#MannKiBaat: PM Modi shares an interesting conversation he had with Lata Mangeshkar Ji ahead of her birthday
Not only 'delivery in', think about 'delivery out' also. Share your joy with those in need: PM #MannKiBaat
On this Diwali, let us organise public programmes to honour our daughters, let us celebrate their achievements: PM Modi #MannKiBaat #BharatKiLaxmi
#MannKiBaat: e-cigarettes became a fashion statement, banned to protect youth from it's ill effects, says PM
It is a matter of great joy for India that the Pope will declare Sister Mariam Thresia a saint on October 13: PM during #MannKiBaat
Let us shun single-use plastic as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi: PM Modi during #MannKiBaat

My dear countrymen, Namaskar,Friends, in today’s episode of Mann Ki Baat, I shall also talk about a great personality of the country, cherished by all Indians with respect and affection from the core of their hearts. There must be hardly an Indian citizen who does not show deep regard for her, does not revere her. She is elder to most of us and has been a witness to myriad phases, different eras the country has passed through. We address her as “DIDI”, elder sister…. Lata Didi. She turns ninety this 28th of September. Before leaving on the foreign tour, I was blessed with an opportunity to converse with her on the phone. This chat was akin to a younger brother speaking to his elder sister affectionately. I usually refrain from sharing such personal conversations; but today, I want you to listen to the tete a tete; listen to Lata Didi. Listen to it for yourself how Lata Didi is earnestly concerned and eager about everything concerning the country. Her satisfaction and reassurance too, lies in the progress being made by India; the India on the path of change; the India that is gaining newer heights.

Conversation: 

Modi Ji    :      Lata Didi, Pranaam. This is Narendra Modi speaking.

Lata Didi:       Pranaam.

Modi Ji    :      I gave you a call, since on your birthday this time, I would be travelling on a flight.

Lata Didi:       Okay.

Modi Ji    :      So, I thought, before leaving, I would wish you in advance… heartiest best wishes on your birthday. May you stay healthy, may your blessings always be showered upon us, we pray. And I called you up before leaving to greet you.

Lata Didi:       I was touched when I came to know that you would be giving me a call. When are you returning?

Modi Ji    :      I am returning in the intervening night of the 28th & the 29th, slightly past your birthday.

Lata Didi:       Okay, Okay. What’s there to celebrate on a Birthday! Just at home with near & dear ones.

Modi Ji    :      Didi, you see….

Lata Didi:       I seek your blessings.

Modi Ji    :      It is we who seek your blessings, you are much elder to us.

Lata Didi:       There are many who are elder just by age, but greater are the blessings of those who do great work, and hence are greater.

Modi Ji    :      Didi, you are greater, not only in terms of age, but also, in terms of your illustrious work. Your attainment through your glorious achievements are the result of your perseverance, your Sadhana & Tapasya.

Lata Didi:       All this is just the fruit of the blessings of my parents; the blessings of my listeners. I am a nobody.

Modi Ji    :      That is your humility. For everyone from the new generation, it is a lesson. For us it is an immense source of inspiration that even after reaching glorious heights, you have always accorded the highest priority to acknowledge the upbringing, the sanskar bestowed by your parents and also to being humble.  

Lata Didi:       Jee…

Modi Ji    :      And it gives me joy when you proudly say that your mother was a Gujarati.

Lata Didi:       Yes.

Modi Ji    :      And whenever I visited you, you offered me a variety of Gujarati dishes.

Lata Didi:      You do not have an idea of what you are. I know for sure that your advent is transforming the landscape of India. It gives me joy, feels nice.

Modi Ji    :      Didi, all we want is that you continue blessing us, blessing the whole country, may we keep on doing the good work. I keep getting your letters and gifts as well. Our close bond feels like family and gives me immense joy.

Lata Didi:       Of course. I do not wish to trouble you further, since I can see how busy you are with myriad pressures on the work front. There are so many things that you have to think of. After you had gone to touch your mother’s feet, I too sent someone to her to seek her blessings.

Modi Ji    :      Yes. My mother remembered. She was telling me that.

Lata Didi:       And she blessed me over the telephone. I felt overjoyed.

Modi Ji    :      Your affection made Mother very happy. And I am extremely thankful to you for the concern that you show towards me. Once again, I extend my heartiest wishes for your birthday. This time when I had come to Mumbai, I felt like meeting you in person.

Lata Didi:       Yes, certainly.

Modi Ji    :      But I could not be there because of paucity of time. But I shall come very soon to your place. And I would love you to feed me a Gujarati dish.

Lata Didi:       Of course, sure. I shall feel fortunate & privileged.

Modi Ji    :      Pranaam, Didi.

Lata Didi:       Pranaam.

Modi Ji    :      Lots of good wishes to you

Lata Didi:       Greetings to you.

Modi Ji    :      Pranaam Didi.

My dear countrymen, with the advent of Navaratri today, the air is bound to be full of new hopes, new energy, newer zest and newer resolves, once again. After all, it’s the festival season. The ensuing weeks shall be witness to the sparkle of festivals throughout the country. All of us shall celebrate the Navaratri Mahotsava, Garba, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, Bhaiya Dooj, Chhath Puja…. in fact innumerable festivals. Heartiest greetings to all of you for these festivals to come. During festivals, families come together. Homes will be filled with joy! But… you must have felt this… there are many people around us who remain deprived of these celebrations. And this is what is termed as “Chiragh Tale Andhera”, darkness just beneath the lamp! Perhaps this adage is not just a set of words; for us, it is an order a philosophical thought, or an inspiration. Just think about it; there are some homes, bathed in shimmering lights; on the other hand, just close by, there are some homes mired in darkness.

