In Mann Ki Baat, Modi urges content creators to support drug-free India drive

“You can use your creativity as a medium for social change…Often, creative efforts prove more impactful than formal campaigns. Let us all play our part in this noble mission to keep India’s youth away from drugs and free from addiction,” he also said, asking for efforts in this regard to use the hashtag #NashaMuktYuva while sharing content on social media.

Launched on August 15, 2020, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a flagship government initiative.

The 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat began with the prime minister appreciating Mumbai resident Krishna Seshadri, whom he also spoke to, for bridging the gap between technology and history through http://www.bharatrajya.com, which seeks to introduce people to India’s great empires.

Commending him for “re-living history now”, the prime minister said he had viewed the site with great interest and that its creator had “truly accomplished something remarkable”.

He added, “This initiative by Krishna ji will help not only history students but all of us to learn about our past in an engaging way.”

Vande Mataram and Tiranga selfies

Underlining the “myriad hues of patriotism” that the month of August brings, Modi said occasions such as National Handloom Day and the anniversary of the Quit India Movement and Partition Horrors Remembrance Day make this month special. While Independence Day and National Space Day fill every countryman with pride, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign further strengthens this sentiment.

“This year has become even more special as it marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. This time, over eight crore Tiranga selfies were uploaded.

And this celebration of the tricolour was not limited to India alone. This year, through the Suryapath Tiranga initiative, our flag embarked on a unique journey across the globe,” he said.

“The tricolour was hoisted in Suva, Fiji, at the first light of dawn. Subsequently, it was unfurled at Indian missions and posts across Asia, Africa, Europe, and eventually at San Francisco in America… Such efforts bind society together and deepen our connection with the nation,” he said.

The prime minister further referred to the PM SVANidhi Yojana, stating that the scheme launched in June 2020 was helping women street vendors expand businesses, raise incomes and improve financial prospects for their families.

“Nearly 46 per cent of the beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi Scheme are women. That means around 35 lakh women across the country are connecting with this scheme to advance their businesses,” he said.

‘We should honour Vishwakarma friends’

Our festivals and celebrations, said the prime minister, not only uphold our traditions but also provide opportunities to connect with one another. He called for honouring local artisans, among others, during Vishwakarma Puja in September and supporting the Vocal for Local initiative.

“We should honour the artisans, craftspeople, and Vishwakarma friends in our communities… During this festive season, I once again urge you to be ‘Vocal for Local’. Being ‘Vocal for Local’ does not merely mean buying earthen lamps. The vision behind it is much broader,” he said.

“Whatever item we purchase for our homes, do ensure that it is made in India. The path to India becoming self-reliant will be paved only by taking pride in products made in India. It is also our responsibility to convey this message to as many people as possible. Our friends from the creative world, influencers, and celebrities also have a significant role to play in that. I urge you to personally embrace the ‘Vocal for Local’ spirit and inspire others to do the same,” he added.

Cleanliness during Amarnath Yatra

Underlining recent efforts with cleanliness at their core, Modi said that whether it was villages or cities, rivers or pilgrimage sites, their identity was shaped by our conduct. When cleanliness becomes a part of that conduct, the beauty of the place is further enhanced, he said.

“Cleanliness has a remarkable quality. When the resolve to keep a place clean becomes the people’s own commitment, the transformation is not limited merely to tidiness. It completely changes the identity of that place. Such efforts towards cleanliness in various parts of the country constantly inspire us,” he said.

Modi also commended the Clean-up Patwai initiative—taken up by two friends in Patwai village in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district—for “inspiring scenes of cleanliness and public participation” during the recent Amarnath Yatra.

“Thousands of sanitation workers toiled day and night to serve pilgrims along the arduous routes. During this year’s pilgrimage, more than 400 metric tonnes of waste were collected and processed…pilgrims themselves became active participants in this cleanliness drive. Over 16,000 pilgrims took a pledge for cleanliness; more than 10,000 were awarded the Responsible Yatri certificate,” he said.

He also paid tributes to legendary actor Uttam Kumar, whose birth centenary falls on September 3.