Asking the country to think ahead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the need for water conservation saying the Government would “in a few days” launch a campaign ‘Catch the Rain’ “where it falls when it falls.”
In his monthly radio-talk ‘mann ki baat’, Modi called for a 100-day campaign to clean up water bodies and harvest rainwater.
“This is the best time to think about water conservation in the summer months ahead. Water has been crucial for the development of humankind for centuries,” he said.
In his 74th edition, second for 2021, radio address Prime Minister touched on various issues concerning the nation, including water conservation, coronavirus and self-reliance.
“Many people from across the country are contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat… Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not merely a Government efforts.It is the national spirit of India,” said Modi.
Modi stressed the importance of water conservation during his address and announced that the Jal Shakti Ministry would soon launch a water conservation campaign called ‘Catch the Rain’
“On March 22, World Water Day will be celebrated. We must understand our responsibility towards water conservation. In a few days, the Jal Shakti Ministry will launch a campaign Catch the Rain. Its slogan is Catch the Rain, where it falls when it falls. This is the best time to think about water conservation in the summer months ahead. Water has been crucial for the development of humankind for centuries,” he said.
To motivate people towards nature conservation Modi gave an example of Jadev Payeng of Assam. “He has actively contributed towards 300 hectares plantations in Majuli island in Assam. He has been working for forest conservation and has been inspiring people on plantation and conservation of biodiversity”, he said.
Wishing students ahead of their examinations, Modi said, ‘Be a warrior, not worrier.’ He also invited parents, teachers for their suggestion for “Pariksha pe Charcha.”
In his address ,Modi urged sports ministry to promote sports commentary in regional culture
“We need to think about promoting commentary of Indian sports in regional languages,’ Prime Minister said.
“We must think about promoting it. I would urge the sports ministry and private institutions to think about it,” he said.
Do you ever feel that something is still missing? asked a listener to which he mentioned his “insufficient efforts” to pick-up Tamil language.
“You have been PM and CM for so many years. Do you ever feel that something is still missing? asked a listener,” the listener had asked.
“I could not make sufficient efforts to learn world’s most ancient language Tamil. I could not learn Tamil,” said Modi in his response.
Extending greetings to the people on ‘National Science Day’, Prime Minister noted the immense role that, he said, played by Science in making the country self-reliant.
“Today is National Science Day. It is dedicated to the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by scientist Dr CV Raman. Our youth should read a lot about Indian scientists and understand the history of Indian science,” said Modi.
“In self-reliant India, there is immense contribution of science. We will have to take science forward with the mantra of “lab to land,” he added.
Modi began his address by invoking saint-poet Sant Ravidas, a day after the nation remembered him on his anniversary.
“Sant Ravidas Ji taught us- keep working, do not expect anything…when this is done there will be satisfaction. He taught people to go beyond conventional thinking. Sant Ravidas Ji spoke directly and honestly about various issues. He was fearless. We bow to Sant Ravidas Ji on his Jayanti. His thoughts inspire us,” said the Prime Minister.