New Delhi,26-Apr; Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat as the beacon of positivity which touches the heart of every people in the country. Terming the programme as the bouquet of diversity, he added that at a time one is involved in politics round the clock this programme on All India Radio is non-political.
Mr. Dhankhar stated this while addressing the National Conclave on Mann Ki Baat @100 in New Delhi. The Vice President said the monthly programme in its journey has covered a range of issues. He said the programme is the reflection of civilizational ethos. The Vice President also said it reaches every corner of the country and has given new life to radio. Mr. Dhankhar highlighted how the Prime Minister covers different issues from several parts of the country in this programme.
Listing a series of measures taken by the government for the welfare of the people, Mr. Dhankhar said, India has become the fifth largest economy, surpassing the UK which had ruled the country for 200 years. He expressed confidence that the country will soon become the third-largest economy in the world. He also talked about government steps including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, free LPG cylinders, MUDRA Yojana, and Direct Benefit Transfer related to various schemes and measures to check corruption in the country.
Addressing the Conclave, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said, the Prime Minister understands the feelings of the people and he showcases the achievements of citizens through Mann ki Baat programme. He said, this is the reason Mr. Modi is one of the most popular leaders in the world. He said, on the 30th of this month, Mann Ki Baat is going to complete its 100 episodes and people are eagerly waiting for this episode. He said, a listenership survey on Mann Ki Baat highlighted that more than 100 crore people listened to it at least once. Mr. Thakur also said India has become the world’s third biggest start-up ecosystem in the world. He said earlier India was second in imports but now the country has become the world’s second biggest manufacturer.
Speaking on the occasion, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Apurva Chandra said, Mann ki Baat programme has become the most popular programme in the history of All India Radio. He said 23 crore people have listened or viewed the programme regularly.
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan who participated in the conclave said the programme is a very important piece of communication that the leader of the country does with the people, discussing important issues, putting forward thoughts and giving suggestions. He also said the programme has had a huge impact on the people of India.
During the function. Mr. Dhankhar released the book titled Collective Spirit, Concrete Action authored by former CEO of Prasar Bharati SS Vempati. He also released the Coffee Table Book ‘My Dear Fellow Citizens today. The book was brought out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting which presents glimpses of over 100 inspiring stories that found mention in Prime Minister’s iconic radio programme. Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, Actress Raveena Tandon, Indian Para Athlete Deepa Malik, officials of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, All India Radio, Doordarshan and others attended the event.
The conclave has four sessions highlighting the wide-ranging themes of the Prime Minister’s interactions during Mann Ki Baat. Each session is being facilitated by an eminent panel. The sessions are to highlight the transformative impact that Mann Ki Baat has catalyzed across sectors throughout India, effectively connecting the citizens directly with the Prime Minister and empowering them to become agents of change. Over 100 esteemed citizens from various parts of the country whose name has been mentioned by the Prime Minister in the previous episodes of Mann Ki Baat are attending the event.
The valedictory session of the event will be attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur this evening. A commemorative postage stamp and coin on 100 episodes of Mann Ki Baat will be unveiled to mark this event in the valedictory session.
