Full Text of Shri Modi's speech at Lalkaar Rally, Jammu

Published By : Admin | December 1, 2013 | 14:07 IST

Bharat Mata ki Jai..!

President of Bhartiya Janata Party and our respected guide Shri Rajnath Singh Ji, National General Secretary Shri J. P. Nadda Ji, Incharge MP of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Avinash Ji, State President of BJP Sri Jugal Kishor Ji, Sri Ashok Khajuria Ji, Sri Nirmal Singh Ji, Sri Shamsher Singh Ji, Shri Kavindra Gupta Ji, Shri Bali Bhagat Ji, Choudhary Sukhnandan Ji, Chaudhry Shyamlal Ji, all the dignitaries present on the dias and all my brothers and sisters of Jammu & Kashmir who have come here in such large numbers..!

Today I am being reminded of many old memories. I have got the opportunity to work for the organization in Jammu & Kashmir for years, and I got fortunate to visit all the districts and tehsils of the state. There must be hundreds of families present here, at whose places I would have had tea and sometimes food. My association with Jammu & Kashmir is very close. Today a gentleman came here and gifted me a 25 year-old picture of mine, and reminded me of my old days here. Today I specially want to think of my Gurjar friends, who used to say that we are your people. We are associated with Gujarat that is why we are called as Gurjars. They used to say that our ancestors have been associated with Gujarat, and I can even today see that the living style, the dressing pattern and culture of people in a few areas in Gujarat is very similar to my Gurjar friends. The Gurjar families where I used to have food, even the taste of food was a bit sweet like the food in Gujarat. Friends, even today you have come here in large numbers, and I feel really happy meeting my own people..!

Friends, I have worked quite a lot in Jammu & Kashmir. I have come here at the time of elections, for the party meetings, but till today no leader or party has been fortunate to have such huge audience in Jammu. It is the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi that I got this opportunity..!

Friends, today I would like to bow down to Maharaja Hari Singh from the land of Jammu & Kashmir. After independence, if Maharaja Hari Singh ji would have been in the mainstream of decision making process over Jammu & Kashmir, this state would not have been in this condition. Hari Singh ji was a foresighted person. More than a king, he has worked as a social reformer. His norms for female education were very strict, he emphasized highly of girls’ education. The practice of untouchability was very widespread at that time and it prevailed throughout the nation blotting the societal structure. At that time Maharaja Hari Singh was a person, who started the mission of welcoming the dalits in the temples of Jammu & Kashmir, a campaign of social unity, and started many such great endeavours. But these historical things are forgotten for the political motives..!

Full Text of Shri Modi's speech at Lalkaar Rally, Jammu

Friends, by remembering Shyama Prasad Mukherjee from the land of Jammu & Kashmir, every vein of the body comes alive. We start dreaming. Today I appeal to the wise men, political pundits and sociologists of our nation that after so many years of independence, the country needs impartial study, discussions and dissertation about Jammu & Kashmir, whether the thinking of Pandit Nehru was right or the considerations of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee were right..! If we look closely at the history of 60 years, we will find that the thinking of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee about Jammu & Kashmir have today become the bitter truth of history that that path was the right one. But Pandit Nehru ignored the opinion of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee..!

Friends, even today the name that motivates the land of Jammu & Kashmir is of Pandit Premnath Dogra. Pandit Premnath Dogra ji struggled throughout his life with the module of ‘prajaparishad’, he motivated three generations in his lifetime!

Friends, the pride of the nation, recipient of Param Vir Chakra Brigadier Rajendra Singh belonged to this land, taking whose name makes us proud. Two recipients of Maha Vir Chakra, Major Somnath Sharma and Colonel Rim Chandra are the people who fought for the motherland and their name itself is aspiring. In the same way, how can we forget Maqbool Sherwani and Abdul Aziz who used their sagacity for protecting the nation..! Friends, many people have been martyred fighting terrorism in this country, many citizens have died, security forces personnel have been killed, many mothers have lost their sons..! Whenever we think of Tika Lal Taploo, all these people come to our memory. I, along with this huge mass, will like to salute, honour and bow down to the entire defence forces who, for the safety of Jammu & Kashmir and this entire nation, do not even care for their lives..!

