Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the 100th episode of his radio program “Mann ki Baat” on Sunday. He said that the broadcast has helped him stay connected with the people of India since he came to Delhi in 2014. The program is not just a show, but a matter of faith and spiritual journey for him. “Mann ki Baat” has become a festival that celebrates the positivity of India and its people. Thousands of letters from listeners were received on the occasion of its 100th episode.
The program is a reflection of the “mann ki baat” of crores of Indians and an expression of their feelings. Issues raised in “Mann Ki Baat” became people’s movements such as ‘Swachh Bharat’, Khadi or ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Modi said the monthly radio broadcast, which mostly steers clear from politics, has become an important medium of learning from others. “This programme has ensured that I am never cut-off from you,” he 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. Modi said the program has never let him to be away from people and added that as the Gujarat chief minister, it was natural for him to meet and interact with the common people. But after coming to Delhi in 2014, he found that life here was very different. The nature of the work is different, the responsibility is different, and one is bound by circumstances, the rigours of security and time limits.
For Modi, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is not a program, it’s a matter of faith, of worship or ‘vrat’. Like when people go to worship God, they bring along prasad. For him, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is like prasad at the feet of God in the form of the masses. During the broadcast, a special message from UNESCO DG Audrey Azoulay appreciating the program was also played. She also enquired about India’s efforts regarding education and cultural preservation.
While senior BJP leaders joined people, chief ministers of the party-ruled states and governors were joined by eminent citizens at their official residences during the program. The Congress took a swipe at Modi, saying the occasion of the broadcast’s 100th episode was heralded with great fanfare but it was “maun ki baat (silence)” on critical issues such as China, Adani, increasing economic inequalities and the wrestlers’ protest.
