NE NEWS SERVICES
NEW DELHI, JAN 26
Addressing the nation in 2020’s first and the 61st edition of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the government’s efforts towards water conservation, Khelo India and Gaganyaan among other topics.
The radio programme happened to be on Republic Day, which is why the timing was changed from the usual 11 am to 6 pm to avoid a clash with the parade. “Heartiest greetings to you all on the occasion of Republic Day. Today, we are here on Mann Ki Baat to discuss newer subjects, to celebrate the latest achievements of our countrymen and to celebrate India,” PM Modi said greeting the nation on Republic Day.
Water conservation: Tamil Nadu shows the way
“It gives me the joy to let you know that the Jal-Shakti Campaign that commenced the last monsoon is taking rapid, successful strides with the aid of public participation. A large number of lakes and ponds have been built,” PM Modi said in the first address of his monthly radio programme of 2020.
“And the best part is that in this campaign, people from all strata of society contributed wholeheartedly… Village Suniyakot along the Almora-Haldwani highway in Uttarakhand has also emerged as a similar example of public participation,” PM Modi said.
The PM added, “Whereas, a very innovative idea of harnessing a borewell for rainwater harvesting sprung up from Tamil Nadu. The country is replete with innumerable such stories, of water conservation, lending more strength to the resolves of New India.”
Khelo India University Games to be held every year
PM Modi also spoke about the third Khelo India Games, which concluded on January 22.
“It is very pleasant for all of us to learn that the participation of athletes in ‘Khelo India Games’ is on the upsurge year after year. And this also tells you about the increasing inclination towards sports in our school children,” he said.
“Not only this, in just three years, through ‘Khelo India Games’, thirty-two hundred gifted children have emerged on the sporting horizon! Many of these children grew up amidst dearth and poverty. The stories of the patience and determination of these children who participated in ‘Khelo India Games’ as well as their parents will inspire every Indian,” PM Modi said in the radio address.
“If I take the name of David Beckham, you will say that it is about the famous International Footballer. But now, we too have a David Beckham amidst us and he has won a gold medal at Youth Games in Guwahati, that too in 200m sprint event in cycling,” he said.
PM Modi announced Khelo India University Games saying, “National Games is an arena, where players get a chance to display their passion besides becoming acquainted with the culture of other states. Therefore, we’ve decided to organize ‘Khelo India University Games’ every year on the pattern of ‘Khelo India Youth Games’.”
“Next month, the first edition of ‘Khelo India University Games’ is being organised in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 22 to March 1. And more than 3,000 players have qualified for participating in these games,” he added.
Surrender of militants in Assam
PM Modi said Assam witnessed a great achievement as 644 militants from eight different militant groups surrendered with their weapons.
“Those who had strayed towards the path of violence, have expressed their faith in peace and decided to become a partner in the country’s progress and return to the mainstream,” he said.
“Countrymen will be thrilled to know that insurgency in the North-East has considerably reduced. And the biggest reason for that is that every issue of this region is being honestly and peacefully solved through dialogue,” PM Modi added.
Violence never resolves any issue
On the topic of violence, PM Modi said, “We live in the 21st century that is the era of knowledge, science, and democracy. Have you ever heard of a place where life has turned better due to violence? Have you ever heard of a place where peace and goodwill have been impediments in the quest for a good life?”
“Violence never resolves any issue. No problem can be solved by creating another problem. It can only be solved by seeking an optimal solution. Come let’s together forge a new India, where every issue is resolved on a platform on peace. Solidarity should be the key to resolving every issue. And brotherhood should foil every attempt to divide us,” he stated.
Gaganyaan gets a thumbs up
PM Modi said the country has taken another step towards the Gaganyaan mission.
“Friends, you would be aware that four candidates have been already selected as astronauts for this mission. All of them are pilots of the Indian Air Force. These promising youngsters symbolise India’s skill, talent, ability, courage, and dreams,” he said.
“On the auspicious occasion of Republic Day, I congratulate these four youngsters and the Indian and Russian scientists and engineers associated with this mission,” he further said.
