New Delhi: Speaking in the latest installment of his 'Mann ki Baat' series of All India radio addresses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tounched on a number of topics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to post selfies with their daughters to promote the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' initiative in his 'Mann ki Baat' radio address on Sunday.
He, however, made no reference to the controversy surrounding Vasundhara Raje and Sushma Swaraj, embroiled in a row over helping former IPL boss Lalit Modi with his travel papers. The Congress has repeatedly questioned Modi's silence on the issue.
Raje, at the centre of a storm after it emerged that she signed an affidavit backing Lalit Modi's British immigration appeal on the condition that her endorsement would be kept secret, flew in and out of Delhi on Saturday without an audience with the BJP's top leadership.
A BJP leader said on condition of anonymity a possible meeting between Raje and PM Modi would have unnecessarily provoked the Congress to target the party's leadership.
In the ninth edition of his 'Mann ki Baat' programme on Sunday, PM Modi said: "In Haryana, a village Sarpanch initiated a #SelfieWithDaughter initiative… I urge all of you, share selfies with your daughters with the hashtag #SelfieWithDaughter. Also share a tagline that will encourage 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'."
He expressed delight over the "great response" across the country, with people sharing pictures using #IncredibleIndia.
"So many people shared #IncredibleIndia photos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. We will continue this. The world must see the glimpses of #IncredibleIndia," he said.
Modi also expressed his gratitude over the International Yoga Day celebrations, noting that the event was observed across the world.
"The rays of the sun were welcomed by yoga all over the world on Yoga Day on June 21. On June 21, when I saw glimpses of UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon doing yoga the UN headquarters, I felt very happy. I am also happy that the armed forces joined in the Yoga Day celebrations," he said.
A belligerent BJP has decided to brazen it out after the party was sucked into fresh controversies as a Delhi court admitted a fake-degree case against HRD minister Smriti Irani and allegations were hurled Swaraj Raje, according to sources.
Here are the highlights of what he said:
- During the last 'Mann ki Baat', I asked you to share pictures from across India using the hashtag '#IncredibleIndia'.
- So many pepole have shared pictures using this hashtag. We should continue this.
- The world must get a glimpse of Incredible India.
- On International Yoga Day, it was a matter of pride that it was performed all over the world.
- The rays of the sun were welcomed by yoga all over the world.
- Yoga was performed at some of the most iconic locations around the world - Eiffel Tower in Paris, Times Square in New York and Opera House in Sydney.
- Our Army performed yoga at Siachen and our Navy did it on their ships.
- When I saw UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon performing yoga, it made me happy.
- Curiosity has grown around the world about India.
- The world wants to know about our culture, tradition and values.
- We have to spread our message of non-violence to the world.
- But to do this, we need to proud of ourselves.
- There are many such things that our ancestors have left us.
- And the world can benefit by accessing these.
- We had set ourselves a target to build toilets in all schools by August 15.
- The date is almost upon us.
- It was a task that had not been achieved in 60 years, that we resolved to do in months.
- I am happy to say we have made great strides.
- In the past few months, we have launched 3 welfare schemes. In a short span of time, over 10 crore people have joined that scheme.
- Can you image that the Department of AYUSH, a small department, could successfully organise such a massive undertaking.
- Kaam karti sarkar (government that works) - this is how I see the events of the past few days.
- When Jan Dhan accounts had to be opened the bank employees became very active and did the work.
- When the government wants to work for the welfare of everyone, everyone contributes to that effort.
- The first day of rain is always welcomed enthusiastically by everyone.
- I am sure most of you would have enjoyed the rain with pakodas and hot tea.
- This is the season when you should plant as many trees as possible.
- The rainy season is also one where there are a lot of diseases around.
- Most of you drink only boiled water.
- The government is also implementing its 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign.
- I am happy that a sarpanch in Haryana initiated a 'selfie with daughter'.
- I urge all of you to share a selfie with your daughters, using the hashtag SelfieWithDaughter.
- Share this with a tagline that will promote the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' campaign.
