Mann Ki Baat HIGHLIGHTS: The PM’s speech was live broadcast on All India Radio and Doordarshan.
Prime Minister Modi addressed the 49th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat Sunday. Remembering freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Prime Minister appealed to the citizens to participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ on October 31, which marks the birth anniversary of the ‘Iron Man of India’. “I appeal each one of you to participate in ‘Run for Unity’ in largest possible numbers,” PM Modi said.
He further said, “Sardar Patel’s Jayanti this year will be more special as on this day, we’ll pay him true homage by dedicating ‘Statue of Unity’ to the nation.
In his address, the prime minister praised the para-athletes, who had represented India in the Asian Para Games recently and said that their spirit to overcome challenges is inspirational. He also evoked India’s ‘golden history’ in hockey and said that the nation has contributed largely to the sport by giving a number of talented players like Dhyanchand, Balvinder Singh Sr, Dhanraj Pillai among others.
The PM’s speech was live broadcast on All India Radio and Doordarshan. The YouTube channels of the Prime Minister’s Office, information and broadcasting ministry and allindiaradio.gov.in also aired the speech.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Talking about the northeast India's initiatives in the field of organic farming, the PM said, "The northeast has immense natural beauty and the people here are extremely talented. This is one region, where organic farming has made progress. A few days earlier, Sikkim won the prestigious Future Policy Gold Award 2018, for promoting sustainable food system in the state. This award is given by Food and Agriculture Organisation, which comes the UN."
"This year 11 November holds special significance as the day when World War-I ended 100 years ago. Our soldiers fought with valour and sacrificed their lives. They showed the world that they are second to none when it comes to war," the PM said.
Praising the tribal communities for their contribution to environmental conservation, the PM said, "The Adivasi community believes in peaceful co-existence but when they find the natural resources under threat, they are not scared to fight for their rights. It is not surprising that our very first freedom fighters were from the tribal communities."
"The way people are coming forward for social work and volunteering is inspirational and encouraging for all our countrymen," PM Modi said.
"India has a golden history in Hockey. In the past, we have won several gold medals and also won the World Cup once. India has given some great hockey players to the world," PM Modi said. The prime minister remembered India's greatest hocky player Dhyanchand among others.
The prime minister praised the para-athletes, who had represented India in the Asian Para Games recently. "I was privileged to meet the talented para-athletes who participated in Asian Para Games held in Jakarta. Their spirit to overcome all adversaries is exemplary and inspiring. India created a new record in these games by winning 72 medals," he said.
Remembering the freedom fighter, PM Modi said, Sardar Patel's Jayanti this year will be even more special as on this day, we'll pay him true homage by dedicating 'Statue of Unity' to the nation.
Welcome to the Indian Express LIVE blog on the prime minister's address to the nation.