Friends, our government in Delhi is fast asleep and I do not think that the rage in the hearts of 125 crore Indians can wake them up. They are sleeping and I think that they won’t even wake up in 2014. The hope of their getting up is very low now.

Friends, two incidents took place in Pakistan, one of which got attention from the media and the entire nation, while the other went unnoticed. For the last 20-25 years, two innocent men were locked in the jails of Pakistan. One was Sarabjeet Singh of Punjab while the other was Chamel Singh of Jammu. In the same jail where Sarabjeet Singh was killed, Chamel Singh was also killed, and in similar manner, but a week before Sarabjeet. If the Government of India would have woken up a week earlier and would have raised its voice, then may be Sarabjeet would not have died. Friends, can the government of a nation be such that its people keep getting killed and it continues to sleep..?

Friends, respected Rajnath Singh ji presented many policy related issues in front of you. Friends, it seems that in our nation if you want to get rid of all the sins, crimes, responsibilities and accountability then a few people have found a herb that prevents them from all of it. And that herb is - Secularism..! Just start talking on secularism and all your sins are taken away..! In Jammu & Kashmir, one more thing along with this method is used and that is - Article 370..! Friends, whether Article 370 remains in practice under the Constitution or not in the political scenario, the discussion on it has always been there and will always be in the air. But now it is the need-of-the-hour that in context of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, in context of their benefits, their rights, at least in Jammu & Kashmir and in the entire nation, it must be discussed whether Article 370 has been beneficial for the common man here? No one is ready to discuss it..! Just a few days back, at the time of elections, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji was saying that BJP leaders just take big names, which serve no purpose; they should bring to reality what they have said. I agree to Mr. Prime Minister and accept it, but would like to remind him that the then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said regarding Article 370 in the Parliament that this Article will fade away with time..! Mr. Prime Minister, you yourself are saying that the great men should do what they say. Is your government ready to do what Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said..? Then, what do you preach others..?

Friends, Article 370 has become a shield and is being used as one. It has been armored with communal jewels and just because of this, a valid discussion on it is not happening. I want the experts of the Constitution to discuss it. Just see the laws based on which the Delhi government is asking for votes in the four states, saying that we made this law and that law, etc…! Are the laws that the government is flaunting, being implemented in Jammu & Kashmir? Rajnath Singh Ji just said that Article 370 & 374 were amended at the time of Rajiv Gandhi, but the Congress party still keeps boasting about it. Congress party should atleast answer that the things that you have done, why can’t you get them implemented in Jammu & Kashmir..? Friends, you tell me, shouldn’t the Panchayats be empowered..? The people who want to fight for the ownership of their bungalows and offices, for them ownership is a major concern, but they do not want to give any powers to the municipalities or to the villages. Neither do they want to give them their rights nor the opportunities to progress!

Friends, till when these double standards last..! Shouldn’t the common man of Jammu & Kashmir get the rights that all other citizens of India enjoy? The special privileges that SC, ST, OBC, Dalits and tribals get, the rights that the socially and educationally backward population receives in the form of education, jobs and representation in elections, shouldn’t all these rights be given to the people of Jammu & Kashmir? After all, why are they being prevented from getting these rights? Not only this, the entire nation is discussing corruption, it is expressing their anger about it. Is there no corruption in Jammu & Kashmir? Are the governments and leaders of Jammu & Kashmir extensively corrupted? Then tell me, shouldn’t the law of prevention of corruption be enforced here? But it is not being implemented here, because they do not want to be answerable, accountable and responsible about anything!

Friends, just pay a bit attention. These separatists, they are praising separatism, but who has been benefitted of it? Study the history of last 60 years, only 50 families have taken advantage of it and the entire Jammu & Kashmir has been kept in dark. Shouldn’t all you Gurjar families get benefits as tribals? Should you get your rights or not? After all why are all these people not being provided with it? Shouldn’t be efforts put in for the betterment of my Shia brothers of Kargil? In the rest of India, males and females have got equal rights, the rights that men enjoy, same are given to women as well! Should the treatment of females be unfair in Jammu& Kashmir? Should injustice to women be stopped here? Today the condition of the law of Jammu & Kashmir is such that men and women are differentiated. I have not come here to talk about Hindus or Muslims, I have come to talk about my 1.25 crore Jammu people! This politics of discrimination, the politics of separation, it has just destroyed this nation. If development has to be done, then the politics of integration will work and only that will let us grow!

