Mann Ki Baat, 30 April, 2017: Narendra Modi talks about VIP culture, says 'every person is important'

Addressing the people of India for the 31st time through his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat, prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke on several topics, which ranged from reiterating the government’s resolve to end VIP culture in the country to urging youngster to think out of the box.

On VIP culture Modi raised the issue of VIP culture and said that the decision to get rid of red beacon from the vehicles was taken to remove the culture from the minds of such people. He added that red beacon had become the symbol of VIP culture in India which alienated the common man.

“There is sort of hatred for VIP culture in our country but I realised the hatred was so deep only when the government decided to do away with red beacons on cars of the officials no matter how important he is,” Modi said.

Modi added, “The concept behind the ‘New India’ is that EPI should replace VIP. EPI means every person is important. We should accept the importance of 125 crore Indians. Then we will have the collective power to fulfil our dreams and aspirations.”

Congratulated Maharashtra and Gujarat

Modi congratulated the people of Gujarat and Maharashtra a day before the foundation day of these states.

“I congratulate the citizens of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Both the states have striven to reach the heights of progress continually, contributed to the development of the nation, and a number great people born in both states have have continuously inspired us,” Modi said in his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

Modi also urged citizens to take a vow to see where they can take their state, society and nation by the year 2022 when India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its independence.

Climate change and sparrow conservation

Modi touched upon the issue of climate change, ading that it is a big issue not confined to academic conferences and researches. Linking the rise in temperatures across India to this global phenomenon, Modi remarked that the temperatures once experienced in May adn june is now experienced in March itself.

Deviating a bit from the topic of climate change, Modi went on to speak about the sparrow conservation efforts of the Bohra Muslim community. He also urged parents to encourage their children to develop sensitivity towards animals and birds which will give them immense happiness.

Come out of “comfort zones”

Modi urged younsters to come out of “comfort zones” and start thinking out of the box. While referring to students who are currently on vacations, Modi urged them to utilise the free time to explore new places to quench their curiosity, gain new experiences and improve their skills sets.

While encouraging youngsters to travel, Modi urged them to share the photo online with the hashtag “Incredible India”.

Earn through BHIM app

Modi announced a refer and earn scheme for youngsters using the BHIM App. He said that a youngster stands to earn Rs 10 if he or she refers the app to somebody and then that person completes three transactions through it. The prime minister also added that the scheme will eb valid till 14 October.

References to Ramanujacharya, Basava, Ambedkar and Buddha

Modi announced that the government will celebrate the thousand year birth anniversary of Hindu reformist leader Ramanujacharya. He added that a postal stamp will be launched on Monday in thsi regard. The prime minister hailed the contributions of the 11th century spiritual leader in fighting social evils like untouchability.

While talking about Monday’s labour day, Modi invoked the services of another spirtual leader Basava, who had said labour is the only path to god. He also lauded Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar for his efforts in improving the lives of Indian workers.

Modi tried to highlight the difference in the Communist and the RSS’ approach in consolidating the labour movement. He remarked that while the communists said “Workers of the world unite”, the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh believed in the motto, “Workers unite the world.”

Modi said that the teachings of Gautama Buddha are relevant in the presnt day scenario of wars, conflcits and arms race and announed that he would celebrate Gautama Buddha’s birth anniversary in Sri Lanka ths year.

With inputs from agencies