Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used an innovative way to touch base with the people. For the first time since he came to power, the Prime Minister tried to reach out to a large number of people over radio and said it would now be monthly affair. From giving ideas to seeking suggestions, Modi used the holiday of Dussehra morning to share his “Mann ki Baat” and make a strong pitch for use of khadi.
While political pundits, analysts and parties reacting to this experiment in their own ways, some even branding him as a ‘preacher’ for liberally quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Prime Minister gave a pep talk to people while addressing them on air.He advocated use of khadi products not only as a homage to Mahatma Gandhi, but also to help the poor weavers involved with making of khadi. He urged people to use at least one khadi product — curtain, towel, pillow cover, bedsheet or even handkerchief.
“It will benefit the poor. It will help light a diya in his house. It will help you connect with the poor,” the Prime Minister said.The Prime Minister impressed upon the people to shed despondency, generate confidence among themselves and use their skills for prosperity of the country.
“If we move ahead with self-respect and right identity, we will emerge victorious,” he said. He tried to motivate people to recognise their capabilities and efficiently use them.
“Our scientists have undertaken the Mars mission successfully at minimum expenses. There is nothing lacking in our capabilities. We only have forgotten our strengths. We have forgotten ourselves as if we have become despondent,” he said.
During the course of his 15-minute address, the Prime Minister mentioned several suggestions that come to him from citizens through email and social media. While advocated for the cause of differently-abled children, he referred to a suggestion from a person on having regular activities for such children at municipal, panchayat etc levels to keep their morale up. Another suggestion related to introducing skill development courses for children from Class V itself. While another suggestion talked about ending licence raj in small scale industries. The PM said that all such suggestions indicate people’s involvement with governance and that he views them with seriousness.
PM invited more ideas from the citizens and with a promise to make the radio broadcast a regular affair, he signed off.