100 Episodes, 100 Crore Listeners

Explore how Prime Minister Narendra Modi unites India through inspiring stories and collective achievements.

In closing, there are several rather comprehensive studies that have been undertaken regarding the effects of Mann Ki Baat. Exploring the paradigm shift caused by Mann Ki Baat, its achievements, and the program is best described in the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “Our education should be such that it takes us from aham (I) to vayam (we)... our education should be such that it can help us connect the swa (self) with samashti (the world).” Some of the key takeaways highlighted in Igniting Collective Goodness were:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Mann Ki Baat has 23 crore regular listeners; 96% of the Indian population knows of the program!</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Mann Ki Baat has influenced people’s behaviour; 60% have become interested in nation-building; 73% have started feeling optimistic that the country will progress.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">58% of Mann Ki Baat listeners say their living conditions have improved since the airing of the program, while 59% have reported increased trust in the government.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Most listeners of Mann Ki Baat (65%) prefer listening to it in Hindi, while English comes in second place (18%).</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Mann Ki Baat is broadcast in 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, and 11 foreign languages excluding English, namely French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashto, Persian, Dari, and Swahili.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 broadcast centres of All India Radio (AIR).</li></ul> The research by the Institute for Competitiveness took a look at Mann Ki Baat’s focus on 5 key topics:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Cleanliness</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Health</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Wellness</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Water Conservation</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Sustainable Development</li></ol> It concluded: “Just as Mann Ki Baat speaks directly to ordinary people, it celebrates their achievements within and beyond their communities. The program does not focus much on party politics or political news. Instead, it celebrates what Prime Minister Modi calls ‘grassroots level change makers.’ The crucial findings of the report on Mann Ki Baat are that it is inclusive, accessible, conversational, and aimed at bringing social and economic change.” The esteemed Indian Institute for Mass Communication’s study had the following findings:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Knowing about the country and the Prime Minister’s vision for the country are the two prominent reasons that motivate the audience to listen to the program.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">76 percent felt that Mann Ki Baat had initiated a trend where the awareness and appreciation for things in other parts of India have grown.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">75 percent felt that Mann Ki Baat has emerged as a platform where people were introduced to trendsetters working selflessly to bring about meaningful change.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">76 percent opined that they felt they were participating in the democratic process by listening to the PM on different issues in Mann Ki Baat.</li></ul> It is profoundly obvious that Mann Ki Baat is a great success in bringing people closer together and enhancing the understanding of each other and the value they bring. It is the unique personality and high ethical standards that the Prime Minister brings to the fore every week, encouraging, helping, and celebrating all that is India today. It has been hugely rewarding to review all the 19 chapters of this delightful book, Igniting Collective Goodness: Mann Ki Baat @100. Prime Minister Modi’s phenomenal Sunday radio address on All India Radio is primer to understand modern India as it moves towards its goal of #ViksitBharat2047 – a fully developed modern Bharat representing the ideal of One Earth, One Family, One Future.

India's Hidden Gems

Explore India's breathtaking diversity and vibrant culture through Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inspiring radio series. 

