Text of PM’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme on All India Radio on 29.10.2017

Text of PM’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme on All India Radio on 29.10.2017

My dear countrymen, Namaskar. The mega festival of Chatth, celebrated 6 days after Diwali,
is one of those festivals which are celebrated in accordance with strict rituals & regimen. In
everything associated with it like cuisine or attire, traditional norms are adhered to. The
unique festival Chhath Pooja is deeply linked with nature & worshiping nature. Surya & Jal
–The Sun & Water are central to the veneration in Chhath, whereas utensils made of bamboo
& clay and tubers are an essential part of the Pooja articles. In this mega festival of faith,
veneration of the rising sun and worship of the setting sun convey a message that is replete
with unparalleled Sanskar. The world respects & venerates those who rise; the Chatth Pooja
bestows upon us the sanskaar to respect & revere those whose setting, whose dusk is
imminent. The expression of the significance of cleanliness in our lives is intrinsic to this
festival. Before the advent of Chatth, people come together to clean up their homes, and
along with that cleansing of rivers, lakes, pond banks and pooja locations, that is ghats, with
utmost enthusiasm & fervour. Sun worship or Chhath Pooja is a festival of protecting the
environment, ushering in wellness and discipline.
Usually, people shy away from borrowing from others. But in Chhath Pooja, it is specially
customary to ask for Prasad after the morning Arghya ritual. It is believed that the rationale
behind this tradition is that, it destroys his ego that proves to be an impediment in one’s path
of progress. It is natural for each one of us to feel proud of this great tradition of India.
My dear countrymen, ‘Mann - Ki - Baat’ has garnered accolades; it has also attracted
criticism. But whenever I look at the overall outcome of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, it reinforces my
belief, that it is intrinsically, inseparably woven into the warp & weft of our common
citizens’ lives, cent per cent. Take the examples of Khadi and handloom. On Gandhi Jayanti I
have always advocated the use of handloom and Khadi. What has it led to? You will be glad
to know that on the 17th of this month on the day of Dhanteras, the Khadi Gramodyog
Bhavan store in Delhi witnessed a record sale of Rupees one crore, twenty lakhs. You too
must be feeling happy with a sense of satisfaction at this mega sale in just one Khadi &
Handloom store. During Diwali, Khadi gift coupon sales recorded an overwhelming 680 per
cent rise. Compared to last year, the total sales of Khadi & Handicrafts have risen almost by
90%. One can clearly see that today, the youth, the elderly, women, in fact every age group is
taking to Khadi & handloom.
I can imagine how many weaver families, poor families, and the families working on
handlooms must have benefitted from this. Khadi was Khadi foundation earlier and we
talked of Khadi fashion but with my recent experience I can say that after Khadi for nation
and Khadi for fashion now, it is becoming Khadi for transformation. Khadi and handloom

have transformed the lives of the poorest of the poor and are emerging as a powerful means
of empowering them. It is playing a very important role for gramodaya.
Shriman Rajan Bhatt has written on NarendramodiApp that he wants to know about my
experience of celebrating Diwali with security forces and he also wants to know how the
security forces celebrate Diwali. Shriman Tejas Gaikwad has also written on
NarendramodiApp whether there could be an arrangement to send our homemade sweets to
the security forces. We also remember our brave security forces. We also feel that our
homemade sweets must reach our country’s soldiers. All of you must have celebrated
Deepawali with traditional fervour. To me, Diwali brought a special experience. Luckily I
got another chance to celebrate Deepawali with our courageous and brave heart security
personnel. Memories of Diwali celebrations with our security forces in Gurez sector of
Jammu & Kashmir will stay long cherished in my heart. On behalf of all our countrymen, I
salute every soldier of our security forces who guard the country’s borders with utmost
dedication and a spirit of sacrifice, braving all odds. Whenever we get a chance or whenever
there is an opportunity we must try to know the experiences of our soldiers and listen to their
tales of valour. Many of us may not be aware that the jawans of our security forces play an
important role not only on our borders but they play a very vital role in establishing peace the
world over. As UN Peacekeepers, they are bringing glory to the nation in the comity of
nations. United Nations Day was observed recently all over the world on the 24th of
October.
Everybody recalls the efforts and constructive role of the UN in establishing peace
throughout the world. And, we are believers in “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” which means the
whole world is our family. And with this belief, India has been cooperating very actively in
various important initiatives taken by the UN. You may be aware that the preface of the
Indian Constitution and the preface of the UN Charter; both start with the words ‘We the
people’. India has always stressed on the importance of equality for women and the UN
Declaration of Human Rights is a living example of this.
In its initial phrase, it was proposed as ‘all men are born free and equal’ which was amended
and adopted as ‘all human beings are born free and equal’ with the efforts of the Indian
representative Hansa Mehta. It appears to be a minor change but it reflects a vision of a
healthy thought. India’s most important contribution under the UN umbrella is its role in UN
Peacekeeping Operations. India has always been extending active support to UN Peace
Missions.
Many of you may be getting to know this for the first time. More than 18 thousand Indian
security personnel have lent their services in UN Peacekeeping Operations. Presently, about
seven thousand Indian soldiers are associated with UN Peacekeeping initiatives which is the
third highest number of soldiers from any country. Till August 2017, Indian soldiers had lent
their services in about 50 of the total of 71 Peacekeeping operations undertaken by the UN
the world over. These operations have been carried out in Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam,
Congo, Cyprus, Liberia, Lebanon, Sudan and many other parts of the world. In Congo and
Southern Sudan more than twenty thousand patients were treated in hospitals of the Indian
army and countless lives were saved.
Indian security forces have not only saved people in various countries but also won their