Friends, I am raising a serious question. Someone should tell me that the rights the Chief Minister of this state Shri Omar Abdullah has, does his sister Sarah enjoy the same rights? No..! In this state the rights that the Chief Minister has, even his own sister is deprived of them, because she married outside Kashmir and all her rights were snatched from her! The rights that Omar Abdullah has, should be given to his sister as well! This struggle is not of Hindus or Muslims. Women should be respected. The entire world talks of gender equality. I would like to ask the humanitarians and the people who keep blabbering about me, that why are your mouths zipped now? The women of Jammu & Kashmir get their rights, why are you silent on this concern?

Friends, it is the need-of-the-hour for us to ponder seriously on the tune of a separate state that we all have been hearing since last 60 years, what did it give us? Did anyone get anything except hazards? The funds that come from Delhi, it gets looted and no account is given, this is what is going on..! In the name of a separate state, separatism has been encouraged, divisive powers have been encouraged. Friends, how would it have been if in the place of a separate state, there prevailed the dreams of a Super State! You only tell me, do you want a separate state or a super state..? Friends, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji has given us a dream, has shown us a path - that of making Jammu & Kashmir a super state!

Friends, a few people here in power have become habitual of asking for something or the other from the Delhi government, because they think that whatever will flow in here, there will be no accountability of it at all! Most of the local leaders live abroad, neither do they like the summers over here, nor the winters. They run to foreign countries at the very first chance. Friends, Jammu & Kashmir has been projected as if this state can’t be self-dependant, it will only have to beg to the Delhi government for everything. If Delhi grants their wishes, they will be cursed, if it does not, even then it will be cursed… this political game is never-ending. These people keep calling Jammu & Kashmir beggars. Jammu & Kashmir is not a beggar state; it is a province of people who live with pride and honour and die for the country..! Friends, do you want to get rid of this tag of beggar or not..? Today I have come to you because we have to turn Jammu & Kashmir from beggar to better..! The days of being called as beggar are gone, now we have to walk on the path of being better..!

Friends, in Kargil, where the people of Shia community live, I have stayed there for some time and have tried understanding their problems. Jammu & Kashmir develops, there are talks of progress in the Srinagar Valley but what is the reason that the Shia community of Kargil is left untouched from development and growth, why this unfairness to them..? Injustice with Gurjar, Bakarwal and Shiya community… separating them from others, pushing them backwards, till when will it last? In Jammu & Kashmir, the politics of discrimination that prevails, injustice with Ladakh at times, sometimes getting unfair with Jammu, getting unfair with Shias on various occasions, and then treating Gurjars or Bakarwal in unjust manner… till when will this inequity prevail? People of Jammu & Kashmir, if you raise your voice together, then the government of Delhi or Srinagar is not strong enough to not let your future change..!

Friends, I want to tell you that they have no interest in development. We have been listening since the era of the Ramayana that Himalayas are a prolific reserve of herbs. We have heard that when Lakshman fainted, Hanuman Ji got medicinal herb from Himalayas. We all believe that Himalayas are apt for the medicinal herbs. Jammu & Kashmir is full of medicinal herbs. Our neighboring country China is the largest exporter of herbal medicine in the entire world. Today herbal medicine is a charm to the world. The whole world is going on the path of herbal medicines. Holistic healthcare has brought a change in the life of this society. Today, when the entire world has demand of herbal medicines, and we have a huge reserve of it with us in Himalayas, and Himalayas lie here in Jammu & Kashmir, then can’t the government of my country, the government of Jammu & Kashmir, the universities here by conducting research, by using Ayurveda institutes, export herbal medicines? In the same way in which carpets are exported from here. Can we employ the youth of Jammu & Kashmir by exporting herbal medicines or not? Should the youth of Jammu & Kashmir get employment or not?

