Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted good governance and warned those who spread hatred and pose hurdles in way of peace.
Sharing his thoughts in the Mann Ki Baat Programme on All India Radio, Mr Modi said the people of Kashmir are eager to join the national mainstream, and their enthusiasm is reflected in the mechanism of Back to Village programme.
Citing the success of community mobilisation programme known as ‘Back to Village’ in the state, the Prime Minister said large scale participation of people in this programme proves that power of development is stronger than the might of bullets and bombs.
The week-long programme encompassing about 4500 panchayats witnessed the government officials briefing the villagers about the schemes and programmes implemented by the Government.
The Prime Minister said the programme was organized in remote villages, where even officials had to traverse difficult terrain and climb mountains on foot. These officials also reached the panchayats on the border which live under the shadow of cross-border firing.
Not only this, the officials reached sensitive villages in the districts of Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag, without any fear. He expressed happiness that the people of the state open-heartedly became equal stakeholders in this festival and said such programmes should be organised every quarter.
Mr Modi said this year’s Amarnath Yatra, the number of pilgrims were four times greater as compared to the past four years, and thanked the hospitality of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Success in Space
The Prime Minister described year 2019 as very fruitful for India in the realm of Space. He said the nation watched with pride as Chandrayaan II made strides into Space from Sriharikota. He added that visuals of Chandrayaan II lifting off filled people’s hearts with glory, zest and joy. He hoped Chandrayaan II mission will inspire youth towards Science and Innovation. He said the country is now expectantly waiting for September when Lander Vikram and Rover Pragyan land on the Lunar surface.
Mr Modi said Indian scientists launched A-Sat in March this year through which the country has acquired the capability of destroying a satellite three hundred Kilometres away in a mere three minutes.
India became the fourth country in the world to possess this capacity.
Highlighting that Science is the path of progress, Mr Modi invited young boys and girls to participate in a Quiz Competition. Space, India’s Space Mission, Science and Technology will be the salient features of this competition. The details will be available on MyGov website.
Mr Modi elaborated that students scoring the highest marks in their states will be invited to visit Sriharikota, with expenses borne by the Government. He said they will get an opportunity to witness the moment when Chandrayaan would land on the surface of the Moon.
Flood Situation
Talking about the flood situation in many parts of the country, Mr Modi assured the affected people that the Centre in tandem with the State governments is working at lightning fast pace to provide relief and succour to the affected.
Mr Modi also spoke about the other side of the monsoon – the overjoyed farmer, chirping birds, gurgling waterfalls and earth wrapped under green cover.
The Prime Minister said his call to conserve water in the previous Mann Ki Baat episode has evoked an immense response. He said people have shared information on traditional methods and the media has embarked upon quite a few innovative campaigns.
Mr Modi said whether it is government or NGOs, something or the other is being carried out on a war footing on this issue. He also hailed the villagers of Aara Keram in Jharkhand where the rural folk toiled collectively to change the course of a mountain spring.
This has led to not only stopping soil erosion and prevention of crop damage, but also facilitated effective irrigation of fields.
Mr Modi also applauded Meghalaya for formulating its own Water Policy. He also hailed Haryana where crops that require meagre water are being encouraged.
Cleanliness campaign
The Prime Minister said the Cleanliness campaign which began five years ago gathered momentum with mass participation and is now setting up newer benchmarks in cleanliness and sanitation. He said this movement has now advanced from cleanliness towards beautification. He mentioned engineer Yogesh Saini’s story who left his job in America and returned to India to take part in this campaign. Recently, Saini has picked up the gauntlet to not just clean up Delhi, but to beautify it.
Referring to his appeal to people in his last Mann Ki Baat programme to read books, Mr Modi said it has generated an immense response. He pitched the idea of creating a permanent book corner on the Narendra Modi App, so that people can discuss the books they read. He also asked listeners to suggest an apt name for this book corner.
The Prime Minister congratulated all the ten champions of India who won medals in the World Children’s Winners Games held in Moscow. It is a unique sports tournament meant for young cancer survivors and only those who have emerged fighting cancer can take part.
Mr Modi said the month of August also brings the memories of Quit India movement. He urged the people to celebrate 15th August with special preparations and find out new ways to observe this festival of freedom with greater participation of the masses. He suggested that people ponder over how 15th August can be celebrated as a folk-festival and also as a people’s festival.