In the beginning of Chapter 18, Igniting Collective Goodness reflects that “India’s tourism sector has not reached its full potential.” This stems from the perception that India was somewhat lacking in proper facilities and cleanliness. Connectivity was perceived as a problem, as well as concerns among Westerners regarding the safety of solo women travellers in terms of travel and lodging. Prime Minister Modi, through his platform of Mann Ki Baat, encouraged participation not only by the government but also by individual Indians to make the country more tourism-friendly. As a part of this initiative, the Prime Minister encouraged people to share their holiday photos using the hashtag #IncredibleIndia. This resulted in a flood of beautiful images, stories, and tweets from across the country. Modi replied, retweeted, and commented on many of the posts, causing great excitement and adding to the momentum, which heightened awareness of many of the heretofore lesser-known treasures of India far and wide. “The nature of the images varied, and they were an eclectic mix encapsulating India’s enchanting beauty. Someone shared a beautiful view of the Teesta River, which originates in North Sikkim. Kaushal Inamdar shared an image of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holy shrine of the Sikhs. Yogesh shared pictures of magnificent Hampi in Karnataka. Kaustubb Khare shared a beautiful image of the seventeenth-century Sindhudurg Sea fort in Konkan,” and so it went on and on across the World Wide Web (Igniting Collective Goodness, Chapter 18). The public participation in promoting a more tourist-friendly India has come from many different quarters. Isaak Munda, from a small village in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, uses social media videos to educate others in the traditional ways of cooking the local dishes by sharing his lifestyle, his family, their food habits, and cuisine. The initiatives that led to the transformation of the Chandrapur Fort in Maharashtra took a concentrated campaign of 200 days of locals performing the task of simply cleaning the historic fort, citing the duty of all countrymen to keep sites of national heritage safe and clean.In Episode 57 of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi celebrated: “And you too will be delighted to know that today our rank is 34 on this index (The World Travel and Tourism Competitive Index), whereas five years ago we were ranked 65th, which is a big jump.” Seeing the immense potential of tourism, in Episode 78, the Prime Minister brought our attention to the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world. Dedicated to the memory of Sardar Saheb, this site houses a cactus garden, butterfly garden, jungle safari, children’s nutrition park, and Ekta Nursery. (Sardar Saheb refers to the Indian activist Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the first Deputy Prime Minister of independent India.) “Friends,” suggests the Prime Minister in his broadcast, “for our nation and the constituent states as well as for the tourism industry, this Statue of Unity can be a subject of research. We are all witnesses to the fact that within a year, this place has developed as a world-famous tourism destination. People arrive there from the country and abroad. And one after the other, ancillary services like transport, lodging, guides, and eco-friendly services are getting inducted by themselves in this area. A large economy is developing, and people are generating facilities as per the requirements of the tourists. The government is also playing its role.” (Time Magazine included the Statue of Unity in its list of 100 important tourist destinations around the world.) In Episode 56 of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister spoke of how, whoever he meets, the focus in conversation about India and tourism is always wildlife and the environment, especially as it relates to the tiger.The Prime Minister explains: “The concern and care for the environment in India seems natural. Last month, I had the privilege of releasing the tiger census in the country. Do you know how many tigers there are in India? The tiger population is 2,967.” “The Hindu Scriptures provide great guidance with respect to the tigers:‘That is, if there are no forests, tigers are forced to venture into human habitat and they get killed. And if there are no tigers in the forest, then man is likely to cut the forest and destroy it. So, in fact, the tiger protects the forest; the forest does not protect the tiger. This great truth was explained by our forefathers in a fitting manner. Therefore, we need not only to conserve our forests, flora, and fauna but also create an environment wherein they can flourish properly,’ the PM advises us” (Igniting Collective Goodness, Chapter 18, Promoting Incredible India).

The Diaspora Connection

Global Indians spreading culture, compassion and unity worldwide

'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The World is Family.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised humanity and nobility as the dominant traits of India and the pinnacle of its foreign policy. As depicted in this lovely volume, Indian expatriates around the globe act as ambassadors of Indian culture, cuisine, moral sensibility, spirituality, and ability. They are leaders in advancements in science, mathematics, business, environmental protection, and the general human condition, highlighting the accomplishments of Indians living abroad. In Chapter 17 of Igniting Collective Goodness, examples abound of Indians thinking and acting towards the betterment of their adopted countries. 'May peace prevail all around, in all the realms, in the water, in the air, in the fire, in the wind, in the medicines, in the vegetation, in gardens, in all of creation. May peace prevail in each soul, each heart, in me, in you, in every particle and everywhere in the universe,' Prime Minister Modi, quoting the Yajur Veda, Mann Ki Baat, Episode 93. This divine sentiment, expressed by the leader of the world’s largest democracy, serves as a talisman for Indians living abroad. Ever mindful of their mother country and its spiritual roots, they continue the practice of kindness and good works throughout their lives and the lives of those they touch. 'Namaste, brothers and sisters, my name is Sedu Dembele,' comes an Indian voice from Mali. Sebu Dembele, a teacher in a public school in Kita, Mali, teaches English, music, painting, and drawing. Dembele, also known as Hindustani Babu, takes pride in every Sunday afternoon production of an hour-long radio programme titled 'Indian Frequency on Bollywood Songs.' Dembele shares his deep-seated love for India with his listeners through commentary and translations in French and Bambara. His programme has evolved into 2-hour segments featuring full-length Bollywood films. In humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, Nepal, and most recently Gaza, India has proven itself a help to people in dire need. As a light shining to the world, Indians across the globe celebrate Diwali understanding, 'Shubham Karoti Kalyanam, Aarogyam Dhanasampada, Shatrubuddhi Vinashaya, Deepajyoti Namostute' (It is light that ushers in joy, health, and prosperity into our lives, dispelling negative thoughts and bringing in positivity). Diwali celebrations, as well as Holi, Onam, Pongal, and Bihu, encourage an understanding of the ethos of Indian life and its value to the world at large. The divine teachings of the Vedanta and the Gita are also inspiring the whole world. In Episode 68, PM Modi gave but one example of this phenomenon, 'I got an opportunity to know about the work of Jonas Massetti, also known as Vishwanath. Jonas teaches the Vedanta and the Gita to people in Brazil. He runs an institution named Vishwavidya, about an hour’s drive from Rio de Janeiro. …During the last seven years, through his free open courses on the Vedanta, Jonas has taught over a lakh and a half students.' And in another corner of the globe, the PM tells us, 'A newly elected MP in New Zealand, Dr. Gaurav Sharma, took the oath of office in one of our ancient languages of the world, Sanskrit…Wherever there will be talk of world peace, India’s name and contribution will be written in golden letters.' In episode 82, PM Modi referred to the United Nations and the role of Indian women in the body, 'In 1947-49, when the Universal Declaration of UN Human Rights was being drafted, it was inscribed in that declaration that "all men are created equal." But a delegate from India had objected to this, and then it was written in the Universal Declaration that "all human beings are created equal." This was in consonance with India’s age-old tradition of gender equality. Did you know that Smt. Hansa Mehta was the delegate because of whom this became possible? At the same time, another delegate, Smt. Lakshmi Menon, had strongly put forth her views on the issue of gender equality. And not only for this, in 1953, Smt. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit became the first woman president of the UN General Assembly.' In December 2020 Modi announced in Mann Ki Baat that the idol of Devi Annapurna, stolen from Varanasi more than a century ago was brought back to the country by the Archaeological Survey of India. “Every Indian would feel proud to know that an ancient idol of Maa Annapurna is being brought back from Canada to India. Devi Annapurna is the Hindu Goddess of Food and Nourishment and a manifestation of the Goddess Parvati.&nbsp;The stories, shared by Prime Minister Modi, remind us of the boundless potential when humanity unites in kindness and shared purpose.

