although 62 crore vaccine doses have been administered, citizens still need to remain vigilant and follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
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