Modi calls for people’s participation in ‘New India’ movement

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 26

Addressing through his 30th edition of ‘Mann ki Baat’, which was also first after BJP’s recent victories in Assembly elections in five states, including politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon people to participate in the movement of building “New India”.

Modi, however, began his address by greeting the people of Bangladesh on their Independence Day. “They won a historic war against injustice. India will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh. Together, we shall keep working towards peace and security in our region,” he said.

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Though, he did not directly mentioned about his party’s historic victories in the UP and Uttarakhand Assembly elections, the Prime Minister brought up the concept of “New India”, saying “New India manifests the strength and skills of 125 crore Indians, who will create a Bhavya and Divya Bharat. The desires of 125 crore Indians to transform the country form the foundation of 'New India'." He said, “I urge you all to join this movement.”

Noting that the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919 impacted Bhagat Singh deeply, Mr Modi said, the event changed the course of his life. On March 23, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru attained martyrdom, he said, adding that the then British government was “so scared of these patriotic souls” that their executions were advanced by a day and that too were done secretly.  “They lived and died for our nation. It would be impossible to express in words the story of their supreme sacrifice.

“We are marking 100 years of Champaran Satyagraha. And this was one of the earliest Gandhian mass movements in India,” Mr Modi said, adding: “He returned to India and in two years he went to Bihar and what he did inspired the whole nation”.

As he did in last month’s Mann ki Baat address, the Prime Minister once again brought up the issue of digital transactions. “India has extended support to the movement towards digital transactions. People of India have rejected corruption and black money,” he said.

Talking about Swachh Bharat and food wastage, Mr Modi said, “People of India are getting angry as far as dirt is concerned and this is a welcome sign.” He said, “It is encouraging to see, we are making cleanliness an integral part of our lives and ensuring a clean India. Wastage of food is unfortunate. I know of several youngsters who are using technology and helping prevent it.”

The Prime Minister also spoke about mental health and depression. “We are aware of it. But people, who suffer, do not want to share their experiences with others and they feel ashamed of it. We should change this and encourage them to speak and share their burden. Depression can be overcome. We all can play a role in helping those suffering from depression overcome it.”

The Prime Minister also mentioned about the government’s decision to increase the number of weeks from 12 weeks to 26 weeks as maternity leave for working women. “Maternal care to children will help build a strong India,” he said.