New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in his popular radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’ on Sunday.
Modi started off by saying that he was in no mood to host a ‘Mann Ki Baat’ as he was thoroughly shaken up by the devastation caused by the earthquake in Nepal and India.
“The earthquake that hit India and Nepal on Saturday has shaken people across the globe. It seems of me that a slew of natural disasters have happened one after the other,” he said.
Modi said that he had witnessed the 2001 Bhuj Earthquake from close range which made him aware of the dangers and pain that are caused by such disasters.
“I can imagine what must have happened to people and their families who were affected by the earthquake in Nepal,” he said.
He however reiterated that the people of India are standing with and supporting the people of Nepal in their hour of need.
He said that the first thing on India’s agenda is saving the people in Nepal and rescuing those who may be stuck under debris of buildings that collapsed. He said the aim is to save as many people as possible.
“Immediately after rescue operations end, the aim is to focus on relief as rehabilitation is a long and arduous process. Humanity has a power of its own,” he told people who were listening to him on the radio.
The PM also talked about the rescue operations in Yemen and the role played by India, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. He said that ‘Service is the primary duty’ (Seva Paramo Dharma). This is India’s role in the world.
He aslo congratulated two of India’s daughters – Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza. He said they have done us proud on the world stage.
Modi said: “Students would be looking forward to enjoying vacations. I wish them for the same. Do enjoy yourselves and learn new things.”
The Prime Minister has already interacted directly with people through six such talks previously.
The radio programme, which is broadcast on All India Radio every month, aims to deliver the Prime Minister’s voice to the general masses of India.
In the last edition, which was broadcast on March 22, he shared the concerns of farmers and said his government would address their issues.
Prime Minister Modi has from time to time invited citizens to share their ideas and thoughts on the subject in the Open Forum of MyGov.in.
In order to enable people without access to internet to communicate with him, the Prime Minister has invited people to write to him at – Mann Ki Baat, Akashvani, Sansad Marg, New Delhi.
The program has generated an encouraging response from citizens across the country. It is simultaneously broadcast live on all channels of All India Radio and Doordarshan. The program would also be live-streamed on the Prime Minister’s official website.
The regional language version of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ will be broadcast on the same day at 8 pm on all regional networks of All India Radio.
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