Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. PM Modi extended wishes to people on the occasion of ‘Chhath Puja’, and said the festival is an example of inclusivity. He said that countrymen wrote to him in response to his letter on celebration of festivals in the country.

“All of us celebrated Diwali a few days ago, and now a large number of people are busy with Chhath Puja. Mahaparva of Chhath is a reflection of the deep unity between culture, nature, and society. Every section of society comes together at the Chhath ghats. This sight is the most beautiful example of India’s social unity. On this occasion of festivals, I had written a letter to all of you sharing my feelings. In the letter, I mentioned the achievements of the country that have made this year’s festivals even more vibrant. In response to my letter, I have received messages from many citizens of the country…” the PM said in his monthly radio broadcast programme.

“Operation Sindoor’ has truly filled every Indian with pride. This year, lamps of happiness were lit even in areas where the darkness of Maoist terror once loomed… There is great enthusiasm among people about the ‘GST Bachat Utsav’,” the Prime Minister said.

In his last address, the Prime Minister had said that the government is working to get Chhath Puja listed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He said the famous local festival of the state of Bihar, is now becoming global.

Remembering the contribution of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the making of India, PM Modi appealed to the citizens to participate in ‘Run for Unity’ programme on the occasion of his birth anniversary on October 31.

150 years of Vande Mataram

The Prime Minister spoke in length on the significance of India’s national song – ‘Vande Mataram’. He said the first word of the song evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts.

“‘VandeMataram’ – this one word contains so many emotions, so many energies. In simple terms, it makes us experience the maternal affection of MaBharati. It makes us aware of our responsibilities as children of Ma Bharati. If there is a moment of difficulty, the chant of ‘Vande Mataram’ fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity. Patriotism… love for Ma Bharati… if this is an emotion beyond words, then ‘VandeMataram’ is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling,” the PM said.

He added that the song was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude. “‘Vande Mataram’ might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old…” he added.

The Prime Minister mentioned that on November 7, India will enter the 150th year celebration of ‘Vande Mataram’. “In 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time… We must strive to build Bharat in this very spirit. There will be numerous programmes related to this. I would like all of us to try to contribute spontaneously for the glory of ‘Vande Mataram’,” the PM said.

PM Modi highlights enhance Mangroves in country

In the 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on planting mangroves and how it has grown rapidly in the country. “Five years ago, the Forest Department teams of Gujarat started planting mangroves near Dholera near Ahmedabad, and today, mangroves have spread over 3,500 hectares on the Dholera coast. The effect of these mangroves is visible throughout the area today.”

He said that the number of dolphins in the ecosystem has risen here. Apart from it, crabs and other aquatic creatures have also increased in number, compared to earlier.

“Migratory birds are also coming here in large numbers now. A ‘Mangrove Learning Centre’ has also been set up in Kutch, Gujarat…” he mentioned.

The Prime Minister said just as there are forests in the mountains and plains, which bind the soil together, mangroves have a similar importance on the seashores.

Indian breed of dogs

PM Modi mentioned that five years back, he had discussed Indian breeds of dogs in Mann Ki Baat programme. Expressing joy, he said that BSF and CRPF have increased the number of Indian breed dogs in their contingents.

“BSF’s National Training Centre for dogs is located in Tekanpur, Gwalior. Here, special focus is being accorded to the Rampur Hound from Uttar Pradesh and the Mudhol Hound from Karnataka and Maharashtra. At the CRPF’s Dog Breeding and Training School in Bengaluru, Indian breeds such as Mongrels, Mudhol Hounds, Kombai, and Pandikona are being trained,” he added.

He called the bravery of one such dog names Riya, and said, “Last year in Lucknow a dog named Riya caught everyone’s attention at All India Police Duty Meet. It is a Mudhol Hound trained by BSF. Riya won the first prize there, leaving behind several foreign breeds. Our indigenous dogs have also displayed amazing courage. Last year, during a patrol in a Maoist-affected area of Chhattisgarh, an indigenous dog of CRPF detected 8 kilograms of explosives. I congratulate BSF and CRPF for the efforts they have made in this direction.”

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