As it happened: 'Mann ki Baat' with Modi and Obama

U. S. President Barack Obama joins Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly radio interaction Mann Ki Baat on All India Radio

January 27, 2015 08:10 pm | Updated July 15, 2020 02:52 pm IST

8.00pm: PM Modi introduces President Obama at Mann Ki Baat radio show. "In Swahili, Barack means 'one who is blessed'. In African cultures, they say 'I am because we are'. It is similar to our saying 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam'," says Mr. Modi. He adds, "President Obama's life, the way he has raised his daughters will serve as an inspiration for us - 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' is our social obligation which all of us must fulfill."

I want to tell you, you can come any time, India will always welcome you and your children.

8.05pm: It is wonderful to be able to speak to you directly: President Obama to the people of India during 'Mann Ki Baat'

8.09 pm: Obama: I am told that it is first ever radio address by Indian PM and American President. I appreciate your strong personal commitment to improve ties between our countries: President Obama to PM

8.10 pm: Many efforts I am promoting in US are similar issues PM Modi cares much about here: Barack Obama

8.11pm: First question is from Raj from Mumbai. The question is- how will you share your experiences about India to your daughters? Mr. Obama answers: My daughters wanted to come but unfortunately they had school. They are fascinated by India's culture & history. I am going to tell them that India is as magnificent as they imagined: President Obama

8: 15 pm: Himani from Ludhiana asks- did you both imagine you would reach the positions you are in today. When I first when to White House I stood outside the same fence & never imagined I would visit there, forget living there: President Obama

8.20 pm: Om Prakash from JNU asks President Obama. The question is on youth of the new generation as a global citizen.

8. 21 pm: Emphasis on higher education is necessary for all around development of youth which is actually strength of a Nation. Obama: Leaders can’t simply try to govern by top down strategy, but rather have to engage in dialogue with citizens. Mr. Modi says, "Earlier they said, 'workers of the world unite.' I think today it should be- youth unite the world."

8.22 pm: The next question to PM Modi on which USA leader inspired him the most. Mr. Modi says,"I always say we should read about Benjamin Franklin. He was political leader, thinker & came from a very ordinary family."

8.25 pm: Monica asks President Obama- What makes you smile after a bad day at work? "There are days when its tough & frustrating. But almost daily I meet someone who says you made a difference in my life," President Obama

8.26 pm: President Barack Obama : Health care law that we passed in US, will save lives of children who do not have health insurance.

8.30 pm: I thank President Obama for giving his time for this: PM Modi. Please join this & best thoughts will be shared in an e-book. Please use Twitter, Facebook etc & use #YesWeCan : PM Modi.

 

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