Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through the 79th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at 11 a.m. on July 25.
He said the country was “proud of our athletes” representing the country at the Tokyo Olympics. “Memorable pictures of the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony are still fresh in my mind,” he said, calling the citizens of the country to cheer for India online and wish the athletes good luck.
“Our victory in Kargil is a demonstration of the valour of our soldiers and we bow before our heroes,” Mr. Modi said, reminding the countrymen that July 26 was Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“On August 15th we enter the 75th year of India’s independence. On March 12th — on Mahatma Gandhi’s launch of Dandi Yatra — we started the Amrit Mahotsav of marking the 75th year of independence. Through the Mahotsav, we got to know unknown aspects of our struggle for freedom,” he said. He cited the example of Moirang in Manipur where the tricolor was unfurled by the Indian National Army.
Amrit Mahotsav is not a programme of the government, but "of the people", Mr. Modi stressed, adding, it would evoke the ideals, like unity of purpose, of our freedom fighters, for the benefit of the country.
'To buy khadi is to serve the country'
National Handloom Day, celebrated on August 7, is one such occasion, he said. "When the Swadeshi movement was launched years ago, many of our artisans were associated with it."
Encouraging the people to buy Indian arts and crafts, Mr, Modi attributed the increase in sales of khadi to its Indian patrons. "To buy khadi is to serve the people and the country #myhandloommypride should be used when you buy and post it online," he said.
'Opportunity to understand mind of youth'
The PM thanked the youth for listening to Mann Ki Baat.
"A recent study by MyGov.in showed that 75% of all suggestions to the programme were from the youth. I’m happy that it is providing me an opportunity to understand the mind of the youth," Mr. Modi said.
He spoke of the efforts of Sai Praneeth, a software engineer from Andhra Pradesh. "He saw that the farmers were being hard hit by weather issues. He now provides weather updates, analysis as well as guidance overcome problems posed by weather conditions."
Odisha’s Isaac Munda, once a day labourer, has now become a YouTube sensation by showcasing his region's cuisine, Mr. Modi shared. "He started this in 2020, with a video about Pakhala Bhaat of Odisha."
"IIT Madras has set up a project of building a home via 3D printing. This is significant as it will accelerate construction activity."
He added that six lighthouse projects were instituted to explore how technology can ameliorate timelines of construction projects.
"I am sharing these things especially for the youth, so they can get attracted to using technology for development."
'Which State do you associate with apples?'
"We can ensure progress when we think away from the league," Mr. Modi said.
To illustrate his point, Mr. Modi asked which State people generally associated with Apples. "What if I told you that even Manipur is in the same category as Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal with respect to apples? T.S. Ringphanium has attempted this in Manipur after studying the techniques used in Himachal."
Berries are popular as a crop among tribal societies. Tripura is showing the way in the cultivation of berries by setting up special nurseries. "Innovations and creativity is increasing in farming and related activities."
Banana-fibre making in Lakhimpur Kheri, using banana-flour for making unique dishes by the women of Uttara and Dakshina Kannada districts are examples of such innovation, he said.
'Sense of service important'
Quoting a verse in Sanskrit which said, 'everyone lives in the world for the self, but only those live in the real who live for others', Mr. Modi stressed that sense of service was more important than money in the society.
He said, in Sector 29 in Chandigarh, a food stall owner, Rana, was providing "choley bhatoorey", for free, for those who got vaccination doses. "His daughter and nieces told him to provide the free food."
"Radhika Shastri of Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu provides transport to those who are ill through the Amburex service that she has set up. Such examples show we can do social work while pursuing other work."
India-Georgia relationship
Friendship between India and Georgia got a fillip when India handed over the holy relic of St. Queen Ketevan, he said. "It was an emotional and solemn function that cemented the ties between Goa and Georgia."
"400-500 years ago, Queen Ketevan was martyred and her relics were kept in St. Augustine’s church. The many years of search for the relics was successful in 2005. India then decided to return a part of the relics to Georgia."
The PM thanked the people of Goa for the gesture of returning the relics.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited a 100 year old Gurudwara in Singapore, which is also a memorial to freedom fighter Bhai Maharaj Singh, Mr. Modi said, speaking about India's international ties.
'Conserve water'
Speaking about the significance of monsoon on India’s economy, Mr. Modi elaborated on its connection to our culture and literature.
"Water scarcity is acute where I hail from. We must conserve water at all costs," he said.
"Rainwater harvesting is important to ensure sustainability for our future generations."
Reminding people to observe COVID-19 protocols, Mr. Modi wished the country for the upcoming festival season.
