October 25, 2020 4:54:07 pm
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the launch of three key projects in Gujarat, via video conference, in New Delhi on Saturday, October 24, 2020. (PTI Photo) (PTI24-10-2020_000148A)
In his address to the nation through Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called on compatriots to light lamps for soldiers at the border, even as he asked people to speak for locals while shopping during the shopping season. festivals.
“We have to remind our soldiers that they are on the borders during these festivities, protecting Bharat Mata. We must light a lamp in honor of these sons and daughters of Bharat Mata. I want to tell our brave soldiers that they may be on the borders, but the whole nation is with you, ”Modi said.
The statement comes against the background of tens of thousands of Indian soldiers locked in a clash with Chinese forces in eastern Ladakh since May.
Saluting the nation on the occasion of Dussehra, Modi urged the nation to celebrate the festivities in moderation in the wake of Covid and to opt for local products.
“When you go shopping during these festivals, remember that we have to prioritize local products. … Today, when we talk about local, the world is also becoming a fan of our products. Many of our local products have the potential to go global. Today, Khadi is considered an ecological fabric. Not only is it becoming a fashion statement, it is also being made all over the world, ”Modi said.
Giving the example of Ohaka in Mexico, where he claimed that Khadi is manufactured, Modi recounted an anecdote of how Khadi got there after a Mexican was influenced by a movie about Mahatma Gandhi.
The prime minister also reminded people not to forget the kind of people who maintain our lives and that we respect them.
“We must remember the period of confinement. During this period we have been able to get to know closely those friends of our society without whom our life would become very difficult. We have understood the important roles played in our lives by Safai karmchari, domestic helpers, local vegetable vendor, milkman and security guards. In our hour of difficulty, they supported us. Now during the holidays, we have to keep them with us. I urge you to include them in your festivities as a member of the family. You will feel very happy, “said Modi.
Referring to Covid, he said that Dussehra was both a festival of victory of patience over crises and of the victory of truth over evil. But it is also a festival of.
“All of you are living in a lot of moderation today and celebrating the festival within bounds. So in the battle we are fighting, victory is certain, ”he said.
The prime minister said that the scenes at the Durga Puja pandals are not the same as before, when there would be massive crowds. He said that the Dussehra grounds are also not witnessing massive fairs as before and that there are restrictions for Ram Leela as well.
“More festivals are coming. There are Eid, Sharad Purnima, Valmiki Jayanti, Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Chhat, and Guru Nanak Jayanti. During the pandemic, we have to act in moderation. Stay within limits, ”Modi said.
In a reference to government agricultural bills that have seen opposition from certain sectors of the country, Modi suggested that the new laws would revolutionize the agricultural sector. To make his point, he said: “A Maharashtra company bought corn from farmers and gave them a price bonus. The farmers were pleasantly surprised. The company said new agriculture-related laws introduced by the government have allowed farmers to sell their produce anywhere in the country and are paying them well. So the company thought that this additional benefit should be shared with farmers. This shows how agricultural laws have the potential to revolutionize the sector. “
Modi also spoke about the Pulwama district of South Kashmir, which has often been in the news for terrorist incidents. The prime minister, however, spoke of what the largest pencil maker in the country was like.
“Pulwama is playing an important role in the education of the country. If children across the country are doing their homework and filling their notebooks, it is also due to the hard work of the people of Pulwama. The Kashmir Valley meets 90% of the demand for pencil and slate in the country. Much of this comes from Pulwama. There was a time when we imported wood for pencils. But now our Pulwama is making us self-sufficient in this sector, ”Modi said.
He added that the wood from the Chinar trees in the Valley has high humidity and is very suitable for making pencils. “This identity of PUlwama was established after the people of Pulwama decided to do something new and fully committed to it,” Modi said.
He spoke of one Mazoor Ahmed Alai from Pulwama who went from making apple boxes to making pencils.
He also spoke about a Tamil Nadu hairdresser, Pon Mariappan, who has turned a part of shis sloon in Thuthukodi into a library. Modi spoke with Mariappan on the phone in Tamil during the show. He also asked people to read Thirukural.
He spoke about similar efforts in Madhya Pradesh, Bhavnagar, Chandigarh, and Arunachal Pradesh by ordinary people and organizations.
He talked about how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had a great sense of humor and was highly appreciated by Mahatma Gandhi. He said that in times of crisis like this, it is important to maintain our sense of humor. “Today, through our words, behaviors and actions, we have to strengthen the things that unite us. Something that produces the feeling of comfort and brotherhood between people. Our ancestors have made these efforts for centuries, ”he said, adding that from Shankaracharya to Bhimrao Ambedkar, everyone has made such efforts.
He also paid tribute to Indira Gandhi and spoke about Maharshi Valmiki.
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