PM Narendra Modi (File – agencies)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday in the 127th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Chhath Puja, describing the festival as a “beautiful example” of India’s social unity.Speaking during his monthly programme, he said, “Chhath reflects the deep unity of culture, nature and society,” and emphasized that it brings together people from all sections of society.The Prime Minister also lauded the armed forces for their success in Operation Sindoor, saying the achievement “filled the countrymen with pride.” He praised government efforts in anti-Naxal operations, noting, “lamps of joy were lit even in those areas where the darkness of Maoist terror once prevailed.”Highlighting innovative environmental efforts, PM Modi spoke about the ‘Garbage Café’ initiative in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, where citizens can exchange plastic waste for meals. “Garbage Cafes are being operated in Ambikapur. These are cafes where you get a full meal in exchange for bringing plastic waste. If a person brings one kilogram of plastic, they receive lunch or dinner, and if someone brings half a kilogram of plastic, they get breakfast. These cafes are run by the Ambikapur municipal corporation,” he said. He also praised the Gujarat forest department for expanding mangrove plantations along the Dholera coast near Ahmedabad, adding, “Five years ago, teams from the forest department had started the work of planting Mangroves near Ahmedabad in Dholera, and today, Mangroves have spread across three and a half thousand hectares on the Dholera coast.”The Prime Minister encouraged the adoption of Indian dog breeds, noting their adaptability and the steps taken by forces such as the BSF and CRPF to increase their numbers. “About five years ago, I had discussed the Indian breed of dogs in this program… BSF and CRPF have increased the number of Indian breed dogs in their squads,” he said.Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ahead of his 150th birth anniversary on October 31, PM Modi described him as “one of the greatest luminaries of the nation in modern times,” highlighting Patel’s focus on cleanliness, good governance, and national unity. “I urge all of you to participate in the ‘Run For Unity’ being organised across the country on October 31, and not just participate alone, but along with others,” he said.He also paid tribute to India’s national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, noting the 150th year of its celebration starting November 7. “‘Vande Mataram’- this single word carries so many emotions, so much energy,” Modi said. “The Vedas laid the foundation of Indian civilization with the sentiment expressed as Earth is the mother and I am her child. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, by penning ‘Vande Mataram’, enshrined that same relationship between the motherland and its children as a mantra in the universe of emotions.”Modi further paid homage to tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, ahead of Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15, saying, “I respectfully pay my homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The work he did for the country’s independence and for the rights of the tribal community is unparalleled.”PM also touched on the renewed energy with which people are pursuing Sanskrit in different facets. “Unfortunately, during the period of slavery and even after independence, Sanskrit has continuously been subjected to neglect. Because of this, the attraction towards Sanskrit among the younger generations has also been diminishing. But friends, now that the times are changing, the times for Sanskrit are also changing. The world of culture and social media has given Sanskrit a new lease of life. These days, many young people are doing very interesting work with regard to Sanskrit,” he added.He went on to mention a young creator for his fondess of Sanskrit, “A young Content Creator – brother Yash Salunke. Yash’s special thing is that he is both a Content Creator and a cricketer. Their Reel of playing cricket while speaking in Sanskrit has been greatly liked by people.” He also praised Indian coffee, saying “India’s coffee is coffee at its finest. It is brewed in India and loved by the world.” Go to Source