Rivers of Unity

India's cultural symphony bridges divides through its vibrant natural heritage

In the chapter from Igniting Collective Goodness, "Small Details That Make India Big and Beautiful," there is a section titled "From Lesser-Known to Well-Loved Heroes," which reads:“About the extraordinary impact of ordinary facts that the Prime Minister presents, Bibek Debroy says, ‘Earlier, I worked at NITI Aayog, and now I am the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. What has struck me is the moment you move away from the elite crowd, Mann Ki Baat resonates even more deeply. That is why Mann Ki Baat is such a great success. There have been isolated instances when a Prime Minister has spoken to the country, but those have generally been in emergencies or when a national catastrophe has struck. I don’t think a Prime Minister has ever, anywhere in the world, continuously talked to the citizens, sharing his thoughts and problems, or asking for suggestions. And that’s the reason Mann Ki Baat is such a great success. It shows governance involving citizens: Sabka Prayas.’” (Everyone’s Efforts) I believe this idea, a direct dialogue, not monologue, with the leader of the world’s largest democracy and the population he governs, is a hallmark of today’s age of direct digital communication without filters, surrogates, or intermediaries. No one is decoding what the Prime Minister has said. No one is summarising the wishes of individual citizens. The communication is immediate, direct, raw, and unfiltered. The entire world of leaders and citizens should take note, request this of their leaders, and the leaders request access to the thoughts and voices of their people. The world would be a much better place. There is no grandstanding or performative jabber. There is respectful, insightful conversation, involving everyone, no matter their station, religion, tribe, or ideology. It is truly remarkable to see all of India on display this way.The breathtaking span of topics and individuals included in Mann Ki Baat is staggering. Everything from the Prime Minister mentioning a 93-year-old professor, J. Gendendharam of Mongolia, who in the last four decades has translated 40 ancient Indian texts, epics, and compositions into the Mongolian language, to Sagar Mule’s efforts in reviving the ancient tradition of Kaavi paintings in Goa. The PM has emphasised the work of Bijay Kabiji from the seacoast of Kendrapara in Odisha, where, toiling for 12 years, he built a 25-acre mangrove forest on the outskirts of the village to prevent the devastation from high tides and cyclones. Modi also highlighted similar work in Paradip in the same region, which was carried out by Amresh Samant, who built micro forests to protect his village. As Mann Ki Baat’s wide-ranging topics carry the central theme of raising up the diverse, complex society that is India, Prime Minister Modi reminded us of the ancient tradition of remembering and honouring rivers and paying homage to them and their central role in Indian culture. “My dear countrymen,” begins the Prime Minister, “Pushkaram, Pushkarsala, Pushkaraha - have you ever heard of these terms? These are the different names for festivals organised for 12 different rivers across the country. One river every year, which means it would recur near that particular river after 12 years, and this festival is held sequentially for 12 different rivers spread across the country and it lasts for 12 long days. Just like the Kumbh festival, this festival also encourages the concept of national unity. It echoes the philosophy of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (One United India).” The idea of encouraging national unity, through the celebration of the country’s most vital resource, water, is a powerful one indeed. “When it comes to enumerating the lesser-known facts about our citizens, our nation, or our past, Prime Minister Modi has been vociferous. Notably, he has often expressed his heartfelt thanks to each and every listener of Mann Ki Baat for making it a success, enriching it, and staying connected with it.” - Igniting Collective Goodness, Chapter 16.