There are homes where sweetmeats are left to rot; there are homes where children yearn for a sweet; at places almirahs run out of space to store more clothes; elsewhere, people have to slog to earn a decent covering for their bodies. So, is thisnot the darkness, just beneath the lamp? Indeed it is. The true joy radiating out of festivals is only when the darkness subsides and dissipates and a radiant glow emerges. Let us distribute joy, where there is a paucity of it… let it come naturally to us. On the one hand, when we experience the ‘Delivery In’ of sweetmeats, apparel, gifts and so on, let us think for a moment on the process of ‘Delivery Out’. At least in our homes, items that are in excess and thus, not required anymore, could be allocated for ‘Delivery Out’. In many cities, many NGOs run by young friends have formed Start ups for this endeavor. They collect clothes, sweets, food from homes, look for the needy and hand them over discreetly. Can we, this time, during the festival season, dispel some of the darkness beneath the lamp with due awareness and resolve? The smiles thus accrued on the faces of numerous underprivileged families will more than double your joy during festivals… your faces will be lit up with a glow that will brighten your Diwali immensely.

My dear brothers and sisters, Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, makes an entry into each and every household in the form of fortune and prosperity. Of course, Laxmi should be welcomed in the traditional way. Can we, this time, introduce a novelty in welcoming her? In our culture, daughters are considered Laxmi, since they are harbinger of fortune and prosperity. Can we, this time around in society, organize programmes to felicitate daughters in villages, towns and cities? It could be in the form of a public function. There must be numerous daughters amongst us who, through there perseverance, diligence and talent have brought glory to their families, society and the country. This Diwali, can we arrange programmes to honor the Laxmi of India? If you look around, you’ll find many daughters and daughters-in-law who are performing extraordinarily. Some must be engaged in teaching underprivileged children, others could be occupied in spreading awareness in the field of sanitation and health, while many could be doing society a service by working as Doctor and Engineers. Or striving for justice to someone by working as Lawyer!

Our society must recognize such daughters, honor them and feel proud of them. Programmes to felicitate them should be held throughout the country. We could do something more; we could highlight the achievements of these daughters by sharing their achievements on social media, using the hashtag # BHARAT KI LAXMI. The way we jointly ran a mega campaign “Selfi with daughter”, which spread globally. Similarly, this time, let us do a campaign BHARAT KI LAXMI. Encouraging the Laxmi of Bharat amounts to strengthening the paths of prosperity for the country and her citizens.

My dear countrymen, as I have mentioned earlier, a great advantage of Mann Ki Baat is that, I’m blessed with the opportunity to converse with a lot of people, known or unknown, directly or indirectly.A few days ago, AleenaTaayang, a student from far off Arunachal has written an interesting letter to me. And the contents are… Let me read out the letter to you.

Respected Mr. Prime Minister, my name is Aleena Taayang. I hail from Roing, Arunachal Pradesh. On my exam result this time, some people asked me if I had read the book Exam Warriors! I replied in the negative. But on returning, I purchased the book and read it more than twice. My experience after that has been very good. I felt, had I read the book before my exams, I would’ve benefitted a great deal. I liked quite a few aspects of this book, but I noticed that it contains may mantras for students, but for parents and teachers this book does not have much. I wish;if you are thinking anew on a new edition, do include a few mantras for parents and teachers and of course new content.

See… even my young friends bear this trust that whatever they ask the Pradhan Sevak, the principal servant of the country to do; it will be done.

My young student friends, first of all, I thank you for writing to me. Thank you for reading Exam Warriors more than twice and special thanks for pointing out shortcomings in the book. At the same time, my little friend has entrusted me with a task, in fact there are orders for me. I shall certainly comply with your directions. As you have told me, I shall positively try to write something for parents as well as teachers, as and when I get the time to pen a new edition. But I urge all of you… can you be of help to me? It is about experiences in your daily lives. I call upon all students, teachers and parents to come up with your experiences and suggestions on aspects of stress free exams. I shall duly go through them, study them. I’ll give it due thought and whatever comes across as apt, I shall try and incorporate that in my own words. And quite possibly, if the suggestions are sufficiently large in number, it will lend certitude to the idea of a new edition. So, I shall eagerly wait for your thoughts to flow. Once again, I express my gratitude to our little friend, student Aleena Taayang from Arunachal.

My dear countrymen, you update yourselves with the busy schedule of the Prime Minister of the country through newspapers and television, you even discuss the engagements. But, I hope you are aware that I am just as common a being as you are. Being an ordinary citizen, whatever affects you has the same effect on me, since I’m just one amongst you. Just see how on the one hand, victory in the U.S. open was discussed; on the other, runner up Daniil Medvedev’s speech was equally doing the rounds in public discourse, especially on social media. Hence I too heard the speech and watched the match. The sheer simplicity and maturity displayed by the 23 year old Daniil Medvedev touched everyone. It surely stirred me. Moments before this speech, he had suffered defeat at the hands of Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, 19 times grand slam winner. An event such as this would have pushed anyone towards remorse and despair; in the case of Medvedev, there was no sign of the slightest pallor on his countenance. Rather, his expression lit up the faces of those watching him with meaningful smiles. He won hearts with his humility and simplicity; the epitome of the spirit of sportsmanship in the truest sense that he is, in letter and spirit. Spectators welcomed his reflections with warmth and fervor. He also touched upon Nadal being the inspiring force in Tennis for millions of young people, adding how difficult it was to face him in the game.