Friends, tourism is declining with every passing day. The entire tourism of Jammu & Kashmir has shifted to Himachal..! This state is a tourist attraction for both beauty and belief. Here, with pilgrimage places like Amarnath and Vaishno Devi and leisure travel, everything can be enjoyed at one place…there is no greater opportunity for tourism than this place! Even then our tourism went away, employment came to an end, and people are struggling to survive. Can’t the Government of India emphasize on development of tourism here?

Just now, we celebrated 100 years of Indian cinema. Many movies of this country, which have been shot amidst the natural beauty, have been shot here in Jammu & Kashmir. Kashmir was considered as one of the best places for shooting. The entire film industry of Mumbai used to come here for shooting. Every person here used to get employment. But today the film industry has stopped coming here because the government did not pay attention to it. When the industry was celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Government of India should have organized an event in Jammu & Kashmir and by telling people here about those days, they should have been motivated to move ahead! Today the film industry is a huge sector in India, if a film institute was set up here in Jammu & Kashmir, and would have gone in the direction of technological advancement, people would have come here for landscapes, and the people here would get employment. There would have been progress! But Friends, these people do not believe in progress. Just see, how much the craze of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra is increasing in people. Thousands of people go there now through Nepal and Nepal gets all the income. If the same actions are taken on the Leh-Mansarovar route, the entire area will prosper! Who says there are no ways and opportunities for development, but the Kashmiri youth is being ruined!

Rajnath Singh Ji was just narrating the incidences of Demchok. I would like to compliment the people of Demchok that inspite of the pressure from China and the apathy of the Delhi government, they hoisted the national flag on 15th August and protected the pride, respect and honour of India. I heartily congratulate all the people of Demchok on behalf of the entire nation and say it with full belief that the flag hoisted at Demchok will motivate us more than the flag hoisted at the Red Fort!

Friends, China provides free mobile and SIM cards to the border villages of India and then connects them to the network in China. It is slowly seizing them. What is the Telecom Ministry of India doing? How is it possible that the telecom system of some other country is making our people dependant by giving them SIM cards? There is such a grave danger to Indian security, but no one cares about it!

Friends, people of Jammu & Kashmir still have a feeling of reverence for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. In this country, no prime minister stepped on this land for 14 years! Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the first Prime Minister who, after 14 years, came to Jammu & Kashmir inpite of the grave danger. Atal Ji has given us three mantras and they are the guidelines for us. Respected Atal ji said that we will work for Kashmir on three mantras : First – Insaniyat (humanity), Second - Jammuriyat, and Third - Kashmiriyat..! Friends, Shri Atal ji asked us to follow these three things - wherein he first talked of humanity, in Jammuriyat he talked of the democracy and by Kashmiriyat he talked of the age-old culture and tradition.

Friends, I have a thought in mind that if there can be efforts for IITs and IIMs in Himachal and Assam, shouldn’t there be IIT and IIM in Jammu? Can’t the youth of this place study and get fame in the world..? But neither Jammu & Kashmir government, nor the Delhi government have belief in developing educational institutions in Jammu & Kashmir! If we all have to move ahead, then we can’t move ahead struggling against each other. Today the democracy of the country is in hands of people who are either egoists or opportunists, either they believe in disintegration or in dynasticism, they are either pleasure seekers or sadists, because of such people only, today the country is getting ruined!

Our country is full of unity in diversity; it is the speciality of our nation. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Atak to Katak, mother India is united. We have to move ahead with that feeling, with the voice of unity. Even if our languages vary, the emotions are one; even if we have various states, the nation is one; we may have many paths, but the destination is the same; maybe there are many dialects, but all are in the same tone; there are many colours but our tricolor stands the same for all; there are many societies but India is one; there may be many traditions but culture is the same; there may be many tasks but there is one resolution; there may be many ways but the goal is the same; there may be many faces, but they have one smile, we have to move ahead with this mantra!

Friends, the people who are engaged in vote bank politics, the people who have been dividing the nation for power; I want to challenge them today through this Lalkar Rally. Instead of weighing everything I say on the scale of secularism, accept my challenge if they can. Friends, what is our thinking..? Our mantra is, that the government has no religion but one - India first, nation first. There is just one scripture of the government - the Constitution of India; there is just one devotion of government - devotion to India; government has just one strength - strength of 125 crore countrymen; there is just one worship of government - welfare of 125 crore Indians; there is just one work methodology of government – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (together development for all), and Bhartiya Janata Party is moving ahead with just this mantra!

