Says Fit India Movement to be launched on Aug 29
ONKAR SINGH / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called upon people to join hands to curb single use plastic.
‘This year, on the 2nd of October, when we celebrate Bapu’s 150th birth anniversary, we shall not only dedicate to him an India that is Open Defecation Free, but also shall lay the foundation of a new revolution against plastic, by people themselves, throughout the country. I appeal to all strata of society, residents of every village, town & city, take it as a prayer with folded hands; let us celebrate Gandhi Jayanti this year as a mark of our plastic free Mother India”, Prime Minister was addressing the people through his Mann Ki Baat programme broadcast on All India Radio.
The Prime Minister said Fit India Movement will be launched across the country on the occasion of National Sports Day on coming Thursday. Mr Modi said that after the broadcast of his Man Vs Wild episode in Discovery channel, people are talking about the wildlife and environment conservation. He asked people to visit sites associated with nature and wildlife, including Jim Corbett National Park and the North East.
Saying that India is home to 2,967 tigers, Mr Modi expressed delight that India was able to achieve the target of doubling tiger population well ahead of 2022. He said this is the New India where goals are accomplished in the quickest possible time. The Prime Minister also urged people to visit at least 15 tourist places of India within a span of the next three years.
The Prime Minister was addressing the people through his Mann Ki Baat programme broadcast on All India Radio.
Mr Modi said, community service is the best way to offer tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. In keeping with this objective, a nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva campaign will start for a plastic free India on 11th September.
The Prime Minister said the month of September is dedicated to Poshan Abhiyaan across the country. Citing a Sanskrit Subhashit that attributes glory to food, Mr Modi stressed that balanced and nutritious food is essential for all, especially women and new-born.
Citing the innovative and interesting initiatives like Muthhi Bhar Dhaanya in Nashik to address the challenges of malnutrition, he said it has now become a mass movement. Under this scheme, Anganwadi workers collect a handful of rice grain during the harvest period from people. This grain is used to make food for children and women. Mr Modi referred to the programme launched by Gujarat government in 2010, under which complimentary food was provided to children on the occasion of Anna Praashan Sanskar.
Recalling the historic speech by Swami Vivekananda on 11th September 1893, Mr Modi said that the world was forced to change its way of looking at India after his address. Mr Modi said Krishna Janmashtami, which was celebrated yesterday, always brings new inspiration with fresh energy. The Prime Minister also drew parallels between the lives of Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi and Mohan or the Lord Krishna in a befitting manner.