The way Medvedev heaped praise on his opponent after a defeat in a fierce duel makes him a living example of the true essence of the spirit of sportsmanship. Of course, on the other hand champion Nadal too showered glowing praise on Daniil’s game. The display of the indomitable ardour of the defeated and the sheer humility of the victorious in the same frame was a sight to behold. If you haven’t heard Medvedev’s speech yet, I shall urge you, especially young friends to watch this video. It holds much for people across the age and class spectra to see and learn. These are moments that go way beyond winning and losing, wherevictory and defeat cease to be. It is life that is victory…. This has been beautifully articulated in our scriptures. The wisdom of our ancestors is truly praiseworthy. Our ancient texts observe:

विद्या विनय उपेता हरति
न चेतांसि कस्य मनुजस्य
मणि कांचन संयोग:
जनयति लोकस्य लोचन आनन्दम

Meaning, when ability and humility amalgamate in a person, whose heart will he not be able to win over? As a matter of fact, this young player has won the hearts of people across the globe.
My dear countrymen and especially my young friends, what I am going to tellyou now is directly for your benefit. Discourses and debates will continue, the support and opposition will continue, but, if some things are checked before they proliferate, then there is a huge benefit. Things that spawn and spread a lot are very difficult to stop at later stages. But, if we become aware at an early stage and put a stop to it, then a lot can be saved. Continuing in the same vein, I feel, today, that I should definitely have a talk with my young friends.

We all know that addiction to, tobaccois very harmful for health and it becomes very difficult to quit this addiction. People who consume tobacco are vulnerable to high risk diseases like cancer, diabetes, blood pressure etc. Everyone knows that. Tobacco intoxication occurs due to the nicotine present in it. Brain development is hampered by its consumption during adolescence. But, today, I want to have a discourse with you on a new topic. You must be knowing that, recently the e-cigarette got banned in India. An e-cigarette is a type of electronic device unlike a typical cigarette.In ane-cigarette, theheating of nicotine-containing fluids creates a type of chemical smoke and this is the pathway through which nicotine is consumed. While we all understand the dangers of common cigarettes, a misconception has been generated about e-cigarettes.

The myth that has been spread is that e-cigarettes pose no danger. Like the conventional cigarette, it does not spread odour as fragrant chemicals are added to it. We have seen around us, that, even if the father in any house is a chain smoker, still he tries to stop the rest of the household from smoking and wants his children not to fall prey to the habit of cigarettes or bidis. His effort is that no family member should take to smoking. He knows that smoking or tobacco causes great damage to the body. There is no confusion about the dangers posed by a cigarette. It only causes harm and this even its seller too knows. The smoker also knows this fact and so do people around. But the case of e-cigarettes is quite different. There is little awareness among people about e-cigarette. They are also completely unaware of its danger and for this reason sometimes e-cigarettessneak into the house out of sheer curiosity. And Kids at times pretending to be showing some magical trick, blow smoke in the presence of Peer Company or their parents, without lighting a cigarette or striking a match to light it! And as if a magic show is going on, the family members respond with applause! There is no awareness! There is no knowledge that once the teenagers or our youth get caught in its clutches, then, slowly, they become hookedand fall prey to this noxious addiction.

And our real wealth -the youth become condemned to tread on the path of waste, quite unaware! In fact, many harmful chemicals are added to e-cigarettes, which have a deleterious effect on health. You are aware of the fact that when someone smokes around us, we come to know about it through its odour. Even if there is a packet of cigarettes in someone’s pocket, the smell can be detected. However, this is not the case with an e-cigarette and many teenagers and young people, unknowingly and sometimes proudly displaying an e-cigaretteas a fashion statement, keep itbetwixt their books, in their offices, in their pockets, sometimes hold it in their hands and thus fall prey to it. The younger generation is the future of our country. The e-cigarette has been banned so that this new form of intoxication does not destroy our demographically young country. It does not trample the dreams of a family and waste the lives of our children. This scourge and this obnoxious habit should not become rooted in our society.

I urge all of you to quit the addiction to tobacco and do not harbour any misconceptions about e-cigarettes. Come, let us all build a healthy India.
Oh Yes! Do you still remember Fit India? Fit India does not mean that if we go to the gym for two hours every morning and evening, it will suffice! All these addictions have to be avoided to be a part of Fit India. I am sure you will not misconstrue whatever I’ve said, but rather happily accept my counsel; I will definitely like it.

My dear brothers and sisters, it is a matter of great providence that our India has been the birthplace and work-place of extraordinary denizens, who spent all their lives, not for themselves, but for the good of the society.

Our Mother India, our country is a bountiful land! Many gems of human beings took birth here. India has not only been the birthplace of such extraordinary people, but also the land of their karma. And these are the people who have spent themselves in service of others. One such illustrious Indian is being honoured in Vatican City on 13th October. It is a matter of pride for every Indian that, on the coming 13thOctober, His Holiness Pope Francis will declare Sister MariamThresia a saint. Sister MariamThresia, in her short lifespan of 50 years, worked for the good of humanity becominganoble example for the entire world.Whatever task Sister MariamThresiaundertook and accomplished, she did so withutmost dedication and devotion.She rendered service in the fields of education and social service. She had built many schools, hostels and orphanages, and throughout her life, remained devoted to this cause.

She founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family which is still continuing on the path of her life’s philosophy and mission. I once again pay heart felt tributes to Sister MariamThresia and congratulate the citizens of India, and especially our Christian brothers and sisters, for this achievement.
My dear countrymen, it is a matter of pride not only for India but for the entire world today, while we are celebrating ‘Gandhi 150’, our 130 crore countrymen have pledged to be rid from the menace of Single Use Plastic. In view of the kind of lead that India has taken towards environmental protection, today the countries of the entire world are looking towards India as a model example. I am confident that you will all be a part of the campaign for liberation from the menace of Single Use Plastic on 2ndOctober. In India, citizens are contributing in this campaign in their own way. But, a young man from our country has initiated a very unique campaign.

My attention was drawn towards his work, so, I talked to him on the phone and tried to understand the new experiment being attempted by him. It could be that this attempt of his may work for other people of our country. Mr. RipudamanBelviji is making an unique effort by attemptingplogging! When I first encountered the term Plogging, it was novel even to me. Perhaps this word is in usage in certain measure in foreign lands. But, in India, RipudamanBelviji has promoted it to a great extent. Let's talk to him.

PM’S PHONE CALL WITH RIPUDAMAN BELVI: 

Modi ji: Hello Ripudaman ji, This is Narendra Modi speaking.

Ripudaman: Yes…yes sir. Thank you very much sir.

Modi ji: Ripudaman ji |

Ripudaman: Yes sir.

Modi ji: You are working in a quite dedicated manner with regards to this work termed as ‘plogging’!

Ripudaman: Yes sir.

Modi ji: So I was a bit curious, so I thought to myself to call and ask you.

Ripudaman: Ok

Modi ji: When did it? I mean this inspiration strike your mind?

Ripudaman: Yes sir.

Modi ji: When did this term…and this technique came to your mind?

Ripudaman: Sir, the youth of today wants something cool, you need something interesting to motivate them, so I had gotten motivated. If I had to involve 130 crores of Indians in this mission then I had to devise something interesting, so I myself am a runner, so in the morning when we run at time traffic is Less as well as the people. And therefore garbage and trash and plastic are most visible. Instead of cribbing and complaining i thought to do something about it! And I started with my running group at first in Delhi and then took it all over India! And got quite a lot of appreciation from everywhere...

Modi ji: What exactly did you do? Please explain a bit so that I can understand and through 'Mann Ki Baat' our Countrymen can also get to know.

Ripudaman: Sir, so we started ‘Run & Clean-up

Movement,' where in our running groups after their work out, during their cool down activity period we said that you start collecting trash, and start lifting your own plastics yourself start lifting plastics! As you are running as well as you're cleaning-up at the same time, hence lots of exercise was getting added up! So you're not just running but are also doing squats, doing deep squats, you are doing lunges, because you are bending forward! So it became a holistic work out. And You will be happy to know that last year in all fitness magazines it has been nominated as ‘Top fitness trend of India’….This Fun (filled activity)...

Modi ji: I congratulate you on this.

Ripudaman: Thank you sir.

Modi ji: So now you plan to start from Kochi from 5thSeptember?

Ripudaman: Yes sir, the name of this mission is 'R Elan, Run to make India Litter Free,' like you are going to deliver a historic verdict on 2ndOctober - and I am sure if we’ll be garbage free then we will also be free from plastic and that it will become an individual responsibility. So, I am running and cleaning-up a thousand kilometres covering 50 cities. It is being said said that this is probably the world's longest clean-up drive and in addition we will have begun a very cool sir, usage of social media at # (Hashtag) plasticUpvaas where we are telling people that they tell us which single thing, single use anything, not just single use plastic but single use anything that you will completely rid from your life!

Modi ji: Wah! ... what has been your experience since you’ve been out from 5thSeptember till now?

Ripudaman: Sir, it has been a very good experience so far. From last two years, we have done around 300 plogging drives all over India. So when we started from Kochi and then the running groups joined, the local clean-ups were also added.  After Kochi, Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem we have just been in Udupi

Where we got a school invitee, small children, Sir, from 3rd standard to 6th standard, were to be given a workshop for half an hour for which they called me. And that half-hour workshop became a three hours Plogging Drive! Sir, because these kids are so enthusiastic that they wanted to do this and they wanted to take it back and tell their parents, tell their peers, their neighbors! That it becomes a big motivation for us to take it to the next level!

Modi ji: Ripu ji this is not a mere toil, it is a penance. You’re performing penance really!

Ripudaman: Yes sir.

Modi ji: I congratulate you very much. But if you were to tell three things to the countrymen. So what specific three advices would they be?

Ripudaman: I would really like to give three steps. For a litter free India! Towards a Garbage Free India! Step number one Deposit litter in the dustbin only. Step number two any garbage you see, pick it up from the ground and depost in the dustbin. Step number three if you don’t see a dustbin then take the litter in your pocket or in your car and carry it home! Segregate it  into into Dry and Wet waste and in the morning when municipality van comes, you give it to them ! If we follow these three steps we will see a litter free India We will get an India free from garbage!

Modi ji: see Ripu ji in very simple words and simple language that an ordinary human being can also practice your advice, and you seem to be walking in step with Gandhiji's dream, as well as you have adopted to tell it in simple manner similar to the way Gandhiji uused to do.

Ripudaman: Thank you.