hearts with their people friendly operations. Indian women have played a leading role in
peace keeping efforts. Very few people may know that India was the first country which sent
a female police unit to Liberia for the United Nations Peace Mission. And see how this
initiative from India became a big source of motivation for other countries too. Later, all
countries started sending their women police units. You will surely feel proud to know that
India’s contribution is not limited to just peacekeeping operations but it is also providing
training to peacekeepers from about eighty five countries. The brave peacekeepers from this
land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Budha have sent a message of peace and amity around
the world. Peacekeeping operation is not an easy task. Jawans from our security forces have
to perform duties in difficult and remote areas. They have to live amongst many different
people. They need to know and adapt to various situations and different cultures. They have
to mould themselves according to the local needs and environment. While remembering our
brave UN Peacekeepers today, who can forget the sacrifice of Captain Gurbachan Singh
Salaria who laid down his life while fighting in Congo in Africa?
Every Indian feels proud while remembering him. He was the only UN peacekeeper, a brave-
heart, who was awarded the Param Veer Chakra. Lieutenant General Prem Chand ji is one
among those Indian Peacekeepers who carved a special niche for themselves in Cyprus. In
1989, at the age of 72, he was appointed the Force Commander for an operation in Namibia
and he gave his services to ensure the Independence of that country. General Thimaiyya, who
had been India’s army chief, lead the UN Peacekeeping force in Cyprus and sacrificed
everything for those peace efforts. India has always been giving a message of peace, unity
and harmony to the world. We believe that everyone must live in peace and harmony and
move ahead to carve a better and peaceful tomorrow.
My dear countrymen, our holy land has given great souls who selflessly served humanity.
Sister Nivedita, whom we also know as Bhagini Nivedita, was one such extraordinary
person. She was born in Ireland as Margret Elizabeth Noble but Swami Vivekanand gave her
the name NIVEDITA. And Nivedita means the one who is fully dedicated. She later proved
herself true to her name. Yesterday was the 150th birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita.
She was so impressed by Swami Vivekanand that she renounced her happy- prosperous life
and dedicated herself to the service of the poor. Sister Nivedita felt very hurt by the atrocities
of the British rule. The Britishers not only made us slaves but they tried to enslave us
mentally as well. Constant efforts to belittle our culture and make us feel inferior were on.
Bhagini Nivedita ji revived the dignity and pride of Indian culture. She brought the people
together by infusing a sense of national-awakening. She travelled to various countries and
raised her voice against the mischievous propaganda against Sanatan Dharma and ideology.
Renowned nationalist and Tamil poet Subramanya Bharati is well known for his
revolutionary poem Pudhumai Penn or New woman and is renowned for his efforts for
Women empowerment.
It is said that Bhagini Nivedita was the inspiration. Bhagini Nivedita ji also helped the great
scientist Jagdish Chandra Basu. She helped publication of Basu’s research and publicity
through her articles and conferences.
This is India’s unique beauty that spirituality and science complement each other in our
culture.

