Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ continues to draw people, PM highlights important issues facing nation

Leaders of countries have often used the radio to reach their countrymen. Considering Prime Minister Narendra Modi is found of ‘Chai pe charcha’ (discussions over tea), it was no surprise that he took to radio like a fish takes to water with his radio talk every Sunday, Mann Ki Baat.

Modi has said that Mann Ki Baat has connected him with the common man in every corner of the country, and he has even reached out to the countrymen to suggest what he should focus on in his next talk. He takes all the suggestions on his MyGov app.

“For me, Mann Ki Baat is not a matter of ritual; I myself am very eager to talk to you. And I am really happy that I am able to connect with you all in every corner of India, through this programme Mann Ki Baat. I am grateful to All India Radio that they have also been successfully broadcasting Mann Ki Baat in regional languages at 8 pm. I am also very happy that the people who listen to me, later communicate their feelings to me through letters, telephone calls, the website MyGov.in and also through the NarendraModiApp. A lot of what you say is of great help to me in the functioning of the government. How active should the government be in terms of public service? How much priority should be given to public welfare activities? In terms of these matters, this dialogue, this link that I have with you all, is of great use. I hope that you will now be even more actively and enthusiastically involved in ensuring that our democracy should function with people’s participation,” he has said.

As the year draws to a close, here’s looking at the issues the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat have raised in the past few months. From initiating new policies for startups in India to taking up the fight for the girl child, to making ‘Swachh Bharat’ a movement in the country, the Prime Minister has highlighted these and many more issues:

• In January, he said: "Our start up India initiative dispelled the notion that startups are only about IT. Opportunities are endless.” He said to boost entrepreneurship and job creation in the country, the government will pump in Rs. 2,500 crore as an initial corpus for the programme.
• He also announced a number of other support systems for startups like legal help, single-point registration, simplified regulatory regime, fast-track filing of patents, tax exemption and mentorship programmes.
• In his message issued on the International Day of the Girl Child, which is observed every year on October 11, he said, “The girl child has left a mark in every area, from studies to sports. Saluting their accomplishments on International Day of the Girl Child.”“We should collectively work towards an India where there is no discrimination based on gender & where girls get all opportunities to shine.”
• PM Modi congratulated the students for their exam results, saying he was happy to see girl students shine.
• Following the summer heat and drought-like conditions in many parts of the country, Modi asked the nation to “pledge to conserve every drop of water.”
• Our efforts must be directed towards ‘Jal Sinchan’ as well as ‘Jal Sanchay’, he said.
• “Swachh Bharat Mission has created a tremendous impact across the nation, cleanliness emerges at the forefront of public discourse,” he said.
• He highlighted efforts of the government regarding Make in India and Niti Aayog, and said, “With advancement in technology, the world is moving towards being a cashless society.”
• Modi saluted the participants and winners of the Rio Olympics and the Paralympics saying, “Winning or losing is not everything… It’s about sportsman spirit and creating the right atmosphere.”