That is why you are worthy of praise. Ripudaman ji, I felt nice talking to you. You have designed this entire programme in a very innovative manner, in a way that it will be liked, especially by young people. Heartiest congratulation to you. And friends this time on the anniversary of revered Bapu, the Ministry of Sports too is organizing a ‘Fit India Plogging Run’. On the 2nd of October, plogging for two kilometers; and it will be held across the country. We heard through the experiences of Ripudaman Ji, how this programme should be organised; what it should consist of. What we have to do in this campaign that commences on 2nd of Octoberis that while we jog for 2 kilometers; and on the way, collect all kinds of plastic waste. Through endeavor, we shall not only pay better attention to our health; we shall also take a step towards ensuring protection for Mother Earth. This campaign is resulting in raising awareness levels in people; as far as sanitation and cleanliness, along with fitness levels. I do believe that a single step towards freedom from single use plastic taken by 130 crore countrymen will give India a lead by a 130 crore steps. Ripudaman ji, once again, many thanks to you. And to your team, and your imaginative, innovative bent of mind, heartiest congratulations from my side. Thank you.

My dear countrymen, groundwork for 2ndOctober is going on all over the country and also the world over, but we want to transmute 'Gandhi 150' as a task on the path of our duty. We want to move forward devoting our lives in the interest of the nation. I would like to remind you one thing in advance. Although in the next episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' I shall dwell upon it in detail, still today I am telling this ina advance so that you get time to prepare. You do remember that, 31stOctober is the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and that ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’ is our common dream; hence for that reason, every year on 31 October, we run for fostering unison in the country as 'Run for Unity', all over the nation. We have to run for the unity of the country on that day in in large numbers; elders, everyone, schools, colleges, all of us have to run for unity in lakhs of villages across the span of Hindustan. So, better start preparing from this instant onwards! I shall talk about it in detail later, but right now we have time on our hands; some people can begin their practice, whereas some can chalk out a plan.

My dear countrymen, you will remember, that on 15 August, I had in my address said from the ramparts of Red Fort that by 2022, you should visit 15 tourist destinations in India. At least 15 places and if possible, make a program to stay over there for an over night, two-night stay. You should observe, understand and experience India. We have so much diversity. And when holidays come in the shape of Diwali and allied festivals, people do travel and that's why I urge you to visit any 15 such places in India.

My dear countrymen, the 27th of September, two days prior to today, was celebrated as World Tourism Day and you will be happy to know that certain reputed tourism agencies of the world which rank standards of travel & tourism have shown that India has displayed a lot of improvement in the Travel & Tourism Competitive Index. And all this has been possible due to your cooperation and especially because understanding the importance of tourism has increased. The Swachhata Abhiyan also has a big role to play in all of this. And you will be delighted to know that today our rank is thirty four on this index whereas five years ago we were ranked65th, which in a way is a big jump. If we tried all that harder, then by the 75th year of our independence, we would have carved a place for ourselves amidst the major tourist destinations of the world.

My dear countrymen, once again I wish you all the best for various festivals that would be celebrated in the oncoming season in India, which is filled with diversity! Yes! Also, please see to it that during the celebration of Diwali, firecrackers do not lead to incidents of fire or loss of a life. Whatever precautions or preventive care is to be taken, should be taken during Diwali. Happiness should co-exist with joy, and of course there must also be enthusiasm and our festivals do indeed bring the aroma of collectiveness, and also the rituals connected with communal harmony. Symbiotic living provides us with renewed vigour and the festive season is the symbol of culmination of that renewed vigour. Come! Together brimming with enthusiasm, renewed dreams and resolutions we should celebrate. Once again here’s wishing many felicitations to you all. Thank you.

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Text of PM’s address at the Odisha Parba
November 24, 2024
Delighted to take part in the Odisha Parba in Delhi, the state plays a pivotal role in India's growth and is blessed with cultural heritage admired across the country and the world: PM
The culture of Odisha has greatly strengthened the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', in which the sons and daughters of the state have made huge contributions: PM
We can see many examples of the contribution of Oriya literature to the cultural prosperity of India: PM
Odisha's cultural richness, architecture and science have always been special, We have to constantly take innovative steps to take every identity of this place to the world: PM
We are working fast in every sector for the development of Odisha,it has immense possibilities of port based industrial development: PM
Odisha is India's mining and metal powerhouse making it’s position very strong in the steel, aluminium and energy sectors: PM
Our government is committed to promote ease of doing business in Odisha: PM
Today Odisha has its own vision and roadmap, now investment will be encouraged and new employment opportunities will be created: PM

जय जगन्नाथ!

जय जगन्नाथ!

केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल के मेरे सहयोगी श्रीमान धर्मेन्द्र प्रधान जी, अश्विनी वैष्णव जी, उड़िया समाज संस्था के अध्यक्ष श्री सिद्धार्थ प्रधान जी, उड़िया समाज के अन्य अधिकारी, ओडिशा के सभी कलाकार, अन्य महानुभाव, देवियों और सज्जनों।

ओडिशा र सबू भाईओ भउणी मानंकु मोर नमस्कार, एबंग जुहार। ओड़िया संस्कृति के महाकुंभ ‘ओड़िशा पर्व 2024’ कू आसी मँ गर्बित। आपण मानंकु भेटी मूं बहुत आनंदित।

मैं आप सबको और ओडिशा के सभी लोगों को ओडिशा पर्व की बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूँ। इस साल स्वभाव कवि गंगाधर मेहेर की पुण्यतिथि का शताब्दी वर्ष भी है। मैं इस अवसर पर उनका पुण्य स्मरण करता हूं, उन्हें श्रद्धांजलि देता हूँ। मैं भक्त दासिआ बाउरी जी, भक्त सालबेग जी, उड़िया भागवत की रचना करने वाले श्री जगन्नाथ दास जी को भी आदरपूर्वक नमन करता हूं।

ओडिशा निजर सांस्कृतिक विविधता द्वारा भारतकु जीबन्त रखिबारे बहुत बड़ भूमिका प्रतिपादन करिछि।

