Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the Indian public to consider organ donation, highlighting that his government is working on a new policy to make the process easier and more accessible. Modi stated that those who donate organs after death are “godlike” to recipients, and encouraged people to consider organ donation as a life-saving exercise. He noted that the awareness of organ donation is increasing in India, with the removal of the state domicile requirement and age criteria of being less than 65 years for donating organs. The number of organ donations has risen from less than 5,000 cases in 2013 to over 15,000 in 2022.
During his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio broadcast, Modi also praised the increasing presence of women in different fields and the role of “woman power” in India’s growing strength. He gave examples of women’s achievements, including Surekha Yadav becoming the first female loco pilot in Asia, and producer Guneet Monga and director Kartiki Gonsalves winning an Oscar for their documentary ‘The Elephant Whisperers’. Modi also lauded women’s role in the NDRF’s relief and rescue work in Turkiye, and noted India’s deployment of a Women-only Platoon in the Peacekeeping Force under the UN Mission.
Modi highlighted the recent celebration of ancient ties between people of Varanasi and Tamil Nadu through the ‘Kashi-Tamil Sangamam’ held in the holy city, and announced that a ‘Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam’ will be held in different parts of Gujarat during April 17-30. These programmes are driven by the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’, he said.
Modi also noted the ongoing official celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Assamese general Lachit Borphukan, credited for defeating the Mughals, stating that about 45 lakh people sent essays on his life as part of a campaign.
Finally, Modi urged people to take precautions as cases of corona are rising in some places. He also praised India’s growing presence in the field of clean energy, highlighting that Diu has become the first district in India to consume only clean energy for all daytime needs. The speed with which India is moving forward in the field of solar energy is a significant achievement, he added.
