Last Updated on 28/07/2024 by Ankita Jain
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (28 July) addressed the 112th episode of his monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’. This was his second address after the Lok Sabha elections and the first after the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25. He said that at this time the Paris Olympics is in the news all over the world. The Olympics give our players a chance to wave the tricolor on the world stage, give them a chance to do something for the country. You too should encourage your players, cheer for India.
PM Modi talked to the Indian students who won the Math Olympiad. He said that a few days ago an Olympics was held in the world of Maths. International Mathematics Olympiad. Indian students have performed very well in this Olympiad. Our team performed best in this and won four gold medals and one silver medal.
He said, ‘Young participants from more than 100 countries participate in the International Maths Olympiad, and our team has successfully secured a place in the top five countries. The names of these students who have brought laurels to the country are – Aditya Venkat Ganesh of Pune, Siddharth Chopra of Pune, Arjun Gupta of Delhi, Kanav Talwar of Greater Noida, Rushil Mathur of Mumbai and Anand Bhaduri of Guwahati.’
Charaideo Maidam of Assam in UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Prime Minister also mentioned the inclusion of Charaideo Maidam in Assam in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. He said that this will be the 43rd site in India in this list, but the first site in the Northeast. Charaideo was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty. The people of the Ahom dynasty traditionally kept the bodies of their ancestors and their valuables in Maidam.
PM Modi told that Maidam is a mound-like structure, which is covered with soil on top and has one or more rooms below. This Maidam is a symbol of respect for the late kings and dignitaries of the Ahom Empire. This way of showing respect to one’s ancestors is very unique. Community worship was also done at this place. Starting from the 13th century, the Ahom Empire lasted till the beginning of the 19th century. It is a big deal for an empire to remain for such a long period. Perhaps the principles and beliefs of the Ahom Empire were so strong that it kept this dynasty alive for so long.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the 112th episode of Mann Ki Baat that on March 9 this year, I had the privilege of unveiling the tallest statue of the great Ahom warrior Lasit Borphukan, a symbol of indomitable courage and valor. During this program, I had a different experience while following the spiritual tradition of the Ahom community. It is a great thing for me to have the privilege of paying respect to the ancestors of the Ahom community at Lasit Maidam.
Project PARI is useful in popularizing public art
PM Modi said that Project PARI is becoming a great medium to bring emerging artists on one platform to popularise public art. You must have seen beautiful paintings on the roadsides, on walls and in underpasses. These paintings and artefacts are made by the artists who are associated with PARI. While this enhances the beauty of our public places, it also helps in making our culture more famous.
The Prime Minister also talked about ‘colours’ in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Colours that have filled the lives of more than 250 women of Haryana’s Rohtak district with colours of prosperity. These women associated with the handloom industry earlier used to run small shops and do odd jobs to make a living. PM Modi said that these women joined the ‘UNNATI Self Help Group’ and got training in block printing and dyeing. These women who spread the magic of colours on clothes are earning lakhs of rupees today.
August is the month of revolution, a great opportunity to buy Khadi
PM Modi said that we will celebrate ‘National Handloom Day’ on 7 August. Nowadays, the way handloom products have made their place in the hearts of people is really very successful, tremendous. Now many private companies are also promoting handloom products and sustainable fashion through AI. The business of Khadi Village Industry has crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the first time and the sale of Khadi has increased by 400%. This increasing sale of Khadi and handloom is also creating new employment opportunities in large numbers. Most of the women are associated with this industry, so they are getting the most benefit. If you have not bought Khadi clothes till now, then start from this year. The month of August has come, it is the month of getting independence, it is the month of revolution. What better opportunity can there be than this to buy Khadi.
Use Manas Helpline in the fight against drugs
Prime Minister Modi also talked about the problem of drugs. He said in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ that if anyone has any other information related to drugs, then they can also share it with the ‘Narcotics Control Bureau’ by calling on this number. All the information shared with ‘MANAS’ is kept confidential. I request all the people, all the families, all the organizations involved in making India ‘Drugs Free’ to make full use of MANAS Helpline. The government has opened a special center, named – ‘MANAS’. This is a big step in the fight against drugs. A few days ago, the ‘MANAS’ helpline and portal have been launched. The government has issued a toll free number ‘1933’. By calling on this number, anyone can get necessary advice or information related to rehabilitation.