साथियों,

ओडिशा हमेशा से संतों और विद्वानों की धरती रही है। सरल महाभारत, उड़िया भागवत...हमारे धर्मग्रन्थों को जिस तरह यहाँ के विद्वानों ने लोकभाषा में घर-घर पहुंचाया, जिस तरह ऋषियों के विचारों से जन-जन को जोड़ा....उसने भारत की सांस्कृतिक समृद्धि में बहुत बड़ी भूमिका निभाई है। उड़िया भाषा में महाप्रभु जगन्नाथ जी से जुड़ा कितना बड़ा साहित्य है। मुझे भी उनकी एक गाथा हमेशा याद रहती है। महाप्रभु अपने श्री मंदिर से बाहर आए थे और उन्होंने स्वयं युद्ध का नेतृत्व किया था। तब युद्धभूमि की ओर जाते समय महाप्रभु श्री जगन्नाथ ने अपनी भक्त ‘माणिका गौउडुणी’ के हाथों से दही खाई थी। ये गाथा हमें बहुत कुछ सिखाती है। ये हमें सिखाती है कि हम नेक नीयत से काम करें, तो उस काम का नेतृत्व खुद ईश्वर करते हैं। हमेशा, हर समय, हर हालात में ये सोचने की जरूरत नहीं है कि हम अकेले हैं, हम हमेशा ‘प्लस वन’ होते हैं, प्रभु हमारे साथ होते हैं, ईश्वर हमेशा हमारे साथ होते हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा के संत कवि भीम भोई ने कहा था- मो जीवन पछे नर्के पडिथाउ जगत उद्धार हेउ। भाव ये कि मुझे चाहे जितने ही दुख क्यों ना उठाने पड़ें...लेकिन जगत का उद्धार हो। यही ओडिशा की संस्कृति भी है। ओडिशा सबु जुगरे समग्र राष्ट्र एबं पूरा मानब समाज र सेबा करिछी। यहाँ पुरी धाम ने ‘एक भारत श्रेष्ठ भारत’ की भावना को मजबूत बनाया। ओडिशा की वीर संतानों ने आज़ादी की लड़ाई में भी बढ़-चढ़कर देश को दिशा दिखाई थी। पाइका क्रांति के शहीदों का ऋण, हम कभी नहीं चुका सकते। ये मेरी सरकार का सौभाग्य है कि उसे पाइका क्रांति पर स्मारक डाक टिकट और सिक्का जारी करने का अवसर मिला था।

साथियों,

उत्कल केशरी हरे कृष्ण मेहताब जी के योगदान को भी इस समय पूरा देश याद कर रहा है। हम व्यापक स्तर पर उनकी 125वीं जयंती मना रहे हैं। अतीत से लेकर आज तक, ओडिशा ने देश को कितना सक्षम नेतृत्व दिया है, ये भी हमारे सामने है। आज ओडिशा की बेटी...आदिवासी समुदाय की द्रौपदी मुर्मू जी भारत की राष्ट्रपति हैं। ये हम सभी के लिए बहुत ही गर्व की बात है। उनकी प्रेरणा से आज भारत में आदिवासी कल्याण की हजारों करोड़ रुपए की योजनाएं शुरू हुई हैं, और ये योजनाएं सिर्फ ओडिशा के ही नहीं बल्कि पूरे भारत के आदिवासी समाज का हित कर रही हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा, माता सुभद्रा के रूप में नारीशक्ति और उसके सामर्थ्य की धरती है। ओडिशा तभी आगे बढ़ेगा, जब ओडिशा की महिलाएं आगे बढ़ेंगी। इसीलिए, कुछ ही दिन पहले मैंने ओडिशा की अपनी माताओं-बहनों के लिए सुभद्रा योजना का शुभारंभ किया था। इसका बहुत बड़ा लाभ ओडिशा की महिलाओं को मिलेगा। उत्कलर एही महान सुपुत्र मानंकर बिसयरे देश जाणू, एबं सेमानंक जीबन रु प्रेरणा नेउ, एथी निमन्ते एपरी आयौजनर बहुत अधिक गुरुत्व रहिछि ।

साथियों,

इसी उत्कल ने भारत के समुद्री सामर्थ्य को नया विस्तार दिया था। कल ही ओडिशा में बाली जात्रा का समापन हुआ है। इस बार भी 15 नवंबर को कार्तिक पूर्णिमा के दिन से कटक में महानदी के तट पर इसका भव्य आयोजन हो रहा था। बाली जात्रा प्रतीक है कि भारत का, ओडिशा का सामुद्रिक सामर्थ्य क्या था। सैकड़ों वर्ष पहले जब आज जैसी टेक्नोलॉजी नहीं थी, तब भी यहां के नाविकों ने समुद्र को पार करने का साहस दिखाया। हमारे यहां के व्यापारी जहाजों से इंडोनेशिया के बाली, सुमात्रा, जावा जैसे स्थानो की यात्राएं करते थे। इन यात्राओं के माध्यम से व्यापार भी हुआ और संस्कृति भी एक जगह से दूसरी जगह पहुंची। आजी विकसित भारतर संकल्पर सिद्धि निमन्ते ओडिशार सामुद्रिक शक्तिर महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका अछि।

साथियों,

ओडिशा को नई ऊंचाई तक ले जाने के लिए 10 साल से चल रहे अनवरत प्रयास....आज ओडिशा के लिए नए भविष्य की उम्मीद बन रहे हैं। 2024 में ओडिशावासियों के अभूतपूर्व आशीर्वाद ने इस उम्मीद को नया हौसला दिया है। हमने बड़े सपने देखे हैं, बड़े लक्ष्य तय किए हैं। 2036 में ओडिशा, राज्य-स्थापना का शताब्दी वर्ष मनाएगा। हमारा प्रयास है कि ओडिशा की गिनती देश के सशक्त, समृद्ध और तेजी से आगे बढ़ने वाले राज्यों में हो।