I will heartily congratulate the people and party workers of Jammu & Kashmir, you have done a great job. This incidence is not just the pride of this stadium, but of entire India, an incidence that would strengthen every person who believes in the power of unity, an incidence that would encourage every person who believes in peace, unity and brotherhood, so many congratulations to you all..! With all your strength, raise your hands and say,

Bharat Mata ki Jai..! Bharat Mata ki Jai..! Bharat Mata ki Jai..!

Vande Matram..! Vande Matram..! Vande Matram..!

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ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಭಾರತೀಯನ ರಕ್ತ ಕುದಿಯುತ್ತಿದೆ: ಮನ್ ಕಿ ಬಾತ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಮೋದಿ

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ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಭಾರತೀಯನ ರಕ್ತ ಕುದಿಯುತ್ತಿದೆ: ಮನ್ ಕಿ ಬಾತ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನಿ ಮೋದಿ
PM Modi urges states to unite as ‘Team India’ for growth and development by 2047

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PM Modi urges states to unite as ‘Team India’ for growth and development by 2047
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My dear countrymen,

Namaskar. Today the whole country is united against terrorism; filled up with anger and resolve. Today every Indian holds the same resolve that we have to end terrorism. Friends, the valour displayed by our forces during Operation Sindoor has made every Indian proud. The precision and accuracy with which our forces destroyed the terrorist hideouts across the border is amazing. Operation Sindoor has lent a new confidence and enthusiasm to the fight against terrorism across the world.

Friends,

Operation Sindoor is not just a military mission; it is a picture of our resolve, courage and a transforming India and this picture has infused the whole country with a sense of patriotism and has painted it in the hues of the tricolour. You must have seen that in many cities, villages and small towns of the country, Tiranga Yatras were organised. Thousands of people came out holding the tricolour, to pay their respects & honour to the country's armed forces. In many a city, a large number of youth came together to become Civil Defence Volunteers… and we saw that the videos from Chandigarh went viral. Poems were being written on social media, songs of resolve were being sung. Little children were creating paintings that carried great messages hidden in them.

I had gone to Bikaner just three days ago. There, children had gifted me one such painting. ‘Operation Sindoor’ has influenced the people of the country so much that many families have made it a part of their lives. In Katihar in Bihar, Kushinagar in UP, and many other cities, children born during that period have been named ‘Sindoor’.

Friends,

Our soldiers destroyed terror bases; it was their indomitable courage, along with the power of weapons, equipment and technology made in India. It also included the resolve of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The sweat of our engineers, our technicians, in fact, that of everyone… is involved in this victory. After this campaign, a renewed energy is visible in the whole country regarding ‘Vocal for Local’. Many things touch the heart. A parent remarked, “We will now buy toys only made in India, for our children. Patriotism will start from childhood.” Some families have taken a pledge, “We will spend our next vacation in some beautiful place in the country.” Many young persons have taken a pledge to ‘Wed in India’… that they would get married in the country itself. Someone also said, “Now whatever gift we will give, it will be made by an Indian artisan.”

Friends,

This itself is the real strength of India – ‘connection between people and minds… public participation’. I urge all of you too… come, let us take a pledge on this occasion – wherever possible in our lives, we will accord priority to products made in the country.

This is not just a matter of economic self-reliance… it is a feeling of participation in nation building. One step of ours can become a huge contribution to the progress of India.
Friends, travelling to a place by bus is such a common thing. But I want to tell you about a village where a bus has reached for the first time. People there had been waiting for this day for years. And when the bus reached the village for the first time, people welcomed it by playing the Dhol-Nagara. Upon seeing the bus, their joy knew no bounds! There was a paved road in the village… people needed it, but a bus could never run here before. Why… because this village was affected by Maoist violence. This place is in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, and the name of this village is Katejhari. This change in Katejhari is being felt in the entire surrounding region. Now the situation here is becoming normal rapidly. On account of the collective fight against Maoism, basic facilities have started reaching such areas as well. The people of the village say that with the arrival of the bus, their lives would become much easier.

