New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the 22nd edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
“Today in Delhi, "Run for Rio" was organised. Similarly, we will organise many more programs to encourage our athletes. We extend out best wishes to the contingent which will be representing India at Rio, this year.” Modi said.
Saying he was ready to be the ‘postman’ of those who wished to extend wishes to the Indian athletes, Modi asked people to send their wishes on the Narendra Modi App.
Speaking about the death anniversary of APJ Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister hailed him as a man of science and technology. Modi said that the future belongs to technology, which is ever changing. He called for the need to embrace newer and newer technology.
Modi expressed sadness over the loss of lives in floods in some parts of the country. “Earlier we were worrying about drought situation, now where on one side we hear about monsoon, on other side, we hear about floods,” Modi said.
He affirmed that the Centre was working closely with state governments to help flood-affected people.
Discouraging people from taking antibiotics without the doctor’s consent, Modi said that antibiotics only give temporary relief and therefore should not be had in excess. He instead called for precautionary measures against illnesses caused typically during the monsoon season.
The Prime Minister then addressed the problem of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). “Concerned about health of pregnant women, the Govt has started Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan,” the PM said. He stated that though the MMR had declined over the past 10 years, pregnant women were still at risk of death.
He announced that free check-up will be given in government health centres to pregnant women on the 9th of every month.
Modi, who has been on several foreign tours in two years in office, said his recent visit to South Africa was a diplomatic one, he felt as if he was on a ‘teerth yatra’.
The Prime Minister praised the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela to the anti-apartheid struggle in the African country.
Finally, cautioning people against digital fraud, the PM asked citizens to be vigilant against SMSs promising huge profits on investments, which are sent out by conmen to make a quick buck.
In concluding remarks, Modi called on the citizens of the country to contribute ideas for his Independence Day address through the Narendra Modi App.