Sister Nivedita and Scientist Jagdish Chandra Basu are a powerful testimony to this. In 1899,
plague broke out in Calcutta and hundreds of people lost their lives in no time. Sister
Nivedita, without caring for her health, started cleaning drains and roads. She was a woman
who could live a luxurious life but she dedicatedly worked for the poor. Getting inspiration
from her sacrifice, people came forward and joined her.
Through her work, she spread the message of the importance of cleanliness and service to
mankind. And, it is inscribed on her grave – “Here reposes Sister Nivedita who gave her all
to India”. Undoubtedly, she did so. There cannot be any other befitting tribute to this great
soul than every Indian taking a lesson from her life and emulating her.
Thank you for your phone call. First of all, many felicitations to all the children on the
occasion of Children's Day celebrated on the birthday of our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal
Nehru ji. Children are the emerging heroes in the creation of new India. Your concern is
correct that the diseases which surfaced in old age, or emerged around the last lap of life -
have started to appear in children nowadays. It is indeed surprising today, when we hear that
children are suffering from diabetes.
In earlier times, such diseases were known as 'Raj-Rog' which means diseases that used to
afflict only the rich or those who lived a life of luxury. Such diseases were very rare in young
people. But our lifestyle has changed. Today these diseases are known as ‘lifestyle
disorders.’ One of the main reasons for being afflicted with such diseases at a young age is
the lack of physical activity in our lifestyle and the changes in our eating habits.
Society and the family need to pay attention towards this crisis. If you’ll start paying
attention to it, you will see that there is no need to do anything extraordinary. You just need
to make small regular changes in order to transform your habits, making them a part of your
way of life. I would like the family to consciously try to inculcate in children the habit of
playing in open grounds. If possible, we can make the elder family members accompany
these children to the playground and play with them.
The children can be made to take the stairs instead of taking the lift. After dinner, the entire
family can go for a walk with the children. Yoga for Young India. Yoga will be helpful for
especially our young friends, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting them from
lifestyle disorders. The practice of Yoga 30 minutes before school can impart much benefit.
It can also be practised at home and the specialty of Yoga is that it is easy, simple and
accessible to all. I am saying this because a person of any age can easily practise it. It is
simple because it can be easily learned and it is accessible, since it can be done anywhere.
No special tools or fields are needed. There are several studies being conducted on how Yoga
is effective in curbing diabetes. These studies are being carried out in AIIMS too and the
results that have emerged so far are very encouraging. Do not look at Ayurveda and Yoga as
a means of medical treatment only; instead of this we should make them a part of our life.
My dear countrymen, especially my young friends, we have been getting glad tidings from
the field of sports. In different games, our athletes have made the country proud. In hockey,
India has won the Asia Cup hockey title through its dazzling performance. Our players