Friends,

In 'Mann Ki Baat' we have already discussed the Bastar Olympics held in Chhattisgarh and the Science Lab in Maoist affected areas. The children here are passionate about science. They are also doing great in sports. Such efforts reflect how courageous the people living in these areas are. These people have chosen the path of improving their lives amidst so many challenges.

I am also very happy to know that the results of Dantewada district in the 10th and 12th standard examinations have been excellent. With nearly ninety five percent result, this district topped the 10th standard results. Whereas in the 12th standard examination, this district secured the sixth position in Chhattisgarh. Imagine! Dantewada, where Maoism was once at its peak… today the flag of education is flying high there. Such changes fill us all with pride.

My dear countrymen,

I now want to share a piece of good news related to lions. In just the last five years, the population of lions in Gir, Gujarat has increased from 674 to 891. This number of lions that emerged after the lion census is very encouraging. Friends, many of you must be wondering how this animal census is conducted! This exercise is very challenging. You will be surprised to know that the Lion Census was conducted in 11 districts, in an area of ​​35 thousand square kilometres. For the census, the teams monitored these areas round the clock… twenty four hours. Both verification and cross verification were done in this entire campaign. This enabled the counting of lions to be completed with utmost precision.

Friends,

The rise in the population of the Asiatic Lion shows that when the sense of ownership strengthens in the society, amazing results happen. A few decades ago, the situation in Gir was very challenging. But the people there came together to bring about a change.

Along with the latest technology, global best practices were also adopted there. During this time, Gujarat became the first state where women were appointed as Forest Officers on a large scale. All these have contributed to the results we are seeing today. We will have to remain vigilant and alert like this for wildlife protection.

My dear countrymen,

Just a couple of days ago, I went to the first Rising North East Summit. Before that, we also celebrated the 'Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav' dedicated to the strength of the North East. The North East is something extraordinary; its strength, its talent, is really amazing. I have come to know an interesting story about crafted fibres. Crafted fibres is not just a brand; it is a beautiful confluence of Sikkim's tradition, the art of weaving, and the sense of fashion today. It was started by Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia. He is a Veterinary Doctor by profession and a true Brand Ambassador of Sikkim's culture by heart. He thought… ”why not give a new dimension to weaving!” And this thought gave birth to Crafted Fibers. He connected traditional weaving with modern fashion and made it a social enterprise. Now he doesn't just make clothes, he weaves lives. He provides skill training to local people, making them self-reliant. By connecting village weavers, cattle rearers and self-help groups, Dr. Bhutia has created new avenues of employment.

Today,

Local women and artisans are earning well through their skills. Crafted Fibers' shawls, stoles, gloves, socks… all are made by local handloom. The wool used in it is obtained from the rabbits and sheep of Sikkim. The colors are also completely natural - no chemicals, only the hues of nature. Dr. Bhutia has lent a new identity to the traditional weaving and culture of Sikkim. Dr. Bhutia's work teaches us how much tradition can attract the world when it is combined with passion.

My dear countrymen,

Today I want to tell you about a wonderful person who is an artist as well as a living inspiration. His name is - Jeevan Joshi; age 65 years. Now imagine, how full of life one who has 'Jeevan' in one’s name itself must be. Jeevan ji lives in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. During childhood, polio took away the strength of his legs, but polio could not snatch his courage. Even though his walking speed slowed down, his mind kept soaring on every flight of imagination. In this flight, Jeevan ji gave birth to a unique art… he named it 'Baget'. In this, he makes beautiful art pieces from the dry bark that falls apart off pine trees. The very bark, which people generally consider useless - becomes a heritage as soon as it comes into Jeevan ji's hands. Every creation of his bears the fragrance of the soil of Uttarakhand. Sometimes it is the folk instruments of the hills, and at times it seems as if the soul of the hills has permeated that wood. Jeevan ji's work is not just art, it is a sadhana.

He has dedicated his entire life to this art. Artists like Jeevan Joshi remind us that no matter what the circumstances are, if the intention is strong, nothing is impossible. His name is Jeevan and he has really shown what it means to live life.

