Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday remembered former prime minister Indira Gandhi, ahead of her death anniversary on October 31.
This year marks the 33rd death anniversary of Indira Gandhi, a stateswoman and a central figure of the Indian National Congress.
Addressing the nation in the 37th episode of his Mann Ki Baat aired on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and the Narendra Modi mobile application, the prime minister also announced the day to be marked as celebrations of the birth anniversary of the iconic Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who laid the foundation of modern, unified India.
"Sardar Patel's speciality was that of being immensely capable of devising practical solutions to the most complicated problems in the way. He ensured that millions of Indians were brought under the ambit of one nation and one constitution. He not only suggested revolutionary ideas, but also implemented them, leading to India's unification," he said, in his monthly radio address.
Drawing upon Sardar Patel's stringent anti-discrimination ideology, the PM opined that the ideology could be implemented in the present day as well, thus helping realise the vision for a New India.
"His 'no discrimination' approach is the reason his birthday is celebrated as the National Unity Day," he added.
Prime Minister Modi also announced that in lieu of Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, a 'Run for Unity' would be organised throughout the country, and urged his fellow countrymen to participate in this 'festival of mutual harmony'.
Khadi for transformation
The prime minister talked about the the record growth of the Khadi industry as well. The rise in sale of the Khadi products was a proof that the handloom was getting increasingly popular among all sections, he said. It has emerged as the most potent tool for transforming villages, while also setting up a new mantra of 'Khadi for transformation'.
"This boost in the sale has provided an additional income to the weavers and artistes. The new mantra is 'Khadi for transformation'. Khadi and handloom are transforming the lives of the poorest of the poor. Khadi has emerged as the most potent tool for transforming villages," Prime Minister Modi said, in his monthly radio address.
He asserted that after stressing on the importance of Khadi on the Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), the Khadi GramUdyog Bhawan had a record sale of Rs. 1.2 crore on the occasion of Dhanteras.
In praise of Indian hockey
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the Indian Hockey team for their performance in the Hockey Asia Cup.
"Our athletes made the country proud. In hockey, India won the Asia Cup hockey title through its dazzling performance. Our players performed magnificently; on the basis of their sterling efforts, India become the Asia Cup champion after 10 years," he said.
He also applauded Badminton star Kidambi Srikanth for clinching the Denmark Open title and said such performances enhanced the prestige of the country.
The prime minister also praised the FIFA U-17 World Cup team and said though India could not win the title, the young players won everyone's hearts.
Children's day wishes
The prime minister greeted the children of the nation ahead of Children's Day on November 14, and said that they were the "emerging heroes in the creation of a New India."
Modi emphasised that families needed to pay closer attention to the health of their children, given the declining status of immunity among the younger generation, largely due to the "lifestyle disorder."
To this regard, the prime minister also encouraged the practice of Yoga among the youth, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"Do not look at Ayurveda and Yoga as a means of medical treatment only; we should make them a part of our life. Practicing 30 minutes of Yoga every day before school can impart much benefit. It is easy to practice anywhere, anytime, and does not need any special venue or equipment," he added.
The Prime Minister also assured that his government was putting in efforts to integrate traditional medicinal practices with modern healthcare.
Peace keeping measures
India's most important contribution under the United Nations umbrella was its role in the peace-keeping operations.
"India has been actively cooperating in various important initiatives taken by the United Nations. India's most important contribution under its umbrella is its role in the UN peace-keeping operations. Our role is not confined to peace-keeping operations. India also trains the peace-keepers of 85 countries," Modi said.
The prime minister also said that Indian women soldiers have contributed significantly to the peace-keeping missions and that India was the first nation to send women to peace-keeping missions.
He also congratulated every soldier, who guards the country's borders with utmost dedication and sacrifice.
The prime minister also paid homage to sister Nivedita on her 150th birth anniversary and for her remarkable contribution to peace processes and exemplary life.
Diwali with soldiers
Prime Minsiter Modi said his Diwali celebration with soldiers in the Gurez Sector of Jammu and Kashmir was an unforgettable experience.
The prime minister, moving on to another recently-celebrated festival, Chhath, said the tradition of asking for the prasad in the Chhath Pooja teaches people to kill their ego.
He further said that the Chhath festival also entailed a strong spirit of cleanliness.
Ahead of the Guru Nanak Jayanti, the prime minister urged people to follow the path shown by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
"Guruji gave three messages―'Pray to God, work hard and serve the needy'. He created 'Gurbani' to convey his message. We will commemorate the 550th Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019. Let's try to follow the path shown by him," he added.
