Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed his 72nd and the last edition of monthly radio programme “Mann ki Baat” for 2020 saying the people have learnt “new lessons in each crisis” and developed “self-reliance” during coronavirus pandemic when supply-chain got disrupted world-over.
In his year-end radio-talk, the PM remembered great sacrifices of Sikh Gurus and their family members.
“On this day, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, sahibzade Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh were immured alive; our sahibzade showed amazing courage and determination even at that tender age. It was on this day itself that Guru Gobind Singh’s mother — Mata Gujari attained martyrdom; about a week ago, it was the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji too”, he said.
The PM provided “interesting news” of increase in the population of lions, tigers and leopards in the country.
Modi’s radio-talk came at a time when thousands of farmers are protesting on the outskirts of Delhi against new farm laws. The PM greeted coronavirus warriors saying people of the country applauded their work and learn new lessons in past several months and developed spirit of self-reliance.
“Every citizen has felt the changes triggered by the pandemic. The supply chain was completely disrupted but people leant new lessons from challenges. We saw a new spirit among the people, we saw the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in 2020,” said Modi in his address. Modi said in the drive towards “self-reliance” quality should not be compromised.
“I call upon our manufacturers and industry leaders that when people have taken determined step forward & when the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’ is resonating in every house, it is time to ensure that our products are world-class”, he said.
Modi said in May this year, the Kashmiri saffron was given the Geographical Indication Tag or GI tag.” Through this, we want to make Kashmiri saffron a globally popular brand”, he said.
The PM spoke about happy increase in the population of lions and tigers in the country from 2014 to 2018 and attributed the success to the non-governmental efforts, among others, of the civil society and other organisations.
“India has seen a rise in population of lions, tigers as well as a significant increase in forest cover. Main reason is that not only the Government but several other people, civil societies and other organisations are contributing towards forest and wildlife conversation,”he said.
India has seen a 60 per cent rise in the leopard population between 2014-2018. In 2014, the leopard population in India was around 7,900. This rose to 12,852 in 2019. Their population has increased in most parts of the country, especially in Central India,” Modi said.
Monday, 28 December 2020 | PNS | New Delhi
