Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 123rd episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ . During his address, he highlighted several achievements of India and lauded countrymen for their efforts. He extended his greetings to people embarking on Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage and Amarnath Yatra. PM Modi congratulated the country for being declared Trachoma-free, calling it the success of health workers. He reflected on the country’s growth and development, and underscored the significance of Yoga and the Emergency.
Key Takeaways From PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat
As Amarnath Yatra begins on July 3 this year, PM Modi extended his best wishes to the pilgrims. He said, “After a long time, Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage has started… Amarnath Yatra will begin from July 3… My best wishes to those who are about to embark on these pilgrimages.”
Trachoma-Free Country
Highlighting India’s success at the health front, PM Modi announced that India has been declared Trachoma-free country by the World Health Organization (WHO). He stressed that ‘Jal Jeevan’ Mission” has contributed significantly in this achievement.
“WHO has declared Indian Trachoma-free country. This is the success of our health workers… ‘Jal Jeevan’ Mission has contributed to this,” PM Modi stated.
ILO Report
He lauded another achievement which is a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The report states that India’s 64% population is getting social security.
“International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a major report that India’s 64% population is definitely getting social security… Nearly 95 crore people are benefitting from the social security schemes. This number was lower than 25 crores till 2015,” added PM Modi.
GI Tag To Eri Silk
He further added Eri Silk from Meghalaya has been recently awarded the GI tag. PM Modi highlighted the contribution of Khasi tribe of Meghalaya in preservation of the species and their skills in making fabric without killing the silkworms.
“Eri Silk from Meghalaya was recently awarded GI tag… The tribes of Meghalaya, especially the Khasi community, have preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills… The silkworms that produce this are not killed, which is why it is known as ‘Ahinsa Silk’. It is a perfect product for the global market since there is an increased demand of products that don’t harm the environment… This silk keeps you warm during winters and cool during summers… Women of Meghalaya are taking this to a larger scale via self-help groups,” said PM Modi.
Millet Biscuits Reach London
PM Modi mentioned another remarkable achievement which is making its mark in international markets also. He said that women from Bhadrachalam in Telangana are making biscuits from millets – ‘Shree Anna’ and these biscuits are reaching from Hyderabad to London.
In his address, PM Modi also talked about Emergency, as the country recently marked 50 years of its imposition. He said that Indians refused to compromise on democracy and the Emergency was lifted.
“The Country marked 50 years of Emergency being imposed, a few days ago, and we countrymen observed ‘Samvidhan Hatya Divas’. We must remember those who bravely fought against Emergency. This inspires us to remain vigilant to safeguard our constitution,” PM Modi said.
During his address, he played rare archival audio of former Prime Ministers Morarji Desai, Babu Jagjivan Ram and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. These leaders described the Emergency as a time of constitutional murder, mass arrests, and the suppression of civil liberties and press freedom.
PM Modi added, “Morarji Desai describes the Emergency in brief… Not only did those who imposed the Emergency murder democracy, but their intention was to keep the judiciary as their puppet… Under ‘MISA’, anyone was arrested arbitrarily, peopl were tortured… Indians refused to compromise on democracy. Finally, people won and the Emergency was lifted. Babu Jagjivan Ram powerfully about this.”
