In the 116th episode of his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his enthusiasm for direct communication with the people, saying, “I eagerly wait for ‘Mann Ki Baat’ throughout the month so that I can have direct communication with you,” underscoring the importance of staying connected with the public.
During the address, the Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in shaping the personality of students and urged young people to join in large numbers, pointing out that participation in NCC can enrich their overall development. PM Modi also addressed the crucial role of youth in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), stressing that the energy, skills, and commitment of young people are essential for the nation’s growth.
In this context, he announced the upcoming ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue,’ which will take place at Bharat Mandapam on January 11-12, 2025, to commemorate the 162nd birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. The initiative aims to bring together young leaders from across India to discuss and strategize the way forward for a developed India. Further, PM Modi acknowledged the transformative role of technology in simplifying life for senior citizens, particularly through the introduction of the Digital Life Certificate, which has streamlined the pension process. He praised the youth for their efforts in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that the elderly are not left behind in the technological revolution.
He remarked, “Our youths are leading the way! By educating seniors about digital innovations and online safety, they’re empowering them to navigate the digital world confidently.” In addition to these discussions, the Prime Minister highlighted several inspiring initiatives that are making a positive impact across the country. He spoke about the Prakrith Arivagam library initiative in Chennai, which helps reduce screen time for young people and fosters creativity. PM Modi also shared his experience of visiting Guyana, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic ties between India and the Caribbean nation.
He urged the listeners to share stories of how Indian immigrants have made significant contributions in different countries, showcasing the global impact of the Indian diaspora. PM Modi also mentioned an “Oral History Project” being carried out in India to collect the experiences of people who suffered during the partition. He emphasised the importance of preserving history, stating, “A country or place that preserves its history ensures its future is secure.”
In the global context, he spoke about an effort underway in Slovakia related to conserving and promoting Indian culture, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy. He also celebrated a major milestone of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which has successfully planted 100 crore trees in just five months. The campaign has turned into a global movement, with citizens across the country participating in the environmental initiative.
PM Modi encouraged everyone to plant a tree in honor of their mothers, making it a tribute to both the environment and the maternal bond. The Prime Minister also shared a heartwarming story of the ‘Koodugal Trust’ in Chennai, which is working to bring back sparrows into children’s lives, and a campaign called ‘Early Bird’ in Mysuru, Karnataka, aimed at educating children about the importance of nature. He commended these unique initiatives for fostering environmental awareness among young minds.
PM Modi also highlighted the launch of a special Swachhata Abhiyan to clear decades-old files and scraps from government offices and shared an inspiring ‘waste-to-wealth’ story from Mumbai, where two sisters, Akshara and Prakriti, are creating fashion items from fabric scraps. The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of the Kanpur Ploggers Group for their ongoing contribution to spreading the message of cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Through these initiatives, PM Modi reinforced the importance of community participation, environmental stewardship, and preserving the cultural heritage while fostering a sense of responsibility among the youth.