performed magnificently and on the basis of their sterling efforts, India has become the Asia
Cup champion after an interval of ten years. India had earlier won the Asia Cup in Hockey in
the years 2003 and 2007. I extend felicitations on behalf of the entire nation to the entire
team and support staff.
After hockey, good news for India also came in badminton. Badminton star Kidambi
Srikanth has filled every Indian’s heart with pride by clinching the Denmark Open title with
his excellent performance. After Indonesia Open and Australia Open, this win has completed
the triad of the super series premiere title. I congratulate our young friend, Kidambi Srikanth
for this feat and enhancing the prestige of India.
Friends, the FIFA Under-17 World Cup was organized this month. Teams from all over the
world came to India and all of them exhibited their skills on the football field. I also got an
opportunity to go and watch a match. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the players and
the spectators. This world cup was a super event where the whole world was watching you.
Such a big spectacle, I was astounded to see the energy, enthusiasm, and zeal of all the young
players. The world cup was successfully organized and all the teams performed their best.
Regardless of the fact that India could not win the title, the young players of India won the
hearts of everyone. The whole world including India enjoyed this mega festival of sports and
this whole tournament was both full of interest and entertainment for football lovers. The
signs that the future of football is very bright have started to appear. I extend my
congratulations and good wishes to all the players, their colleagues, and all the sports lovers
once again.
My dear countrymen, a multitude of people write to me about ‘Swachch Bharat’, I feel that if
I have to do justice to their feelings then I will have to do the program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ every
day and every day ‘Mann Ki Baat’ will be dedicated solely to the subject of cleanliness.
Some listeners send photo graphs of the efforts undertaken by children whereas others
mention the role of youth in these efforts. Sometimes there is a story of an innovation to
bring about cleanliness or winds of change that get ushered due to an official’s zeal.
A few days ago I received a very detailed report highlighting the story of transformation of
Chandrapur Fort in Maharashtra. An NGO called Ecological Protection Organization
launched a cleanliness campaign in Chandrapur Fort. In this campaign lasting for two
hundred days, people performed the task of cleaning the fort, non-stop, without any fatigue
and with team-work. Just think Two-hundred- days of continuous labour! They sent me
photographs with a caption- ‘Before and After’! I was overwhelmed on seeing these and
whoever will see these photographs, no matter how upset he is on witnessing the filth around
him, and wondering how the mission of cleanliness will be fulfilled - then I have to tell such
people that you can see for yourself the toil, resolve and determination of the members of the
Ecological Protection Organization, in these living pictures.
Just on seeing these pictures, your disappointment will transform into hope. This mammoth
effort of bringing about cleanliness is a wonderful example of fostering aesthetics, co-
operation and continuum. Forts are symbols of our heritage. And it is the duty of all
countrymen to keep our historical heritage safe and clean. I congratulate Ecological
Protection Organization, their entire team and the people of Chandrapur.

My dear countrymen, we’ll celebrate Guru Nanak Jayanti on the 4th of November. Guru
Nanak Dev ji is not only the first guru of Sikhs; he’s guru to the entire world. He envisioned
the welfare of all humanity and considered all castes to be equal. He stressed on women
empowerment and respect for women. Guru Nanak Dev ji undertook a 28 thousand kilometre
journey on foot and throughout the journey spread the message of true humanity. He entered
into a dialogue with people and showed them the path of truth, sacrifice & dedication. He
advocated the message of equality in society, not through mere words but through concrete
endeavour. He ran a LANGAR which sowed the seeds of the spirit of service amongst fellow
beings. Partaking of LANGAR together created a feeling of unity & oneness in people. Guru
Nanak Dev ji voiced three messages for a meaningful, fulfilling life- Chant the name of the
Almighty, work hard and help the needy. In order to convey his ideals, Guru Nanak Dev ji
composed the Gurbani. Come 2019, we are going to celebrate the 550th PRAKASH VARSH
of Guru Nanak Dev ji. Come, let us try & advance on the path of his ideals & teachings.
My dear countrymen, we shall celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji,
two days from now, on the 31st of October. All of us know that he was the one who laid the
foundation stone of modern, unified India. We can learn a lot from the unparalleled saga of
this great son of Mother India. The 31st of October was also the day on which Smt. Indira
Gandhi left this world. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s speciality was that he not only put forth
revolutionary ideas; he was immensely capable of devising practical solutions to the most
complicated problems in the way. Translating a thought into reality was his forte’. Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel took on the reins of weaving a unified India. He ensured that millions of
Indians were brought under the ambit of one nation & one constitution. His decision making
ability infused in him the strength to overcome all obstacles. Wherever respectful coercion
was needed, he proceeded gently. Wherever the use of force was imperative, he did not
hesitate. He set a definite goal and moved forward on its path with grit & determination. It
was only he who could achieve this task of uniting India. He conceived a nation where
everyone was equal. One ideal of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will always be inspiring to all of
us. He had said “No division of caste or creed should be able to stop us, all are the sons &
daughters of India, all of us should love our country and we should carve out our destiny on
the foundation of mutual love & harmony.
These lofty ideals of Sardar Sahab are relevant to and inspiring for our vision for a New
India, even today. And that is why his birthday is celebrated as National Unity Day. His
contribution in giving a unified texture to the nation is without parallel. On the occasion of
the birth anniversary of Sardar Sahab, Run for Unity will be organized throughout the
country, which will see the participation of children, youth, women, in fact people of all age
groups. I urge you to participate in Run for Unity, the festival of mutual harmony.
My dear countrymen, you must’ve returned to your respective routines after the Diwali
vacation, with a new resolve, with a new determination. May all your dreams come true, my
best wishes to you.
Many many Thanks.

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