Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat 26th February 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

·         Encouragement of traditional Indian sports, toys, and storytelling in "Mann Ki Baat" has led to a wave of interest in these areas across the country. Over 5 lakh people from more than 700 districts across the country participated in the patriotic song, lullaby, and Rangoli competitions associated with Sardar Patel's birth anniversary i.e. 'Unity Day'. The winners of the lullaby and Rangoli competitions have been announced, and listeners are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Culture's website to watch and listen to the entries

·         The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar awards were recently conferred to emerging, talented artists in music and performing arts, including those who have revived rare musical instruments. Such awards, along with the rising popularity of the art and music world are also contributing in their enrichment.

·         The awardees include artists who have breathed new life into instruments whose popularity was decreasing with time. One of the awardees Shri Joydeep Mukherjee, is persevering towards making the Sursingar - a rare musical instrument - popular once again.

·         Other artists who have won the Ustad Bismillah Khan Award including Shri Uppalpu Nagmani, Shri Sangram Singh, Shri Suhas Bhandare, Smt V Durga Devi, Shri Raj Kumar Nayak, Shri Saikhom Surchandra Singh, and Shri Pooran Singh are also very inspiring.

·         The power of Digital India is visible in every corner. Different apps play a big role in taking the power of Digital India to every home. There is one such App, E-Sanjeevani. Over 10 crore consultations have been conducted through this App which allows tele-consultation with doctors through video conferencing. This is a living example of how the people of India have made technology a part of their lives.

·         India's UPI is another shining example of how the world is appreciating India's digital initiatives and innovations. Many countries of the world are drawn towards the UPI. Just a few days ago, UPI-Pay Now Link has been launched between India and Singapore. Now, people of Singapore and India are transferring money from their mobile phones in the same way as they do within their respective countries

·         While the country is making notable strides on many modern fronts, it is equally important that we revive the traditions and cultural heritage of India. The Tribeni Kumbho Mohotshav festival in West Bengal, which has been revived after 700 years, was celebrated with over 8 lakh devotees participating in the festival held in the month of February. I congratulate all the people associated with its organization. You are not only keeping alive a tradition, but are also protecting the cultural heritage of India.

·         The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign has brought about a change in public participation in cleanliness drives across the country. Organisations such as the Yuva Swachhta Evam Janseva Samiti in Haryana are doing exceptional work in the front of cleanliness. 'Waste to Wealth' is also an important dimension of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. A women's self help group in Kendrapada district of Odisha make many things like baskets and mobile stands from milk pouches and other plastic packing materials. This is becoming a good source of income for them along with ensuring cleanliness.

·         Let us celebrate the festival of Holi with the resolve of 'Vocal for Local'.

(Source: pmindia.gov.in)