Prime Minister Narendra Modi has successfully established a dialogue with his fellow countrymen not as the PM but as an elderly person of the family
“This year, as we move forward in “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" and presiding over the G20, our resolve has strengthened for further enriching our diverse global cultures. We have always promoted the matter of cultural preservation," said PM Modi in his remarkable 100th episode of Mann ki Baat to the nation. The journey of Man ki Baat has been remarkable and inspiring in the annals of India's radio service. He compared this journey with the mantra from the Upanishads, Charaiveti Charaiveti, which has been inspiring for centuries. He emphasised it further, saying that through this program, every countryman becomes the inspiration of others, and this optimism moves the nation forward. He expressed happiness that Mann Ki Baat has started a new tradition in the country, in which one can see everyone's efforts.
When ‘Mann Ki Baat’ started on 3rd October 2014 two questions hounded many: why a dying or not-so-popular Radio and why ‘Mann ki Baat’. Now that it has completed 100 episodes, these questions have been answered automatically.
We deal with things at different levels in our life and it is very well explained in our Indian Philosophy, Innermost circle of a person is ‘chitt’ and above ‘chitt’ is ‘Mann’. ‘Mann’ is connected with the heart as well as the mind so it controls the intellect as well as routine life. That is why it is often said that we should keep our ‘Mann’ in control to have proper balance in our lives. In the 100th episode, PM confessed that he had choked his throat many times narrating the efforts of his countrymen. This shows that his involvement with this programme was not superficial but was true “Mann Se “.
When a Prime Minister thinks of establishing a dialogue with his fellow countryman not as the PM but as an elderly person of the family what could have been a better choice of the medium than the Radio and on that doing ‘Mann ki Baat’ rather than doing anything else.
The ‘Mann ki Baat’ is replete with cultural references to festivals, art forms, heritage, places, people and personalities. In the 100th episode, he mentioned Lakshdeep’s Kummel Brothers Challengers club and Karnataka Kavemshri’s Kala Chetna march. He further emphasized enriching our diverse global cultures. In today’s global context, various personalities from India, their thinking, beliefs and contributions to the evolution of India’s culture have a message for the world undergoing a churn. Remarkably ‘Mann ki Baat’ episodes aired so far contain mention of various cultural references nearly 300 times. If we calculate the time devoted to discussing cultural subjects in the ‘Mann ki Baat’ it would come to nearly 15% to 20%. This is a unique initiative to connect with the citizens on daily life issues by re-igniting the zeal to recognise and strengthen their cultural roots.
The essence of these episodes has had a tremendous tangible effect but the feat is seen in awakening the thought process of the masses. The episodes have also engaged in bringing to the fore the cultural pursuits of spirituality and sustainability in one’s lifestyle. Individuals such as Antonietta Rozzi in Italy popularised Yoga across Europe and finds mention in the 54th episode of the ‘Mann ki Baat’. Kenji Yoshi-ji and Matsuo-ji from Japan are Filmmakers whose contribution is acknowledged in the 89th episode for having made multiple films of the Ramayana in Japanese. In the 75th episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM talks about Sikari Tisso of Assam who has devoted his entire life to document the Karbi language. The Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav made the entire country re-visit and pay tribute to the unsung sacrifices of our heroes.
It almost felt like a revolution had swept through the whole country where citizens poured their heartfelt compositions marked by brimming revolutionary sentiments and remembering the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Various programmes and events were curated to give homage to our heroes like Alluri Sitarama Raju, Lachit Borphukan, Subramania Bharati, Birsa Munda and many more.
Vocalising the use of locally produced handicrafts, and traditional foods, and adopting the traditional way of living has been the major takeaway from some of the ‘Mann ki Baat’ episodes. Multi-faceted programmes were organized to provide a platform to local artists and facilitated the engagement of their art and craft with the masses.
As the ‘Mann ki Baat’ has reached its 100th episode, it has become the most powerful facilitator for revising our cultural roots in the 21st century. As PM himself described, Mann Ki Baat is like a thread of any garland, which holds each bead together. In every episode, the Spirit of service and capability of the countrymen has been inspiring others. PM has touched the right chord, to create a happy, healthy and harmonious society. In strengthening the social fabric of India.
(The author is member Secretary IGNCA)
