What PM Modi said in his first Mann ki Baat after re-election

"Democracy is precious and we must not take it for granted"

JAPAN-G20-SUMMIT Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Osaka ahead of the G20 summit | AFP

Speaking at his first 'Mann ki Baat' radio address after a landslide re-election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several points. He thanked the people for electing him back to office and said that he had complete confidence in them. He reminisced about the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi, when civil liberties were curtailed, and that democracy was very precious.

At a time when the water level in India's major reservoirs and river basins has fallen, Modi on Sunday pitched for conservation of rain water, saying there is a pressing need to make water conservation a mass movement on the lines of the cleanliness drive.

"In different parts, different methods may be adopted but the aim is same—to conserve every drop of water," he said. Modi appealed to all Indians, including eminent people from all walks of life to create awareness on water conservation.

He also urged people to share knowledge of traditional methods of water conservation. "If you know about any individuals or NGOs working on water (conservation), do share the details," he said.

He asked people to use #JanShakti4JalShakti to upload their content relating to water conservation. Several cities across India are facing water shortage as water level in various dams and water bodies has gone down significantly.

-Inputs from PTI