Staff Reporter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed happiness that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has taken the form of a mass movement. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, Mr Modi highlighted that people from all walks of life and every section of the society are participating in different programs connected with it. He said this 91st episode of Mann Ki Baat is very special as India will soon complete 75 years of her independence.

The Prime Minister called the listeners lucky as they were born in a free India. He added that this present day would have been unimaginable had people been born in the era of slavery. He said, people who had lived through those times must have yearned from freedom from slavery and subjugation. He said, millions of countrymen fought against it and made sacrifices for the sake of freedom.

Prime Minister spoke about the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign which is being held under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. He asked listeners to become a part of this movement, and hoist the Tricolour or adorn their homes with it from 13th to 15th August. He said the Tricolor connects and inspires people to do something for the country. He also suggested that people can use the Tricolour as social media profile picture from the 2nd of August to the 15th of August. He said the 2nd of August has a special connection with the Indian flag. This day is the birth anniversary of Pingali Venkaiah who designed the national flag. He also remembered the great revolutionary Bhikaji Cama whose role in shaping the Tricolor has been very important.

The Prime Minister stated that the biggest message of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is that everyone should follow their duty with full devotion. He said, Amrit Kaal of the next 25 years is also Kartavyakaal, a period of duty for every countryman.

Touching upon the subject of healthcare, Mr Modi said the fight against Corona is still on and the increasing interest in Holistic Healthcare has helped everyone to tackle the pandemic. He emphasised that Indian traditional methods are useful in this and AYUSH has played an important role, at the global level. There is a growing interest in Ayurveda and Indian medicine around the world. He stated that Ayush Exports have witnessed a record growth and many new start-ups are emerging in this sector. He talked about Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit which was held recently. Mr Modi was pleased to note that investment proposals of about ten thousand crore rupees have been received during the Summit. He also said that during the pandemic, research has increased on medicinal plants and many research studies are being published on this. He termed it a good start.