Honouring Unsung Heroes

Igniting India's collective memory and pride by reclaiming forgotten heroes

“In India, a large part of our history was lost to the whims and fancies of a select few. An entire era was forgotten; nobody remembered it, nobody appreciated it, no one spoke of those times, and no one mentioned those people. They were the unsung heroes, and despite their supreme sacrifice, they were ‘unwept, unsung, and unhonoured.’ Mann Ki Baat has changed all that, one hero at a time.” - Igniting Collective Goodness, Chapter 16. When I visit India, I bristle at misguided Western comments about the value brought to India by the British colonial occupation. I find it echoes the comments by the American fascists of today who laud slavery as a skill-building exercise for Africans. The stench of colonial occupation, in all its permutations, can only be eradicated with the fresh air of memory: Remembering the unsung heroes of freedom, those who gave their very lives, one person at a time, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vital to understanding India today. When he says their name, recites their heroic deeds, he brings them to life, recognises their sacrifice, dries our tears as we cherish the gift rather than regret the loss. If only I had the room or knowledge to give the recognition so well deserved in these letters. When I read their struggles in the book Igniting Collective Goodness, I understand their yearning, the loss of their lives, and I weep. For they brought the world’s largest democracy to life, and now, in the Amrit Kaal, we must heed the words of PM Modi and bow in appreciation and celebration to those who have paved the path. “Friends, amid the Amrit Mahotsav and the Independence Day celebrations, we will launch the Meri Miti Mera Desh Campaign to honour our martyred Bravehearts. In memory of those luminaries, special inscriptions will be installed in lakhs of village panchayats of the country. The Amrit Kalash Yatra will be organised across the country under this campaign… Carrying the soil in 7500 urns from every corner of the country, reaching Delhi… onboard are saplings from different parts of the country. An Amrit Vatika will be built near the National War Memorial.” - PM Modi, Episode 103 Mann Ki Baat. “This great land, India, has given birth to innumerable great men, men whose deeds for the sake of humanity have been extraordinary, truly unforgettable. Our country is Bahuratna Vasundhara, the land of myriad gems.” As the PM cites many examples of our unsung heroes, and the young lives given at Tarapur resonate with much of the violence we see in the totalitarian regimes around the globe today. “Jai Ram Viplava, a resident of Munger, has written to me about the Tarapur Martyr Day. On 15 February 1932, the British mercilessly killed several brave young patriots. Their only crime was that they were raising the slogans ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. I bow to those martyrs and remember their courage with reverence.” - PM Modi. Those young men heroically gave all for India to be a democracy. Similarly, Modi talks about Tirot Sing in episode 91. Sing, chief of the Khasi tribe, fought the well-armed British with native weapons, such as a sword and shield, eventually dying in Dhaka, after hiding wounded in a cave. Sing was deported to Dhaka with a lifetime sentence, rather than submit his people to British rule under his leadership. He simply refused. He was approximately 45 years of age at the time of his death. Modi elucidates his desire for understanding national heroes and its importance, “The more my young friends learn about Sri Aurobindo, the more they will learn about themselves, enriching themselves. The state of inner consciousness in which you are, where you are engaged in trying to achieve many resolves...”“Freedom struggle is not just a history of a few years, few areas, or a few people,” Ibid.“Bhagat Singh, along with his revolutionary friends, without caring for their own selves, carried out such daring acts, which had a huge bearing on the country attaining freedom… He had a single mission for as long as he lived, and he sacrificed his life for that mission. The mission was to free India of injustice and British rule.” - comments Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, episode 66 Mann Ki Baat. In episode 71, the Prime Minister quotes Sant Ravidas, “Ekai maati ke sab bhande, sab ka sirjanhaar, Ravidas, vyapai ekai ghat bheetar, sab ko ghadai kumhaar.” “All of us are earthen vessels of one clay; all of us have been coiled and shaped by one.”Those heroes of India returned to the earth of the Mother and gave us freedom and life. We are grateful indeed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reminding us to celebrate them in our daily life through Mann Ki Baat.

