Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that the country’s self defence mechanism got further reinforced.
Sharing his thoughts in the Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, 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.
The Prime Minister said 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.
Prime Minister said, 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.
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.
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.
Mr Modi remembered Dr Jayachandran of Chennai who was known for his efforts of making the most economical treatment possible available to the poor.
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 next year and will engage in another episode of Mann Ki Baat.
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