Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit a milestone by completing the 100th episode of his monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday.
From issues related to women, youth, and farmers to spurring community action through his initiatives, his radio program has become a key pillar of the government's citizen outreach program.
The radio show, which broadcasts on TV and social media platforms, has a wide reach covering 22 local languages and 29 dialects. It also went live at the United Nations headquarters in New York and aired in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari and Swahili.
On a special address to millions of fans worldwide on Sunday to mark 100th episode, PM Modi went down memory lane recalling some of the changes he has managed to bring through his radio show.
Here are the highlights of PM Modi's speech that drew attention.
A Festival of Goodness, Positivity, a Spiritual Journey
On October 3, 2014, Vijayadashami day, the festival of victory of good over evil, the first episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' hit the internet. Recalling that day, PM Modi argued that 'Mann Ki Baat' has also become a unique festival of goodness and positivity for the country.
In strengthening the social fabric of India, 'Mann Ki Baat' is "like the thread of a rosary, holding each bead together," he said.
For PM Modi, 'Mann Ki Baat' is not merely a programme but a faith, a "spiritual journey" through which he managed to connect with millions and billions of people worldwide.
Mass Movement That Became Vision of New India
A strong believer in making big changes through collective efforts, PM Modi started many mass movements that gained momentum.
Be it 'Swachh Bharat' (Clean India), Khadi Utsav (to promote khadi - cotton - products) or Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (75th Anniversary of Indian independence), PM Modi talked about several initiatives that became a mass movement and gave a vision of a New India.
"The very mission to re-establish our toys and our toy industry started with 'Mann Ki Baat'. The beginning of raising awareness about Indian breed dogs, our native dogs, was also started with 'Mann Ki Baat' only," Modi said.
Talking about the "Selfie with Daughter" campaign, PM Modi shared that it was not about technology, but about “daughters.”
Based on the lines of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the girl child, educate the girl child) campaign, Selfie with Daughters too became a hit and raised awareness about ills like female foeticide and discrimination.
Make in India, Self-Reliant India
He also claimed that two flagship initiatives - Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) - empowered the country and its citizen to pursue their dream and shine.
The radio program showcased stories of talented individuals across diverse fields, including space start-ups.
"Mann Ki Baat has always moved ahead with goodwill, the spirit of service-spirit and the sense of duty," Modi said.
Booming Tourism
PM Modi also claimed to have made extra efforts to promote India as a tourism hub that offers diverse natural resources, rivers, mountains, ponds or pilgrimage sites to explore.
"I always say that before going abroad for tourism, we must visit at least 15 tourist destinations of our country and these destinations should not be from the state where you reside... xthey must be from any other state outside your state," he said.
Going Forward to Azadi Ka Amritkaal
Modi likewise shared that this year, India is moving towards Azadi Ka Amritkaal (time perfect to start new ventures).
"We are also presiding over the G20. This is also one of the reasons why our resolve to enrich diverse global cultures along with education has become stronger," he added.