United in Diversity

Explore PM Modi's celebration of India's rich heritage and cultural unity

When I read Chapter 14 in "Igniting Collective Goodness," about India’s complex multi-cultural heritage and contemporary reality, I had this vision of a universe absorbing and disgorging, never static, not always peaceful, not always chaotic, but never static. I feel as if the planet itself is inhaling and exhaling life in all its glory. Just like India - ever-changing, ever-evolving within its borders and throughout the world through its diaspora.&nbsp; One of the passages that was especially important to me in this regard was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks from Mann Ki Baat in December of 2019, “A few years ago, I unveiled a book called 'Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages.' This book, in a way, is the diary of Maalam. Maalam was a navigator, and whatever he experienced professionally he recorded in his diary. Even in the modern age, the very same 'Maalam’s volume' exists as a collection of ancient Gujarati manuscripts. It describes ancient navigation technology, and 'Maalam’s volume' repeatedly references the sky, the stars, the speed of the stars, and clearly describes how the direction is determined in sea voyages with the help of the stars that navigate us towards our destination.” The Prime Minister was speaking of our connection as a people, as a part of the universe with the twinkling stars in the sky being as old as our civilisation. The Mathematician and Astronomer Aryabhata expounded a great deal on the solar eclipse from a philosophical and mathematical standpoint. His inherent informed sensibility ties everything back to India’s cultural heritage, which is as diverse as the stars. This idea of unity as a mantra, a sacrament in a diverse country such as India requires constant effort, “Our nation has always been very proactive and alert in strengthening unity and communal harmony in the country. If we look around us, we will find many examples of individuals who have been working ceaselessly to foster communal harmony. But sometimes, it so happens that the efforts of the society and its contribution get wiped from our collective memory,” Prime Minister Modi, Mann Ki Baat, episode 59. And with the foresight of using the radio programme of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi has the ability to remind us of that resource, bring us back to our roots, our clear understanding of purposeful harmony. In September 2010, after the verdict of the landmark Allahabad Court case, the Prime Minister was heartened and encouraged by the restrained, balanced, mature public response, “On the one hand, the machinations went on to generate tension for a week or two, but, when the decision was taken on Ram Janmabhoomi, the government, political parties, social organisations, civil society, representatives of all sects and saints gave restrained and balanced statements. There were attempts to reduce the tension in the socio-political environment. But I remember that day vividly. And whenever I do that, I get happy that the dignity of the judiciary was very proudly honoured and no allowance for any heated discourse or tension was made anywhere. These incidents should always be remembered as they give us a lot of strength. That day, that moment, instils in us a sense of duty. It is an example of how the voice of unison can bestow strength upon our country.” Again, in "Igniting Collective Goodness," we are reminded, “The taste of water changes every couple of kilometres, the dialect changes every few miles. Hundreds of languages have blossomed and flourished in our country for centuries. At the same time, we are also concerned about the possible extinction of these languages and dialects.” PM Modi, Mann Ki Baat. The PM understands the cultural wisdom embedded in our very language and encourages the preservation and practice of the various languages and dialects found throughout India. Differences in India under PM Modi are regarded as valuable and celebrated, not barriers and threats to society as a whole. "Igniting Collective Goodness, A Cultural Renaissance," highlights the many examples of his encouragement, acceptance, and celebration of the diversity that is India. In Episode 33, for example, the PM says, “I convey my hearty greetings to all fellow Indians and everyone across the world, especially the Muslim brethren at the advent of this auspicious month of Ramzan. Prayer, spirituality, and charity are accorded the highest priority during Ramzan. We, Indians, take pride in our diverse communities and faith.” To summarise, the poet Mahakavi Subramania Bharati says, Mother India has 30 crore faces but one body. She speaks 18 languages but thinks as one.

