New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2021. Addressing the 73rd episode of the monthly radio programme, PM Modi said the nation had developed ‘Aatmanirbharta’ during the coronavirus crisis. He added that a major transformation has occurred in people’s attitudes in a period of one year and customers too are demanding ‘Made In India’ products.The Prime Minister said people have shown their support for ‘Vocal for Local’ and urged manufacturers and industry leaders to make world-class products. PM Modi also paid tributes to several revered Sikh personalities, including sons of Guru Gobind Singh, saying their sacrifices helped keep our culture safe.
PM Modi has also urged all Indians, especially youngsters, to write about our freedom fighters from their area.
“I call upon all the countrymen, and especially our young friends, to write about our freedom fighters, events associated with it and write books about tales of valour during freedom struggle from their areas,” PM Modi said.
Referring to the violence at the farmers’ tractor rally on Republic Day¸ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India was saddened by insult to tricolour on Republic Day.
PM Modi spoke about the success of India’s ongoing vaccination drive, which he pointed out, is the largest in the world. Vaccinating corona warriors, who are at the frontline of India’s battle against the deadly pandemic, is the country’s priority, he said.
“You must have noticed about the vaccination programme that India is able to help others because India today is self-reliant in the field of medicines and vaccines,” PM Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi praised the efforts of the four women Air India pilots who flew the airlines’ first non-stop flight from San Francisco in the United States to Bengaluru in Karnataka. “The flight, covering a distance of over 10,000 kms, brought over 225 people to India. Be it any field, participation of nation’s women is continuously increasing,” he said.
“The government is committed to modernizing agriculture and is also taking many steps. Government’s efforts will continue even further,” said PM Modi.
PM Modi has hailed the Indian cricket team’s performance in the recent Test series played against Australia, saying that the players’ hard work is inspiring.
“This month, we got good news from the cricket pitch. After initial hiccups, the Indian team bounced back gloriously and won the [Test] series in Australia. Our team’s hard work and teamwork was inspiring,” PM Modi said.
“Today is the last day of January 2021. Aren’t you also thinking that the month had just started? It feels like it was just a few days ago that we all were wishing each other a Happy New Year. We recently announced the Padma Awards and celebrated the Republic Day. I urge you all to read more about those who were awarded the Padma Awards this year,” said PM Narendra Modi
The radio show is aired live on All India Radio and state broadcaster Doordarshan. Akashvani broadcasts the address in regional languages after the Hindi speech concludes.
After ‘Mann ki Baat’, the prime minister, at 3pm, will address the 125th anniversary celebrations of this iconic journal ‘Prabuddha Bharata’, which he said is closely associated with Swami Vivekananda.