In ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister praised ‘Indian athletes, cultural heritage, environmental protection’

New Delhi . In the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed in detail many inspiring topics like the brilliant performance of youth in the field of sports, return of ancient cultural wealth, variety of summer mango, traditional indigenous beverages, growing enthusiasm for astronomy among youth, contribution of citizens in military welfare, cleaning of rivers and wildlife conservation. Prime Minister Modi also appreciated the spirit of nation building, cultural pride and collective efforts through these issues.

Prime Minister Modi started the 134th episode of the popular monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ with sports achievements. Prime Minister Modi mentioned the National Senior Athletics Federation competition recently organized in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. The Prime Minister said that around 800 athletes from across the country participated in this competition and set new national records in four different events. The Prime Minister especially praised the excellent performance of players like Gurindervir Singh, Vishal TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar.

The Prime Minister said that in the 100 meter race, the national record in the men’s category was broken thrice in just two days, which is an unprecedented achievement. Gurinderveer Singh and Animesh Kujur broke this record. He said that this performance is being discussed across the country and such successes are inspiring not only the players but also the coming generation towards sports. His hard work and dedication is making India’s sporting future bright. During the program, the Prime Minister also talked to both the athletes.

Referring to his recent visit to Europe, the Prime Minister said at the event that ancient copper plates from the Chola period were returned to India at a special ceremony in the Netherlands. The Prime Minister of Netherlands was also present in this historic event. These include 21 large and three small copper plates, which mainly relate to the fulfillment of a promise by King Rajendra Chola I to his father Rajaraja Chola. These plaques mention the donation given to the Buddhist monastery of Anaimangalam village.

The Prime Minister said that these copper plates provide information about the immense maritime power of the Chola dynasty, their strong trade and cultural relations with various countries of South-East Asia and the rich heritage of the empire. This incident has created a wave of pride across the country and special enthusiasm is being seen especially in the Tamil community. Messages are coming continuously from India and abroad, which show people’s deep attachment towards the cultural heritage of India.

Describing mango as the identity of every Indian household, the Prime Minister made a detailed mention of the famous mango varieties of different states. He mentioned Hapus and Alphonso of Maharashtra and Konkan, Saffron of Gujarat, Dussehri of Uttar Pradesh and Langra of Kashi, Jardalu, Chausa and Malda of Bihar, Banganpalli, Totapuri, Neelam, Malgoa of South India, Himsagar of Bengal and Subarnarekha of Odisha-Andhra Pradesh.

He said that the taste, color and aroma of mango changes from place to place, but it always brings the happiness of summer. Mango producing farmer brothers and sisters are not only strengthening the agricultural economy of the country but also increasing the access of Indian mango to the global market. Prime Minister Modi encouraged the farmers to move ahead with the same enthusiasm.

The Prime Minister appealed to the countrymen to exercise caution in view of the increasing intensity of heat. He said that people should drink more water in strong sunlight and heat wave, protect themselves from sunlight and follow the guidelines issued by the Health Department. Prime Minister Modi also mentioned drinks like Aam Panna in North India, Thandi Lassi in Punjab-Haryana, Buttermilk in Rajasthan-Gujarat, Sattu Ka Sharbat in Bihar-Jharkhand, Kokum Sharbat and Sol Kadhi in Konkan-Goa and Panakam, Neer Mor, Sambaram in South India and Bel Panna in Odisha and described these drinks as living examples of the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat’. He said that these are based on the experience of generations and are very beneficial for health.

The Prime Minister said that nowadays astronomy clubs are becoming active from big cities to small towns. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the efforts of Bengaluru Astronomical Society to popularize astronomy in rural areas and the innovative 30-hour course launched by the ‘Khogol Mandal’ team.

Citing the example of patriotism of Tamil Nadu teacher Girija Amma ji, Prime Minister Modi said that she runs 15 schools. Inspired by ‘Mann Ki Baat’, she encouraged her students and collected about Rs 40 lakh for the welfare of soldiers by taking a contribution of one rupee per day from each student. Girija Amma ji handed over the check of this amount to him. Prime Minister Modi greatly appreciated this initiative of Girija Amma ji and her students.

Narrating the inspiring story of young Akash Gupta from Basti district of Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister said that Akash started a campaign to free the Manorama River of his village from plastic and garbage. Akash, along with his friends, took out water hyacinth and removed 50-60 kg of garbage every day, due to which the river started becoming clean again.

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned the initiative of retired Goa teacher Balkrishna Adaya. He said that he played an important role in solving the water problem in Maddi-Tolap area and laying the pipeline.

The Prime Minister said that a Ganga dolphin stuck in a canal in Uttar Pradesh was rescued after 13 hours of tireless efforts with the help of the country’s first Ganga Dolphin Rescue Ambulance built under the ‘Namami Gange’ campaign. The dolphin was released safely in Rapti river after treatment.