The Rise of a Sporting Nation

PM Modi champions sports excellence and urges youth to lead India's charge

For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, since his early days as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, “sports are not merely about a handful of people playing on a field. Instead, it is an arena that showcases the spirit of a new India - a young, restless, and energetic nation excelling on the world stage,” "Igniting Collective Goodness," Chapter 13."Igniting Collective Goodness" reminds us, in each of its chapters, of the leadership and common sense offered to the citizens of India through the vehicle of Mann Ki Baat. Citing this inclusiveness of all parties - the specially-abled in addition to traditional participants, in Modi’s view, “becomes the responsibility of the entire nation to ensure a change in the mindset and that persons with disabilities are not denied the opportunities they deserve.”The PM's ethos of creating a stronger and more holistic education system is driven by his guiding principles of Jan Bhagidari (People’s Participation), which has led to true development and empowerment of the poorest. When the PM on his radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat speaks of Olympic Games, he includes the Paralympics in the same breath, giving them the same weight. This is extraordinary, in my opinion, and speaks to his commitment to inclusivity and lifting up those individuals who may otherwise go unnoticed in their extraordinary achievements. In one of the episodes of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi dedicated an entire segment to discussing the balance between sports and academics among the children of the nation. “...The more we support sports, the more we also see the spirit of sportsmanship. Sports play an important role in personality development too. There is no dearth of talent in this country. If the children in our family are interested in sports, they should be given opportunities. They should not be forced off the playing fields to be locked in rooms with books.” "Igniting Collective Goodness" continues, “Whenever the subject of sports and games is touched upon, the entire young generation naturally comes into view. And when we look keenly at the young generation, we notice a sweeping change there. The mind of youth has transformed, and today’s young minds, shunning obsolete age-old methods and patterns, want to do something new altogether, something different. Today’s young minds do not want to walk on the ready-made well-trodden paths of the past,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, while encouraging sports among the youth on one of the later episodes of the radio programme. The PM praised the enthusiasm among the youth regarding sports. Equally, he has bridged the gap between rural and urban India by using the glue of sports. He also spoke about the increasing dominance of Indian players and the emergence of a new image of Indian sports, the sporting world. For instance, in Khelo India Youth Games, besides disciplines that were part of the Olympics, five indigenous sports - Gatka, Thang Ta, Yogasan, Kalaripayattu, and Mallakhamb - were also included. In his endeavours to appreciate sports and sportspersons, one of the Prime Minister’s strongest vehicles has been the Mann Ki Baat platform. Reaching wide swaths of the population, encouraging involvement in sports as a mass movement throughout India. “The Prime Minister clearly understands that when major tournaments come to India, it is a win-win scenario for all of India. For one, sporting infrastructure is greatly enhanced. Secondly, our citizens get an opportunity to watch matches, and it is also a boost for tourism and other economic activities.”“He has set the goal for us, as a nation, to set our eyes on creating and fostering a culture that thrives on sports.”

Fitness Revolution Transforms India

PM Modi's yoga routine, focus on Ayurveda, and fitness inspire a national health movement

"Igniting Collective Goodness," Mann Ki Baat@100 charms the reader more and more as the book continues. In Chapter 12, "Towards a Healthy and Fit India," references Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal fitness routine of morning yoga and his willingness to share that discipline via a fitness video. "Truly inspiring!" tweeted Lalit Jalan, a corporate professional after viewing Modi-ji in his morning practice, "If within your 24/7 routine for 365 days, without a day break, you can devote this time, then no one has any excuse."&nbsp;As usual, the PM leads by example with quiet personal deeds rather than loud political lip service. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev echoes these thoughts, "Yoga is the crown jewel in our glorious traditions. It is good for physical as well as mental health. In Narendra Modi, we have a leader who is not hesitant to showcase the power of yoga to the world. He leads from the front. When Narendra Modi talks about yoga on the radio, he is not doing so as the Prime Minister. He is like a fellow citizen urging people to lead a healthier life. It is like a family elder guiding a person. It is great that he has made yoga popular across and outside India." The ever-practical PM, in Episode 67 of Mann Ki Baat, discussed minor everyday solutions, such as immunity enhancers like the ‘ayurvedic kadha’ as means to maintain health, "My dear countrymen, it is also the season of rains. I had said that the risk of disease arising out of filth increases during this period. Consequently, it leads to overcrowding in the hospitals. I urge you to pay special attention to cleanliness around you and to keep taking immunity enhancers such as ‘ayurvedic kadha’. During the times of the corona pandemic, we must protect ourselves against other diseases. We will have to take complete care so we do not have to frequent hospitals." Practical reminders, from a practical leader. PM Modi reflects his understanding of all of India, both its strengths and its possibilities, and its capacity for change through the mobilisation of its people. The Prime Minister continues in Episode 86, "Friends, in the last seven years, much attention has been paid to promoting Ayurveda in the country. The formation of the Ministry of AYUSH has further strengthened our resolve to popularise our traditional methods of medicine and health. I am very happy that in the last few years, many new startups have emerged in the field of Ayurveda." In the radio programme aired in September 2021, PM Modi discussed the Ministry of Ayush’s programme to increase children’s awareness regarding medicinal plants and herbs. Through cartoons and short stories, the usefulness of Aloe vera, tulsi, amla, giloy, neem, ashwagandha, and brahmi were explained. The PM elaborated, "Friends, in the current context, growing popularity of medicinal plants and herbal products, India has immense potential. In the past, there has been a significant increase in the export of Ayurvedic and herbal products. I urge scientists, researchers, and people associated with the startup world to pay attention to such products, which will not only increase the wellness and immunity of the people but also help increase the income of our farmers and youth." "I am happy that in the era of evidence-based medicine, Yoga and Ayurveda are standing up to the tough stone of tests of the modern era," PM Modi Mann Ki Baat. Similar confidence has been created, per "Igniting Collective Goodness," by the creation of Ayushman Yojana (Insurance for low-income households. Roughly 50% of the Indian population qualifies for this wildly successful programme.) "When the poor come home healthy, with free treatment, they feel they have a new life. They feel confident that the country stands by them," Narendra Modi Mann Ki Baat, "Igniting Collective Goodness," chapter 12.Ayushman Yojana is the world’s largest healthcare programme.

