‘India’s G20 presidency is ‘people’s presidency’: PM Modi on Mann Ki Baat

“During its presidency, India has made the G20 a more inclusive forum. The African Union also joined the G20 on India’s invitation and the voice of the people of Africa reached this important platform of the world,” PM Modi added.

He said much has happened after India took over the G20 presidency last year. “Since India took over the presidency of the G20 in Bali last year, so much has happened that fills us with pride. Moving away from the tradition of big events in Delhi, we took it to different cities of the country. About 200 meetings related to this were organised in 60 cities of the country.”

“Our presidency of G20 is the People’s presidency in which the spirit of public participation is at the forefront,” PM Modi said, adding, “In one way or the other, more than 1.5 crore people are associated with the events being organised across the country regarding this.”

Sharing some examples of public participation in G20 events, the prime minister said, “The participation of 1.25 lakh students from 800 schools in the G20 quiz held in Varanasi became a new world record.”

“I urge all countrymen to come together to make the G20 summit successful and bring glory to the country,” he said.

PM Modi also spoke about India’s Moon mission—Chandrayaan-3. Addressing the audience as “my family members (mere pariwarijan)”, he said, “The success of Chandrayaan has enhanced this atmosphere of celebration manifold. It has been more than three days since Chandrayaan has reached the Moon. This success is so grand that any amount of discussion about it would be inadequate.”

“On the 23rd of August, India and India’s Chandrayaan have proved that some suns of resolve rise on the Moon as well. Mission Chandrayaan has become a symbol of the spirit of New India, which wants to ensure victory, and also knows how to win in any situation,” he said.

Stating that the impossible can also be made possible with the added might of women, the PM said, “India’s Mission Chandrayaan is also a live example of women power. Many women scientists and engineers have been directly involved in this entire mission. They have handled many important responsibilities like project director, project manager of different systems. The daughters of India are now challenging even space, which is considered infinite. When the daughters of a country become so ambitious, who can stop that country from becoming developed?”

“I wish that in future too our space sector will achieve innumerable successes like this with collective efforts,” PM Modi said.

Talking about the World University Games held in China, he said, “India displayed her best-ever performance in these games this time. Our players won 26 medals in all, out of which 11 were gold medals. You will be pleased to know that even if we add all the medals won in all the World University Games that have been held since 1959, this number reaches only 18. In all these decades just 18, whereas this time our players won 26 medals.”

During the programme, Modi spoke to three players who had participated in these games — Pragati, a resident of Uttar Pradesh who won a medal in archery; Assam resident Amlan, who has won a medal in athletics; and Abhidanya, a resident of Maharashtra who won a medal in shooting.

Speaking about the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’, the Prime Minister said that it has now become the ‘Har Man Tiranga Abhiyan’. Around 1.5 crore national flags were sold through 1.5 lakh post offices, he informed.

“This time the countrymen have created a new record in posting selfies with the Tricolour. Last year till August 15, about 5 crore countrymen had posted selfies with the Tricolour. This year, this number has also crossed 10 crore,” PM Modi said.

He also wished people ahead of World Sanskrit Day (August 31) and Telugu Day (August 29).

In addition, the PM spoke about various initiatives taken by dairy cooperatives, including Banas Dairy, Varanasi Milk Union, and the Malabar Milk Union of Kerala.