AMN / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that India has taken strides in the area of poverty alleviation at a record pace and noted world institutions have acknowledged India’s growth.
Mr Modi said, due to collective efforts, the country has seen unprecedented improvement in the ‘Ease of doing business’ rankings. Sharing his thoughts in the Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, Prime Minister said, India’s efforts in the areas of Solar Energy and Climate Change have also been noticed by the world.
Mr Modi said, the country’s self defence mechanism got further reinforced. He said, it was during this very year that India has successfully accomplished the Nuclear Triad, which means India is now armed with nuclear capabilities-in water, on land and in the sky as well.
Mr Narendra Modi said, the year 2018 saw the launch of the world’s biggest health insurance scheme ‘Ayushman Bharat’ and electricity reached each and every village of the country .
On account of the unwavering resolve of the countrymen, swachchata, sanitation coverage is rapidly advancing towards crossing the 95 per cent mark.
Speaking on the tradition of Kumbh Mela which has bloomed and flourished as part of India’s great cultural heritage, Mr Modi said, this time the world famous Kumbh Mela is going to be held in Prayagraj from 15th of next month.
He said, Kumbh Mela is also a huge medium of self discovery, where every visitor experiences a unique feeling and learns to look at the worldly things from a spiritual perspective.
It is a measure of its global importance that last year UNESCO has marked Kumbh Mela in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He said, the festival of Kumbh, to be organized in Prayagraj, is expected to have footfalls from more than 150 countries, the divinity emanating from Kumbh will spread the colours of India’s splendour throughout the world.
Saying sports has its own significance in every society, Mr Modi said, if one’s resolve is strong and enthusiasm is without bounds, all the hurdles halt in their tracks and hardships can never turn into obstacles.
Mr Modi gave example of 12 years old Hanaya of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir who won a gold medal in a Karate Championship in Korea. He also spoke about Gold medalist in the junior women’s boxing championship, Rajani and 20 year old Vedangi Kulkarni of Pune who became the fastest Asian to traverse the globe riding a bicycle.
The Prime Minister said, there is a lot of curiosity regarding the celebration of Republic Day on 26th January and this year the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
He said, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is going to grace the Republic Day celebrations as chief guest. He said, Mahatma Gandhi and and South Africa shared an unbreakable bond.
Talking about Food Safety and Standard Authority of India, FSSAI, Mr. Modi said, many programs are being organized across the country in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
At times, government organizations are tagged as a regulator, but it is commendable that FSAAI has been working beyond this brief for public awareness and public education.
Mr Modi said, a clean and healthy India will spell a prosperous India also and nutritious food is most essential for good health. He also stressed that the education regarding importance of food is essential right from childhood.
Mr Modi remembered Dr Jayachandran of Chennai who was known for his efforts of making the most economical treatment possible available to the poor.
He also remembered Sulagitti Narsamma a midwife, aiding pregnant women during childbirth. He mentioned the social endeavour of doctors of Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh who set up camps offering free treatment for the underprivileged and hundreds of poor patients are benefiting from it.
Conveying his greetings for Lohri, Pongal, Makar Sankranti,Uttarayan, Magh Bihu, Maaghi, Mr Modi said, all the festivals may carry different names but the underlying or inherent feeling of celebrating them is singular. He said, the festivals are connected with crops and farming, farmer, village.
He said, the festivals are replete with fragrance of the essence of Unity in Diversity and the spirit of One India Great India. Mr Modi paid his obeisance to Guru Gobind Singh whose birth anniversary will be celebrated on 13th of next month.
The Prime Minister said, Guru Gobind Singh was a divine figure full of heroism, valor, courage, sacrifice and devotion.
The Prime Minister said, he will meet the listeners again in 2019, and will engage in another episode of Mann Ki Baat. He said, inspiration is the basis of progress whether it is the life of a person, life of a nation, or the lifespan of a society.
He said people should move on, keep moving, change oneself and change the country too with renewed inspiration, renewed zeal, renewed resolution, new accomplishments and loftier goals.