PM’s address in the 9th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat 2.0’
1.
A few days ago, at a small place at the Hunar Haat in Delhi, I
witnessed hues of our country’s diverse expanse, cultures, traditions, cuisines
& the warmth of emotions. As a matter of fact the repertoire comprising
traditional attires, handicrafts, carpets, utensils, Bamboo & brass
products, Phulkari of Punjab, exotic
leatherwork of Andhra Pradesh, beautiful paintings from Tamilnadu, brass products of
Uttar Pradesh, Bhadohi carpets, copper work
of Kutch, a number of musical instruments & innumerable stories; the vivid
mosaic of pan- Indian art & culture was truly unique.
The stories of the
artisans’ perseverance, zeal & love for their skill are equally inspiring
as well. Listening to a divyang woman at the Hunar Haat was a source of
fulfillment. She told me that earlier she used to sell paintings on the
pavement. Her life changed after she connected with Hunar Haat. Today, she is not
only self- reliant; she has purchased a house too.
At Hunar Haat, I got the
opportunity to converse with many other artisans. I am told that over 50 per
cent of the crafts persons participating at Hunar Haat are women. Also,
during the last three years, through Hunar Haat, close to three lakh artisans &
crafts persons have gained many opportunities of employment. Hunar Haat, of course, is a
platform showcasing art & craft; it is also lending wings to people’s
dreams. It is a venue where it is impossible to overlook the country’s
diversity. Besides handicrafts, it displays the diversity of India’s varied
cuisine too. In a single row, one could savour the sight of Idli- Dosa, Chhole- Bhature, Daal- Baati, Khaman- Khandvi & what not! I
thoroughly enjoyed having the delicious Litti- Chokha of Bihar.
All over
India, fairs & exhibitions such as this are organized from time to time.
Whenever the opportunity arises, one should attend such events to know India,
to experience India. Thus, not only would you be able to be a part of the country’s
art-culture canvas; you will also contribute in the progress & prosperity
of hardworking crafts persons, especially women. Do make it a point to visit.
2.
Very recently, biologists have discovered a new species
of fish whose habitat is within the caves of Meghalaya. It is believed that
this fish is the largest among aquatic species found under the surface of
caves. It lives in deep, dark underground caves, with little chance of light
reaching in. Scientists are perplexed at the ability of this large fish to
survive in such deep caves. It is a matter of joy that our India, and
especially Meghalaya is home to a rare species.
3.
The great Tamil
poetess Avvaiyar writes: Kattat Kemaavoon Kalladaru Udgadvu, Kaddat Kamiyan Adva Kalladar Olaaadu. This means, what we
know is but just a handful of sand; what we do not know is like a universe in
itself. Similar is the case with the biodiversity of this country. The more you
know, the more you realize the magnitude of what you do not know. Our biodiversity
too is a unique treasure for the entire human kind. We have to preserve it,
conserve it & explore further.
4.
When I was in Bengaluru during Chandrayan-2, I witnessed immense enthusiasm
& fervor on the part of the children present there. There was no sign of
drowsiness from any angle. In a way, they kept awake throughout the night. One
can never forget their inquisitiveness when it came to Science, Technology and
Innovation.
To give a fillip to this very enthusiasm in children & young
people; to encourage scientific temper in them, another system has been put in
place. You can now sit & watch rocket launching at Sriharikota, taking place in
front of your own eyes. Recently, the facility has been made open for all. A
visitors’ gallery has been erected, large enough to seat 10 thousand people.
Online booking is also possible through a link provided on ISRO’s website. I am
told that many schools are arranging tour for their students to show them
rocket launching and motivate them. I urge the Principals & teachers of all
schools that they should avail of this benefit in times to come.
5.
The beautiful valleys of Ladakh witnessed a momentous event on the 31st of
January 2020, for History was made when an Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft took
off from Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpoche Airport. A mixture
of 10% Indian Bio-jet fuel was used in this flight and this was the first time
that this mix was used in both engines. Not just that, but the airport from
which this plane took off from Leh is not only one of the highest altitude airports in
India but also in the world! Notably, the bio-jet fuel is prepared from
non-edible tree borne oil. It is procured from various tribal areas of India.
These efforts will not only reduce carbon emissions but may also reduce India’s
dependence on crude oil imports.
6.
The women of Purnia have taken a new initiative that has changed the entire
scenario. These women formed mulberry-production co-operatives with assistance
from the Government. After that, they spun silk yarn from the cocoons, and also
started getting saris made with those threads. You will be surprised to know
that the very cocoons were sold for a nominal amount earlier; saris made from
them are fetching thousands of rupees now. The Didis of the ‘Adarsh Jeevika Mahila Mulberry Production
Group’ have performed miracles that are being witnessed across many villages.
The Farmer Didis of many villages of Purnia are not only getting
saris produced, but are also selling them in big fairs by putting up their own
stalls – an example of how today’s women fortified with new power, new thinking
are achieving new targets.
7.
The achievement of twelve-year-old daughter Kamya Karthikeyan: Kamya, at the age of just
twelve years, has conquered Mount Aconcagua. This is the highest peak of the
Andes Mountains in South America, which is about 7000 meters high. Every Indian
will be touched by the fact that at the beginning of this month, when Kamya conquered the peak,
the first thing she did was to hoist our tricolour there. I have also been told that Kamya, who has made the
country proud, is now on a new mission, which is called ‘Mission Saahas’. Under this she is
trying to conquer the highest peaks of all the continents. Also, under this
mission she will also be skiing on North and South poles.
8.
Story of 105 year old Bhagirathi Amma, Story of Entrepreunur Moradabad. Salman , adivyang by birth are worth
knowing.
https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-address-in-the-9th-episode-of-mann-ki-baat-2-0/
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