New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the 51st edition of his popular radio broadcast programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Wishing the nation on the new year 2019, Prime Minister Modi praised Indian athletes for their exemplary performances in Asian Games and Blind Cricket World Cup.
He mentioned that in 2018, the health insurance scheme – Ayushman Bharat – was launched. The Prime Minister added that electricity has reached every village of the country. World agencies recognise that India is pulling its citizens out of poverty at a record pace, he said.
Modi lauded Pune’s 20-year-old Vedangi Kulkarni who has become the fastest Asian woman to travel around the world on a cycle. Calling her passion for cycling commendable, he said that for 159 days the 20-year-old used to cycle 300km per day.
Kumbh Mela is beginning from January 15 in Prayagraj. Kumbh is huge as well as divine. UNESCO listed Kumbh in Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last year, he said.
“There was a lot of discussion in media about a 16-year-old daughter, Rajni who won a gold medal in Junior National Women Boxing Championship. When she expressed her wishes to learn boxing to her father, he did everything within his capacity and helped her. She had to start her practice with old gloves as her family’s financial condition was not good. Despite that, she didn’t lose hope and continued boxing. She has also won a medal in Serbia. I congratulate her and thank her parents for supporting her,” the Prime Minister said.
He also named 12-yr-old Hanaya from Anantnag in Kashmir who won a gold medal in Karate Championship in Korea. “She trained hard with perseverance and fervour, studied its nuances and proved herself. On behalf of all countrymen, I wish her a bright future,” Modi said.
The monthly radio programme is being aired on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and relayed on other channels. One can also listen to PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on their mobile phones by giving a missed call in 1922.
Touching upon various social, national and international issues, PM Modi had launched his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio broadcast programme since 2014, which eventually became extremely popular.
Through his ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi has reached out to millions across the country, shared the views and opinions of the citizens and lauded their contribution in nation-building.