Clean India Campaign Inspires the World

The amazing transformation of India's streets through a cleanliness crusade

Of all the things "Igniting Collective Goodness" highlights from the groundbreaking programme Mann Ki Baat, the subject of cleanliness is the most significant, in my humble opinion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his inimitable way, sums it up: “Indeed, where there is cleanliness, there is health, where there is health there is capability, and where there is capability, there is prosperity.” I cannot stress the importance of personal and corporate hygiene, clean water, clean land, clean air, proper disposal of waste, and reverence for our mother earth and ourselves. The India of the past tolerated sleek high-rises and beautiful hotels with open sewage and defecation in the streets, with trash strewn everywhere. But no more! Modi’s campaign, launched through the powerful radio programme Mann Ki Baat, has mobilised the entire nation in a colossal undertaking. Indians from all walks of life, all ages, all cultures understand their health and the health of the nation is at stake. “Right from the inception of the radio programme, Swachh Bharat - Clean India - has become the dream of every Indian citizen, thanks to our leader’s focus on it,” "Igniting Collective Goodness," chapter 11. Two years later, Modi praises the progress, “My dear countrymen, we launched the Swachh Bharat mission two years ago…I had said that cleanliness should become our nature, a duty for every citizen and there should be an atmosphere harbouring a sense of revulsion against filth…Eventually the entire nation will have this atmosphere.” Mann Ki Baat was the spark that gave Swachh Bharat its shape, but going forward it has taken on a life of its own throughout the country in as many permutations as there are individuals in India. There are apps for reporting concerns, mobilising cleanliness warriors, initiating change, and progress. There are groups cleaning rivers, beaches, lakes, and canals. Simple junkyards are addressed, cleaned, and repurposed. In August 2015, while speaking about the dangerous spread of Dengue, we were told by the PM that while Dengue is dangerous, prevention of Dengue is easier due to the Swachh Bharat campaign and the actions of all those working to keep India’s waters clean. And as an example, there was a discussion of several ways to keep even the smallest things in an Indian household clean by using only pure water. Even the lowly toilet was made a hero through the shining toilet contest. More than 50 lakh toilets competed for the title using #MylzzatGhar on social media. “More than five lakh fifty thousand villages and six hundred districts have declared themselves free of open defecation, and sanitation coverage in rural India has surpassed the 98 percent mark, with latrines provided to nearly nine crore households,” Mann Ki Baat PM Modi. The PM conveyed that the Swachhta Abhiyan has a big role to play in our perception. He was delighted to share that India’s rank has risen to 34 internationally on the cleanliness index from a ranking five years ago which was 65th. A big jump in a very short time, indeed! Prime Minister Modi, as part of the ongoing campaign, quoted the poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, “Mitti Ka Tann, Masti Ka Mann, Kshan Bhar Jeewan, Mera Perichay," translates to "Body of clay, mind full of joy, life but a moment, my identity." This was also featured in the Bollywood film Agneepath (Path of Fire), the lead portrayed by the poet’s son, Amitabh Bachchan, who has taken his father’s lines to a new rallying cry for cleanliness, “Swachh Tann, Swachh Mann, Swachh Bharat, Mera Parichay.” (Clean body, clean mind, clean India, My Introduction.) Citing specific heroes on their journey for the mission of cleanliness, PM Modi continues, “Yogesh Saini is an engineer who left his job in America to serve Mother India. Recently he picked up the gauntlet to not just clean up Delhi but to beautify it. With his team, he began with the garbage bins of Lodi garden…It is imperative that the culture of transforming waste into wealth develops in our society. In a way, we have to move ahead on the path of converting garbage to gold.” "Igniting Collective Goodness" references example after example of this stellar effort by the entire Indian population. As an example, when highlighting Youth for Parivartan, the team focused on cleanliness has a very special aspect to their campaign in that the waste, such as iron scrap, plastic waste, old tires, and drums, get reused or re-processed. It is a shining example of how beautification can be done at a very low cost. Another example in this important chapter of "Igniting Collective Goodness" is the PM’s discussion of Vijay, an engineer from Telangana who has focused on e-waste. Modi’s concern for the latest devices: phones, laptops, tablets becoming tomorrow’s e-waste. Vijay has developed ways to harvest 17 different types of precious metals from these discarded devices, turning waste into wealth. At present, there are 500 e-waste recyclers associated with this sector, resulting in the direct employment of thousands of people. It has developed an indigenous technology for extracting these precious metals even from printed circuit boards. Tonnes of this waste are being processed in the Bhopal region, making India a global recycling hub.It warms my heart to read about the progress being made to beautify my beloved India.