My dear countrymen,

Today there are many women who are working in the fields as well as touching the heights of the sky. Yes! You heard it right, now the women of the village are flying drones as Drone Didi and ushering in a new revolution in agriculture.

Friends,

In Sangareddy district of Telangana, women who had to depend on others till some time ago… today those very women are completing the work of spraying pesticides on 50 acres of land with the help of drones. Three hours in the morning, two hours in the evening and the work is done. Neither the scorching sun, nor the danger of poisonous chemicals. Friends, the villagers have also accepted this change wholeheartedly. Now these women are not known as 'drone operators' but as 'sky warriors'. These women are telling us that change comes when technology and determination go together.

My dear countrymen,

less than a month is left for 'International Yoga Day'. This occasion reminds us that if you are still away from yoga, join yoga now. Yoga will change the way you live your life. Friends, since the beginning of 'Yoga Day' on 21 June 2015, attraction towards it is rising continuously.

This time too, the zeal and enthusiasm among people all over the world with regard to 'Yoga Day' is amply visible. Myriad institutions are sharing their preparations. The pictures of past years have been very inspiring. We have seen that during these years, people in various countries have made Yoga Chain or Yoga Ring. There are many pictures which depict four generations doing yoga together. Many people have chosen iconic places of their city for yoga. You too can think of celebrating Yoga Day in some interesting way this time.

Friends,

The government of Andhra Pradesh has started YogAndhra Abhiyan. Its objective is to develop the yoga culture in the entire state. Under this campaign, a pool of 10 lakh people practising yoga is being created. I will get an opportunity to participate in the 'Yoga Day' program in Visakhapatnam this year. I am happy to know that this time too our young friends are going to perform yoga at iconic places related to the heritage of the country. Many youth have pledged to create a record and become a part of the Yoga Chain. Our Corporates too, are not lagging behind in this. Some institutions have set aside a separate place for yoga practice in their offices. Some start-ups have set up ‘office yoga hours’. There are also people who are preparing to go to villages and teach yoga. This awareness of people about health and fitness gives me immense joy.

Friends,

Along with ‘Yoga Day’, something has happened in the field of Ayurveda as well, which you will be very happy to know about. Just yesterday, i.e. on 24th May, an MoU was signed in the presence of WHO Director General and my friend Tulsi Bhai. Along with this agreement, work has started on a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions. This initiative will help in making AYUSH reach maximum number of people across the world in a scientific manner.

Friends,

You must have seen blackboards in schools, but now ‘sugar boards’ are also being installed in some schools – not blackboard, but sugar board! The aim of this unique initiative of CBSE is to make children aware of their sugar intake. By understanding how much sugar should be consumed and how much sugar is being consumed, children have started choosing healthy options themselves. This is a unique effort and its impact will also be very positive. It can prove to be very helpful in inculcating healthy lifestyle habits from childhood. Many parents have appreciated it and I believe that such initiatives should also be taken in offices, canteens and institutions. After all, if there is health, there is everything. Fit India is the foundation of a strong India.

My dear countrymen,

How can it be possible that there is talk of clean India and the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' stay behind? I have full faith that all of you are strengthening this campaign at your own level.But today I want to tell you about an example where the resolve for cleanliness conquered even insurmountable challenges. Just imagine, a person is climbing snowy mountains, where it is difficult to breathe, there is danger to life at every step and still that person is engaged in cleaning there. Something similar has been done by members of our ITBP team. This team went to climb the world's most difficult peak, Mount Makalu. But friends, they didn't just climb the mountain… they added another mission of 'cleanliness' to their goal. They took up the task of removing the garbage lying near the peak. Just imagine, the members of this team brought down more than 150 kg of non-biodegradable waste with them. Cleaning at such a height is not an easy task. But this shows that where there is determination, the path is created automatically.

Friends,

Another important topic related to this is - paper waste and recycling. A lot of paper waste is generated in our homes and offices every day. Perhaps, we consider it normal, but you will be surprised to know that about a fourth of the country's landfill waste is related to paper. Today, there is a need for every person to think in this direction. I am happy to know that many Start-Ups of India are doing excellent work in this sector. In many cities like Visakhapatnam and Gurugram, many Start-Ups are adopting innovative methods of paper recycling. Some are making packaging boards from recycled paper, others are making newspaper recycling easier through digital methods.

