While addressing the 100th episode of the 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it has become a "unique festival of goodness and positivity for the people". He also said that 'Mann Ki Baat' is an expression of the feelings of crores of Indians.
He said that 'Mann Ki Baat' gave him the platform to connect with people of India.
"For me 'Mann Ki Baat' has been about worshiping the qualities in others," said PM.
"Every episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' has been special. It has celebrated positivity, people's participation,” he added.
"On October 3, 2014, day of the Vijaya Dashami festival, all of us together started the journey of 'Mann Ki Baat'...'Mann Ki Baat' has also become a unique festival of goodness and positivity for the country's people. A festival that comes every month, keenly awaited by all of us. We celebrate positivity," said PM.
He also said that he had received thousands of letters and messages from people.
"Mann Ki Baat is not merely a programme but a spiritual journey for me," said Modi.
The radio broadcast has paved way for public movements as well. “Be it 'Swachh Bharat', Khadi or 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'...issues raised in 'Mann Ki Baat' became people's movements,” he said.
Modi said the monthly radio broadcast has become an important medium of learning from others.
UNESCO chief joins 'Mann Ki Baat'
PM Narendra Modi on Sunday interacted with UNESCO Director-General Audray Azoulay in the 100th episode.
UNESCO chief while speaking to the PM during the broadcast said that "Dear Prime Minister, on behalf of UNESCO, I thank you for this opportunity to be part of the 100th episode of the Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast. UNESCO and India have a long common history. We have very strong partnerships together in all areas of our mandate education, science, culture and information."
She also asked various questions to PM Modi on education and cultural preservation amid India's ongoing G20 Presidency.
"UNESCO is working with its member states to ensure that everyone in the world has access to quality education by 2030, with the largest population in the world. Could you please explain the Indian way to achieve this objective? UNESCO also works to support culture and protect heritage," she said.
During the 100th episode, Modi also had a telephonic conversation with some people who were featured earlier on the broadcast for their unique initiatives.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Union ministers, listened to Modi's address at different places as the ruling party went all out to make the 100th episode a mega exercise in public connect.
To mark the historic event, the broadcast was aired live at the United Nations headquarters.
The show was also broadcasted at the Consulate General of India in New York, and at community organisations in New Jersey for the members of the Indian-American and diaspora community. BJP's overseas units and other non-political organisations have been roped in to ensure that the radio broadcast gets the maximum outreach abroad.
Arrangements have also been made for eminent citizens to listen to the programme at all Raj Bhavans and the homes of chief ministers of the BJP or its allies across the country. Padma awardees from all states have been invited to attend the events at Raj Bhavans.
