Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Highlights Cultural Unity, Indigenous Initiatives and National Heritage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the Mahaparva of Chhath is a reflection of the deep unity of culture, nature, and society. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, the Prime Minister extended his wishes to everyone on the occasion of Chhath, and in particular to the people of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Purvanchal. He emphasised that every section of society comes together at the Chhath ghats, which is the most beautiful example of India's social unity.

Mr Modi highlighted that the entire country is immersed in the festive spirit and a confluence of devotion, affection, and tradition is being witnessed. He called the dedication and devotion with which women observe fasting during Chhath as inspiring.

Prime Minister recalled that he had written a letter to all citizens recently. In his letter, he had mentioned the country’s achievements that have made this year’s festivals more vibrant. The Prime Minister mentioned that several citizens wrote to him in response to this letter.

Mr Modi noted that Operation Sindoor has filled every Indian with pride. He said that this time, lamps of joy were lit even in those areas which were once affected by Maoist terror. He stated that people want the complete eradication of the Maoist terror that had jeopardized the future of their children. He was pleased to note that there is enthusiasm among people regarding GST Bachat Utsav. He expressed happiness that the purchase of indigenous goods increased tremendously during the festive season. Mr Modi said that in his letter he had urged everyone to reduce by 10% the consumption of edible oil and this he said got a positive response.

Prime Minister highlighted some inspiring stories from different cities of the country regarding cleanliness efforts. He mentioned a unique initiative launched in Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur to clean up plastic waste. Garbage Cafes are being run in Ambikapur where people get a full meal in exchange for plastic waste. These cafes are run by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation.

Mr Modi spoke about Kapil Sharma of Bengaluru who has started a campaign to give a new life to lakes in the city. Mr Sharma’s team has rejuvenated 40 wells and six lakes in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He has also involved corporates and local people in his mission. Prime Minister emphasised that these inspiring examples show that, when people are determined, change is bound to take place.

Highlighting the importance of mangroves, Mr Modi said mangroves grow in salty water and marshy land of the sea and are an important part of the marine ecosystem. These mangroves prove helpful when disasters like tsunamis or cyclones strike. He mentioned that a special campaign for mangroves is being run by the Forest Department of Gujarat. The Forest Department teams started planting mangroves near Dholera near Ahmedabad five years ago. Today, these mangroves have spread over three and a half thousand hectares on the Dholera coast. Prime Minister Modi said that as a result, the number of dolphins in the ecosystem has increased and number of crabs and other aquatic creatures have also grown in number. He added that migratory birds are also visiting the area in large numbers now.

Mr Modi said that apart from Dholera, mangrove plantation is also going on in full swing in Gujarat’s Kutch. A 'Mangrove Learning Centre' has also been set up at Kori Creek. Prime Minister urged people to plant trees wherever they live and further promote the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

Mr Modi was happy to note that security agencies have made commendable efforts in adopting dogs of Indian breeds. BSF and CRPF have increased the number of Indian breed dogs in their contingents. BSF's National Training Centre for dogs is located in Tekanpur, Gwalior. Prime Minister stated that special focus is being accorded to the Rampur Hound from Uttar Pradesh and the Mudhol Hound from Karnataka and Maharashtra. At this Centre, trainers are training the dogs more effectively with the help of technology and innovation. Mr Modi further stated that at the CRPF's Dog Breeding and Training School in Bengaluru, Indian breeds such as Mongrels, Mudhol Hounds, Kombai, and Pandikona are being trained.

Mr Modi recalled that a dog named Riya caught everyone’s attention at the All India Police Duty Meet held in Lucknow last year. He informed that Riya is a Mudhol Hound trained by BSF. Ria had won the first prize, leaving behind several foreign breeds. Mr Modi also expressed satisfaction that BSF has started the tradition of assigning Indian names to its dogs now instead of foreign names.

Prime Minister stated that our indigenous dogs have displayed amazing courage. An indigenous dog of CRPF detected eight kilograms of explosives last year during a patrol in a Maoist-affected area of Chhattisgarh. Mr Modi congratulated BSF and CRPF for their efforts in this direction.

The birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will be observed on the 31st of October. Mr Modi said special ceremonies are held near the 'Statue of Unity' in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on this occasion every year. The Ekta Diwas Parade is also held there, and the capabilities of Indian dogs will be showcased again in this parade. Prime Minister urged people to definitely watch the Parade if they get the chance.

Mr Modi emphasised that the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is a very special occasion for the entire country. He said Sardar Patel has been one of the greatest luminaries of the nation in modern times and his towering personality encompassed many qualities. Prime Minister further stated that Sardar Patel's contributions to numerous movements, from the 'Kheda Satyagraha' to the 'Borsad Satyagraha', are remembered even today. He added that the nation will forever be indebted to him for his contributions as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

Mr Modi stressed that Sardar Patel also laid a strong foundation for India's bureaucratic framework. He urged everyone to participate in the Run For Unity being organized across the country on the 31st of October.

In this edition of Mann Ki Baat, Mr Modi also spoke about Koraput coffee of Odisha. He said Koraput coffee tastes amazing, and coffee cultivation is also benefiting people in the region. He said there are people in Koraput who left their jobs and are successfully cultivating coffee now. He added that there are also many women whose lives have been pleasantly transformed by coffee. Mr Modi termed Koraput coffee as the pride of Odisha.

Prime Minister expressed pride that Indian coffee is becoming popular all over the world. He added that the diversity of coffee is remarkable, be it Chikmagalur, Coorg and Hassan in Karnataka, or Pulney, Shevaroy, Nilgiri and Annamalai in Tamil Nadu. He stated that North-East is also progressing in coffee cultivation which is further strengthening the identity of Indian coffee worldwide.

Prime Minister also touched upon the subject of India’s national song - Vande Mataram. He said that patriotism is an emotion beyond words, and Vande Mataram is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling. Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude. Mr Modi said that Vande Mataram might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old. He highlighted that on the 7th of November, the country will be entering the 150th year of the celebration of Vande Mataram. The song was composed 150 years ago, and in 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time.

Mr Modi urged everyone to make efforts to glorify Vande Mataram and send suggestions with #VandeMatram150. #VandeMatram150.

The Prime Minister also spoke about Sanskrit, which he said, was at one time, a language of communication. He said studies and research were conducted in Sanskrit in that era and dramatic performances were also staged in Sanskrit. He termed it as unfortunate that Sanskrit consistently suffered from neglect during the period of servitude and also after Independence.

He expressed happiness that the world of culture and social media has lent a new lease of life to Sanskrit. He cited examples of people doing interesting work related to Sanskrit. There are many reels in social media where young people are seen speaking in and about Sanskrit. Many even teach Sanskrit through their social media channels.

Mr Modi mentioned one such young content creator named Yash Salunke, whose reel on playing cricket while speaking in Sanskrit has become very popular. He also gave the example of two sisters - Kamala and Janhavi - who create content on spirituality, philosophy, and music. Another channel on Instagram called 'Sanskrit Chhatroham' provides information related to Sanskrit, but also makes humorous videos in Sanskrit. Mr Modi also spoke about Samashti who presents her songs in Sanskrit on social media in myriad ways. Another young person, Bhavesh Bhimnathani, talks about Sanskrit shlokas, spiritual philosophy, and principles on social media. Prime Minister noted that it is pleasing to observe that young people are now fulfilling their duty towards Sanskrit.

Mr Modi said Komaram Bheem’s birth anniversary was celebrated on the 22nd of October. He urged the youth to learn as much as possible about the revolutionary freedom fighter. Komaram Bheem, who was known for his strategic skills and became a major challenge to the unjust rule of Nizam. He said Komaram Bheem lived for only 40 years, but left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless people, especially the tribal community.

Janajateeya Gaurav Diwas will be celebrated on the 15th of next month on the occasion of birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Paying homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Prime Minister said that the work he did for the country's independence and for the rights of the tribal community is unparalleled. He urged everyone to read about great luminaries in tribal communities, such as Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Komaram Bheem.