In cities like Jalna, some Start-Ups are making packaging rolls and paper cores from 100 percent recycled material. You will also be inspired by knowing that recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees from being cut and thousands of litres of water is saved. Just think, when mountaineers can bring back waste under such difficult conditions, we too should definitely contribute to recycling by separating paper in our homes or offices. When every citizen of the country thinks what better one could do for the country, only then can we bring about a big change, together.

Friends,

Recently Khelo India Games were a big hit. Five cities of Bihar hosted the Khelo India games. Matches of different categories were held there. The number of athletes who reached there from all over India was more than five thousand. These athletes have praised the Sporting Spirit of Bihar and the warmth shown by the people of Bihar.

Friends,

The land of Bihar is very special. Many unique things happened here in this event. This was the first edition of Khelo India Youth Games, which reached the whole world through the Olympic channel. People from all over the world saw and appreciated the talent of our young players. I congratulate all the medal winners, especially the top three winners - Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan.

Friends,

A total of 26 records were made in Khelo India this time. In the Weight Lifting competitions, the brilliant performances of Asmita Dhone of Maharashtra, Harshvardhan Sahu of Odisha and Tushar Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh won everyone's heart. Sairaj Pardesi of Maharashtra went on to create three records. In athletics, Qadir Khan and Sheikh Zeeshan of Uttar Pradesh and Hansraj of Rajasthan performed brilliantly. This time Bihar also won 36 medals. Friends, the one who plays, blooms. The tournament holds great significance for Young Sporting Talent. Such events will further enhance the future of Indian sports.

My dear countrymen,

The 20th of May was celebrated as ‘World Bee Day’; a day which reminds us that honey is not just sweetness; it is also an example of health, self-employment and self-reliance. During the last 11 years, a sweet revolution has taken place in beekeeping in India. 10-11 years ago, honey production in India was around 70-75 thousand metric tons in a year. Today it has increased to around 1.25 lakh metric tons. That is, there has been an increase of about 60% in honey production. We have become one of the leading countries in the world in honey production and export. Friends, National Beekeeping and 'Honey Mission' have a big role in this positive impact. Under this, thousands of farmers associated with beekeeping were imparted training, equipment and their direct access to the market was created.

Friends,

This change is not only visible in figures; it is also clearly visible on the ground level in the villages. There is an example of Korea district of Chhattisgarh, where tribal farmers have created a pure organic honey brand named 'Sonhani'. Today that honey is being sold on many online portals including GeM, that is, the hard work of the village is now going global. Similarly, thousands of women and youth in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh have become honey entrepreneurs. Friends, now work is being done not only on the quantity of honey but also on its purity. Some start-ups are now certifying the quality of honey with AI and digital technology. The next time you buy honey, do try the honey made by these honey entrepreneurs. Try to buy honey from a local farmer; from a woman entrepreneur as well. Because every drop of it contains not only taste but also the hard work and hopes of India. This sweetness of honey is the taste of a self-reliant India.

Friends,

While we are talking about the efforts of countries related to honey, I would like to tell you about another initiative. It reminds us that the protection of honeybees is not just a protection of the environment, but also that of our agriculture and future generations. Here’s an example of the city of Pune, where a beehive was removed from a housing society - perhaps on account of security reasons or fear. But this incident forced someone to think something.

A young person named Amit decided that bees should not be removed but they should be saved. He learnt himself, researched on bees and started adding others too. Gradually he formed a team, which he named Bee Friends i.e. ‘Bee Mitra’. Now these Bee Friends transfer beehives from one place to another in a safe manner, so that people are not in danger and the honeybees also stay alive. The effect of this endeavour of Amit ji has also been great. Honeybee colonies are being saved. Honey production is increasing, and most importantly, awareness is also rising among people. This initiative teaches us that when we work in harmony with nature, everyone benefits from it.
My dear countrymen, that’s all for this episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'. Keep sending me the achievements of the people of the country and their efforts for the society. We will meet again in the next episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'… we will discuss many new topics and new achievements of countrymen. I am waiting for your messages. Thank you very much. Namaskar.