Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat Address: Highlights

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme, entitled 'Mann Ki Baat' today around 11 am. The 30th edition of the radio programme is his first after the BJP received a thumping majority in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and managed to form coalition governments in Goa and Manipur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi often invites suggestions and comments from citizens - which he also incorporates in his broadcast. He is expected to do the same today.  In the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed various issues including corruption, economy, farmers' rights and drug addiction, among other, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio shows. Former President of United States Barack Obama also co-hosted an episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi on 27 January, 2015, when he was chief guest for the Republic Day parade.

Here are the highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech:

• Children are giving their board exams. There must be a certain amount of pressure on families. I wish you all the best.
• Today is Bangladesh's Independence Day. I wish them the best. India and Bangladesh are important partners.
• India will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh.
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a great man and his contribution was essential for Bangladesh's independence.
• The massacre in Amritsar in 1919 left a deep impact on Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru  lived and died for our nation. They continue to inspire the nation.
• In 1915, Gandhiji returned to India. In 1917, he went to Bihar.
• There he started the Champaran Satyagraha. The year 2017 marks the centenary of Champaran Satyagraha. And this was one of the earliest Gandhian mass movements in India.
• The Champaran Satyagraha showed us how special Mahatma Gandhi was and how unique his personality was.
• We live in the 21st Century. Everyone wants a change for betterment - For a new India.
• 125 Crore Indians want to make new India, a great India. And everyone wants to contribute in their own ways.
• The people of India are caring in nature. Despite their differences, they are seen as helping others, especially the poor, needy, sick.
• That is our biggest strength - to be there for one another.
• New India manifests the strength and skills of 125 crore Indians, who will create a Bhavya (grand) and Divya (brilliant) India.
• My fellow Indians, I also want to thank you all today.
• Many of you have started taking the digital route, and that is commendable. In the last few months alone, 125 crore Indians have done over 2500 crore digital transactions. That is a great start.
• India has extended support to the movement towards digital transactions. People of India have rejected corruption & black money.
• Digi Dhan Mela will culminate on April 14, Dr Ambedkar's birth anniversary; a mega draw will be held on this day
• The desire of 125 crore Indians to transform India forms the foundation of 'New India'.
• Whenever I ask for ideas and suggestions for Mann Ki Baat, one theme on which I keep getting suggestions is Swachhata.
• People of India are getting angry as far as dirt is concerned and this is a welcome sign.
• Making cleanliness an integral part of our lives and ensuring a clean India.
• Wastage of food is unfortunate. I know of several youngsters who are using technology & helping prevent wastage of food.
• We are aware about depression. However, it is true that those suffering from it are not forthcoming to share their experiences with others because he or she feels ashamed to do so. We should change this and encourage them to speak and share their burden.
• Depression can be overcome. We all can play a role in helping those suffering from depression overcome it.
• It is always good to share your feelings with others, if feeling depressed.
• Suppression of depression is not good. Expression is always good. If depressed, share your feelings with others. It will make you feel better.
• 21st of June is the third International Day of Yoga. Let us begin to think now itself about how to introduce more people to Yoga, which helps a person to have a health mind and body. We should all participate and make the 3rd Yoga Day a memorable one.
• The government has taken a big decision recently. During their pregnancy, working women will now get mandatory 26 weeks of paid leave. It used to be 12 weeks till now. Women across India will benefit greatly from it.