साथियों,

एक समय था, जब भारत के पूर्वी हिस्से को...ओडिशा जैसे राज्यों को पिछड़ा कहा जाता था। लेकिन मैं भारत के पूर्वी हिस्से को देश के विकास का ग्रोथ इंजन मानता हूं। इसलिए हमने पूर्वी भारत के विकास को अपनी प्राथमिकता बनाया है। आज पूरे पूर्वी भारत में कनेक्टिविटी के काम हों, स्वास्थ्य के काम हों, शिक्षा के काम हों, सभी में तेजी लाई गई है। 10 साल पहले ओडिशा को केंद्र सरकार जितना बजट देती थी, आज ओडिशा को तीन गुना ज्यादा बजट मिल रहा है। इस साल ओडिशा के विकास के लिए पिछले साल की तुलना में 30 प्रतिशत ज्यादा बजट दिया गया है। हम ओडिशा के विकास के लिए हर सेक्टर में तेजी से काम कर रहे हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा में पोर्ट आधारित औद्योगिक विकास की अपार संभावनाएं हैं। इसलिए धामरा, गोपालपुर, अस्तारंगा, पलुर, और सुवर्णरेखा पोर्ट्स का विकास करके यहां व्यापार को बढ़ावा दिया जाएगा। ओडिशा भारत का mining और metal powerhouse भी है। इससे स्टील, एल्युमिनियम और एनर्जी सेक्टर में ओडिशा की स्थिति काफी मजबूत हो जाती है। इन सेक्टरों पर फोकस करके ओडिशा में समृद्धि के नए दरवाजे खोले जा सकते हैं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा की धरती पर काजू, जूट, कपास, हल्दी और तिलहन की पैदावार बहुतायत में होती है। हमारा प्रयास है कि इन उत्पादों की पहुंच बड़े बाजारों तक हो और उसका फायदा हमारे किसान भाई-बहनों को मिले। ओडिशा की सी-फूड प्रोसेसिंग इंडस्ट्री में भी विस्तार की काफी संभावनाएं हैं। हमारा प्रयास है कि ओडिशा सी-फूड एक ऐसा ब्रांड बने, जिसकी मांग ग्लोबल मार्केट में हो।

साथियों,

हमारा प्रयास है कि ओडिशा निवेश करने वालों की पसंदीदा जगहों में से एक हो। हमारी सरकार ओडिशा में इज ऑफ डूइंग बिजनेस को बढ़ावा देने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है। उत्कर्ष उत्कल के माध्यम से निवेश को बढ़ाया जा रहा है। ओडिशा में नई सरकार बनते ही, पहले 100 दिनों के भीतर-भीतर, 45 हजार करोड़ रुपए के निवेश को मंजूरी मिली है। आज ओडिशा के पास अपना विज़न भी है, और रोडमैप भी है। अब यहाँ निवेश को भी बढ़ावा मिलेगा, और रोजगार के नए अवसर भी पैदा होंगे। मैं इन प्रयासों के लिए मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमान मोहन चरण मांझी जी और उनकी टीम को बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूं।

साथियों,

ओडिशा के सामर्थ्य का सही दिशा में उपयोग करके उसे विकास की नई ऊंचाइयों पर पहुंचाया जा सकता है। मैं मानता हूं, ओडिशा को उसकी strategic location का बहुत बड़ा फायदा मिल सकता है। यहां से घरेलू और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय बाजार तक पहुंचना आसान है। पूर्व और दक्षिण-पूर्व एशिया के लिए ओडिशा व्यापार का एक महत्वपूर्ण हब है। Global value chains में ओडिशा की अहमियत आने वाले समय में और बढ़ेगी। हमारी सरकार राज्य से export बढ़ाने के लक्ष्य पर भी काम कर रही है।

साथियों,

ओडिशा में urbanization को बढ़ावा देने की अपार संभावनाएं हैं। हमारी सरकार इस दिशा में ठोस कदम उठा रही है। हम ज्यादा संख्या में dynamic और well-connected cities के निर्माण के लिए प्रतिबद्ध हैं। हम ओडिशा के टियर टू शहरों में भी नई संभावनाएं बनाने का भरपूर हम प्रयास कर रहे हैं। खासतौर पर पश्चिम ओडिशा के इलाकों में जो जिले हैं, वहाँ नए इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर से नए अवसर पैदा होंगे।

साथियों,

हायर एजुकेशन के क्षेत्र में ओडिशा देशभर के छात्रों के लिए एक नई उम्मीद की तरह है। यहां कई राष्ट्रीय और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय इंस्टीट्यूट हैं, जो राज्य को एजुकेशन सेक्टर में लीड लेने के लिए प्रेरित करते हैं। इन कोशिशों से राज्य में स्टार्टअप्स इकोसिस्टम को भी बढ़ावा मिल रहा है।