Modi's Secret to a High-Tech India Revealed!

How PM Narendra Modi's innovation revolution is transforming India into a tech powerhouse

In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Budget Session Address to the Rajya Sabha in February 2023, he summarised his country's stance toward innovation, stating, "We are using technology for empowering common citizens." As I review Chapter 10 of "Igniting Collective Goodness," it's clear that Mann Ki Baat@100 repeatedly reinforces this directive. However, its emphasis is most apparent in the section on “Tinkering Labs.” The establishment of 10,000 Tinkering Labs across India has granted students access to the materials and support they need to address community challenges. Mann Ki Baat has facilitated direct dialogue between Tinkering Labs participants and the Prime Minister himself, fostering a nationwide conversation on innovation. This focus on innovation is crucial for education and instils a mindset that prepares children for a future in a rapidly evolving society, where yesterday's knowledge may not apply today. The significant cross-fertilisation of ideas through open-format sharing has accelerated the development of important ideas and inventions, allowing them to be shared across the continent. “Time and again, the Prime Minister has asserted that science and technology are value-neutral. 'They don’t possess any value in themselves. A machine will work the way we want it to. The tasks we choose to perform depend entirely on us. What is truly significant is the purpose or ‘human objectives.’ Among the noblest of these is the use of science for the purpose of human welfare,'” (Igniting Collective Goodness, Chapter 10). Modi has a unique way of connecting with his people's initial experiences with science: “My dear countrymen, there is hardly anyone who has not been fascinated by the sky. During one’s childhood, stories of the moon and the stars captivate everyone. For the youth, reaching for the sky is synonymous with realising dreams. Today, as India achieves success in numerous fields, how can space remain untouched?” Wind Cdr (Retd.) Rakesh Sharma, one of India’s space pioneers, remarked, “Everybody says space is the last frontier, and we are among the leading nations. We have achieved remarkable success. However, I wouldn’t say space exploration is coming to an end, even though ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) has realised the original dreams. We have now begun to explore our celestial neighbourhood. So, I would say the sky is not the limit; there is much more to achieve in space in the years to come.” When discussing the historical feat of launching 104 satellites simultaneously, the Prime Minister highlights the significance of one satellite in particular, "Brothers and sisters, one of these 104 satellites, the Cartosat-2D, is exceptionally important for India. The images it captures will greatly assist in resource mapping, infrastructure evaluation, development assessment, and urban planning. Particularly for our farmer brothers and sisters, the Cartosat-2D will be immensely beneficial in various aspects, including the assessment of water availability in our water sources…” Dr Tessy Thomas, speaking with PM Modi on the programme Mann Ki Baat, emphasises, "The sustained efforts of our scientists and technologists have made the country an emerging power in several areas, propelling us into the elite club of nations with a presence in space, defence, and nuclear technologies. Our major space missions, such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, the development of cryogenic engines, and launch vehicles like PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), have established a whole new domain of technology indigenously. The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) is committed to enhancing India's self-reliance in defence systems and is involved in the design and development leading to the production of world-class weapons systems and equipment,” (Igniting Collective Goodness, Chapter 10).

In this compelling series, Margaret Kruger shares her profound reflections on all 19 chapters of 'Igniting Collective Goodness, Mann Ki Baat@100,' meticulously curated by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation and published by Westland Books in 2023.
Margaret Kruger, an attentive observer from the United States of America, plunges into the heart of India's breath-taking social and economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a transformation that the world is currently witnessing with a sense of urgency. Join her as she delves deep into the essence of this extraordinary journey, shedding light on the pressing issues and remarkable achievements that demand our immediate attention.

Igniting Collective Goodness

In this compelling series, Margaret Kruger shares her profound reflections on all 19 chapters of 'Igniting Collective Goodness, Mann Ki Baat@100,' meticulously curated by the BlueKraft Digital Foundation and published by Westland Books in 2023.Margaret Kruger, an attentive observer from the United States of America, plunges into the heart of India's breath-taking social and economic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—a transformation that the world is currently witnessing with a sense of urgency. Join her as she delves deep into the essence of this extraordinary journey, shedding light on the pressing issues and remarkable achievements that demand our immediate attention.