#MannKiBaat ?Those who cast an evil eye on Indian soil in Ladakh have got a befitting response,? says Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat on Friday. Shri Narendra Modi has said that the world has noticed India’s commitment and might when it comes to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said, those who cast an evil eye on Indian soil in Ladakh have got a befitting response.

“Those who cast an evil eye on Indian soil in Ladakh have got a befitting response. India honours the spirit of friendship…she is also capable of giving an appropriate response to any adversary, without shying away. Our brave soldiers have proven that they will not let anyone cast an evil eye on the glory and honour of Mother India,” Prime Modi Modi said during the 66th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

“The entire country comes together in paying tributes to the bravery of our jawans who attained martyrdom in Ladakh. The entire country bows to them in reverence, with gratitude,” the Prime Minister said.

He said that the resolve with which our jawans made the supreme sacrifice for the security of Mother India, should be the aim of our lives. “We should strive towards enhancing the country’s capabilities and capacities in safeguarding our borders. A self-reliant India would be a tribute to our martyrs in the truest, deepest sense,” the Prime Minister added.

“Before independence, in the realm of the defence sector, our country was ahead of many countries in the world. There used to be a multitude of ordnance factories. Many countries that lagged behind us then, are ahead of us now. After independence, we should have made efforts in the defence sector, taking advantage of our prior experience…. we did not. But today, in the fields of defence and technology, India is relentlessly endeavouring to advance on those fronts…. India is taking strides towards self-reliance,” he said.

The Prime Minister also urged the citizens to support the self-reliant India mission. “No mission can be successfully achieved without people’s participation. And that is why, on the path towards a self-reliant India, as a citizen, our collective resolve, commitment and support is necessary; rather imperative. When you buy ‘local’, become vocal for local you play a role in strengthening the country. This, too, in its own way, is service to one’s country. Whatever be your profession; wherever, there is ample scope in the realm of service to the country. Keeping in mind the requirement of the country, whatever you do, comes under this very spirit of service. And this very spirit on your part lends strength to the country, one way or the other. We should also remember that the stronger our country is, the possibilities of peace in the world will proportionately be bolstered,” he said.

In the last Mann ki Baat programme, PM Narendra Modi, while asserting that the battle with coronavirus is a long one, also said he is doing everything in his capacity to look into the problems of everyone in the nation. “The road ahead is a long one. We are fighting a pandemic about which little was previously known,” he had said.

He said, during the corona pandemic, people have to protect themselves from different diseases also. He suggested to keep using Ayurvedic medicines, herbal decoction and hot water to stay healthy. He said, during this unlock phase, many other things are getting unlocked, which had hitherto, shackled the country for decades. He said, for years the mining sector , space and agriculture were in a state of lockdown. Now the decisions taken by Government have unshackled the bottlenecks and given a boost to these sectors. He referred to commercial auction in mining, opening up of space sector and reforms in agriculture towards a self-reliant India with advancement of technology. The Prime Minister said, there are many such sectors in which, amidst, all crises, the country is opening up new avenues of development through historic decisions.

Citing an article, the Prime Minister said, during the Corona pandemic, the demand for spices including ginger, turmeric and other spices has increased not only in Asia but also in America. He said, the entire world is focused on increasing their immunity at this time, and these immunity enhancing ingredients are linked with India. He said, we should be able to communicate about it in easy and simple language to the people across the globe for a healthier planet.

Prime Minister Modi said, Monsoon has now reached large parts of the country and meteorologists are very enthusiastic about the rains and are full of hope.He said, if the rains are bountiful, the farmers will reap a bumper harvest and the environment will also be green. PM Modi urged people to practice rain water harvesting in a big way to protect the environment. He mentioned about octagenerian farmer Kamegowda of Mandavali, Karnataka who is building new ponds in his area. He said, till now, Kamegowda has dug 16 ponds, through his hard work. He also mentioned about Vadodara where district administration and the local residents together organized rain water harvesting in one thousand schools. The Prime Minister also urged people to make eco-friendly Ganesh statues during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Talking about traditional games like Pachisi, Moksha Patam and Gutta, PM Modi requested the grandparents and the elders of the house to handover these games to the new generation. He said in order to strike a balance with the advent of online gaming, they must do so for the sake of the children. Shri Modi called upon people to present the traditional Indoor Games of India in a new and attractive avatar. The Prime Minister said, people have to remember that, the Indian sports are also local, and we have already pledged to be vocal for local.

PM Modi paid homage to former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao whose birth Centenary year began today. He said, the former Prime Minister led the country through a critical phase.

Shri Narendra Modi said, historically, India has always emerged brighter and stronger, ensuring victory over all kinds of disasters and challenges. He said, India will not only do better in this year 2020, but will move forward and will touch new heights. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that 2020 will give a new direction to India in this decade.