साथियों,

ओडिशा अपनी सांस्कृतिक समृद्धि के कारण हमेशा से ख़ास रहा है। ओडिशा की विधाएँ हर किसी को सम्मोहित करती है, हर किसी को प्रेरित करती हैं। यहाँ का ओड़िशी नृत्य हो...ओडिशा की पेंटिंग्स हों...यहाँ जितनी जीवंतता पट्टचित्रों में देखने को मिलती है...उतनी ही बेमिसाल हमारे आदिवासी कला की प्रतीक सौरा चित्रकारी भी होती है। संबलपुरी, बोमकाई और कोटपाद बुनकरों की कारीगरी भी हमें ओडिशा में देखने को मिलती है। हम इस कला और कारीगरी का जितना प्रसार करेंगे, उतना ही इस कला को संरक्षित करने वाले उड़िया लोगों को सम्मान मिलेगा।

साथियों,

हमारे ओडिशा के पास वास्तु और विज्ञान की भी इतनी बड़ी धरोहर है। कोणार्क का सूर्य मंदिर… इसकी विशालता, इसका विज्ञान...लिंगराज और मुक्तेश्वर जैसे पुरातन मंदिरों का वास्तु.....ये हर किसी को आश्चर्यचकित करता है। आज लोग जब इन्हें देखते हैं...तो सोचने पर मजबूर हो जाते हैं कि सैकड़ों साल पहले भी ओडिशा के लोग विज्ञान में इतने आगे थे।

साथियों,

ओडिशा, पर्यटन की दृष्टि से अपार संभावनाओं की धरती है। हमें इन संभावनाओं को धरातल पर उतारने के लिए कई आयामों में काम करना है। आप देख रहे हैं, आज ओडिशा के साथ-साथ देश में भी ऐसी सरकार है जो ओडिशा की धरोहरों का, उसकी पहचान का सम्मान करती है। आपने देखा होगा, पिछले साल हमारे यहाँ G-20 का सम्मेलन हुआ था। हमने G-20 के दौरान इतने सारे देशों के राष्ट्राध्यक्षों और राजनयिकों के सामने...सूर्यमंदिर की ही भव्य तस्वीर को प्रस्तुत किया था। मुझे खुशी है कि महाप्रभु जगन्नाथ मंदिर परिसर के सभी चार द्वार खुल चुके हैं। मंदिर का रत्न भंडार भी खोल दिया गया है।

साथियों,

हमें ओडिशा की हर पहचान को दुनिया को बताने के लिए भी और भी इनोवेटिव कदम उठाने हैं। जैसे....हम बाली जात्रा को और पॉपुलर बनाने के लिए बाली जात्रा दिवस घोषित कर सकते हैं, उसका अंतरराष्ट्रीय मंच पर प्रचार कर सकते हैं। हम ओडिशी नृत्य जैसी कलाओं के लिए ओडिशी दिवस मनाने की शुरुआत कर सकते हैं। विभिन्न आदिवासी धरोहरों को सेलिब्रेट करने के लिए भी नई परम्पराएँ शुरू की जा सकती हैं। इसके लिए स्कूल और कॉलेजों में विशेष आयोजन किए जा सकते हैं। इससे लोगों में जागरूकता आएगी, यहाँ पर्यटन और लघु उद्योगों से जुड़े अवसर बढ़ेंगे। कुछ ही दिनों बाद प्रवासी भारतीय सम्मेलन भी, विश्व भर के लोग इस बार ओडिशा में, भुवनेश्वर में आने वाले हैं। प्रवासी भारतीय दिवस पहली बार ओडिशा में हो रहा है। ये सम्मेलन भी ओडिशा के लिए बहुत बड़ा अवसर बनने वाला है।

साथियों,

कई जगह देखा गया है बदलते समय के साथ, लोग अपनी मातृभाषा और संस्कृति को भी भूल जाते हैं। लेकिन मैंने देखा है...उड़िया समाज, चाहे जहां भी रहे, अपनी संस्कृति, अपनी भाषा...अपने पर्व-त्योहारों को लेकर हमेशा से बहुत उत्साहित रहा है। मातृभाषा और संस्कृति की शक्ति कैसे हमें अपनी जमीन से जोड़े रखती है...ये मैंने कुछ दिन पहले ही दक्षिण अमेरिका के देश गयाना में भी देखा। करीब दो सौ साल पहले भारत से सैकड़ों मजदूर गए...लेकिन वो अपने साथ रामचरित मानस ले गए...राम का नाम ले गए...इससे आज भी उनका नाता भारत भूमि से जुड़ा हुआ है। अपनी विरासत को इसी तरह सहेज कर रखते हुए जब विकास होता है...तो उसका लाभ हर किसी तक पहुंचता है। इसी तरह हम ओडिशा को भी नई ऊचाई पर पहुंचा सकते हैं।

साथियों,

आज के आधुनिक युग में हमें आधुनिक बदलावों को आत्मसात भी करना है, और अपनी जड़ों को भी मजबूत बनाना है। ओडिशा पर्व जैसे आयोजन इसका एक माध्यम बन सकते हैं। मैं चाहूँगा, आने वाले वर्षों में इस आयोजन का और ज्यादा विस्तार हो, ये पर्व केवल दिल्ली तक सीमित न रहे। ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोग इससे जुड़ें, स्कूल कॉलेजों का participation भी बढ़े, हमें इसके लिए प्रयास करने चाहिए। दिल्ली में बाकी राज्यों के लोग भी यहाँ आयें, ओडिशा को और करीबी से जानें, ये भी जरूरी है। मुझे भरोसा है, आने वाले समय में इस पर्व के रंग ओडिशा और देश के कोने-कोने तक पहुंचेंगे, ये जनभागीदारी का एक बहुत बड़ा प्रभावी मंच बनेगा। इसी भावना के साथ, मैं एक बार फिर आप सभी को बधाई देता हूं।

आप सबका बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद।

जय जगन्नाथ!