PM Modi addresses 111th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', urges countrymen to 'plant tree for mother'
The Mann Ki Baat's 111th episode was aired today. This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first radio show after his re-election to the office for a record third term.
Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' -- the monthly radio broadcast -- resumed on Sunday, June 30. Speaking in the occasion, he said, "Today, finally the day has come for which we all were waiting for since February. Through 'Mann Ki Baat', I am once again amongst you, amongst my family members. I told you in February that I would meet you again after the election results and today I am again present amongst you with Mann Ki Baat. The arrival of Monsoon has made your hearts happy as well..."
The Prime Minister also remembered Veer Sidhu-Kanhu's rebellion against British rule' "Veer Sidhu-Kanhu united thousands of Santhal companions and fought the British with all their might, and do you know when this happened? This happened in 1855, that is, two years before India's first war of independence in 1857. Then our tribal brothers and sisters in Santhal Pargana of Jharkhand took up arms against the foreign rulers," he added.
It was last aired on February 25 and then took a break for the Lok Sabha polls. In the 110th episode of the programme, Pm Modi had asked first-time voters to poll in record numbers in the elections and said their maiden vote should be cast for the country.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) guidelines of the Election Commission asked governments not to use official events or public-funded platforms for something that may be seen to give the ruling party publicity or political advantage.
'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi also urged people to plant tree in the name of mother under the campaign - 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. "If I ask you which is the most precious relationship in the world, you will definitely say – Mother. In all our lives, the status of mother is the highest. A mother nurtures her child despite facing every pain. Every mother showers every affection on her child. This love of the mother who gave birth is like a debt on all of us which no one can repay," said PM Modi.
"We cannot give anything to Mother Earth, but can we do something else? With this thought in mind, a special campaign has been initiated on World Environment Day this year. The campaign is called 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree in Mother's Name). I have also planted a tree in the name of my mother," he added.
Mann Ki Baat
Mann Ki Baat which started airing on October 3, 2014 is a monthly programme where the Prime Minister interacts with people from all sections of society, who have been inspired to contribute towards fulfilling the great goals he has set for the nation. The programme has become a key pillar of the government's citizen-outreach programme addressing multiple social groups such as women, youth, and farmers and has spurred community action.
Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat was broadcast by more than 500 broadcast centres of All India Radio.
Studies have shown that over 100 crore people have connected to Mann Ki Baat at least once, it speaks directly to people, celebrates grassroots-level changemakers and achievements of people and has influenced people towards positive actions. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month.
ALSO READ: PM Modi 110th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', says 'India's Nari Shakti touching new heights'