New India no longer remains silent, strikes hard against terrorism
The country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the countrymen through the 138th episode of his popular radio program 'Mann Ki Baat'. During this, PM Modi gave a big statement on the completion of 10 years of surgical strike and said in blunt words that today's India does not tolerate any kind of terrorism. He reminded the people of the country that exactly 10 years ago i.e. on 28-29 September 2016, the Indian Army had successfully carried out a surgical strike on terrorist hideouts by entering the Pakistani border. The whole world was shocked to see the courage with which our brave soldiers took this action against terrorism by crossing the LoC. The Prime Minister said that this strike has set a new and strong example of India's policy against terrorism at the global level, as it was our most decisive response to the pain that India had suffered for a long time due to terrorist attacks.
Tribute paid to Ashok Sinhal and remembered Ram temple
During the 'Mann Ki Baat' program, PM Modi remembered late Ashok Singhal ji with great respect. He told the countrymen that Ashok Sinhal ji was born on this day i.e. 27 September 1926 in Agra, and on the auspicious occasion of his birth centenary, he pays his humble tribute to him. PM Modi said that Ashok Sinhal ji spent his entire life living among the society like a true ascetic. It was he who gave a new direction and amazing energy to the historical Ram Janmabhoomi movement, and the grand Ram temple that has been built in Ayodhya today is a result of his tireless efforts.
1000 years of Modhera Sun Temple and story of Solar Village
Recalling the history of the country, the Prime Minister said that in the year 1026 AD, the invader Ghazni had made a terrible attack on the Somnath temple, and at the same time, the famous Sun Temple built in the historic Modhera of Gujarat was also demolished. Let us tell you that this Modhera Sun Temple was built by King Bhimdev in the year 1025 AD, and this year the history and destruction of this temple is completing 1,000 years. PM Modi said with pride that today the same Modhera, along with its ancient and historical Sun Temple, has created a new and unique identity for itself in the world as the country's first 'Solar Village' i.e. a village completely running on solar energy.
Inspirational efforts from every corner of the country
Along with this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi openly mentioned many inspiring efforts related to social, environmental and economic changes taking place in different parts of the country. He said that our connection with the past is still very alive and behind this is the hard work of dedicated people who are making our cultural heritage stronger. The PM also praised a unique effort going on in Manapparai, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, where people are busy preserving their traditions. Apart from this, he also discussed the positive changes taking place towards nature conservation in Assam, which are very important for the coming generations.
The Prime Minister especially praised the struggle and spirit of the women of Jharkhali area of Sunderbans in West Bengal. He told that the women there are preparing mangrove forests on a large scale. Many of these women are those whose husbands lost their lives in the tiger attack, but even after losing their husbands, they did not lose courage and got new support for their livelihood from the Sundarbans itself. The mangrove trees planted by these women are today acting as a natural protective shield for the villages and have also become a sure source of income for them.
Drug free youth campaign and hockey talents of villages
The Prime Minister also specifically mentioned the 'Drug Free Youth Campaign' related to the youth of the country. He said that lakhs of youth of the country have taken a very important resolution against addiction and drugs. Our youth are not only staying away from drugs, but they are also taking the big responsibility of spreading this important message to other people of the society.
Talking on the sports front, PM Modi praised the excellent efforts of Rajinder Singh Sr. He told that Rajinder Singh Sr. is busy in finding young hockey talents from remote villages of the country and giving them excellent training. Because of his efforts, small children from rural areas are getting great opportunities to progress in hockey. The Prime Minister stressed that if India has to perform consistently better in sports at the global level, we will have to reach out to the bottom of villages and towns and bring out sports talent, because tremendous talent is hidden in the small towns of our country.
Pratapgarh's Amla becomes a major source of employment for rural women
At the end of his address, PM Modi also mentioned the famous Amla of Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. He told that this Amla is now creating new and big earning opportunities for the farmers and women associated with self-help groups there. At present, about 100 small and big units related to Amla processing are working in Pratapgarh, in which women of self-help groups are playing a very important role.
Giving the best example of 'Savitri Phule Self Help Group' of Devgarh Kamasi village, the Prime Minister said that the women associated with this group are preparing products like delicious candies, murabbas and juices from Amla on a large scale. There has been a tremendous increase in the income of these rural women due to access to new and bigger markets under the 'One District One Product' (ODOP) scheme.