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Shri Narendra Modi's speech during allotment of 8076 Houses for the Urban Poor

Published By : Admin | November 17, 2011 | 13:01 IST

Dt : 17/11/2011

Ahmedabad

Bharat Mata ki Jay..!!

 

Sitting on the dais, my fellow Cabinet Ministers, Urban Development Minister of the State Shri Nitinbhai Patel, The popular MP of this constituency Shri Harinbhai Pathak, Chairman of the AUDA Shri Dharmendrabhai Shah, Karnavati’s Mayor Shri Hasitbhai Vora, Chairman of Gandhinagar’s GUDA Shri Ashokbhai Bhavsar, Former MLA Shri Jitubhai Waghela, the always running MLA Shri Babubhai BJP, Ahmedabad City BJP President and MLA of Ellisbridge Shri Rakeshbhai Shah, Rakhial MLA Shri Vallabhbhai, All the leaders of Taluka Panchayat, District Panchayat and the Municipal Corporation present here and dear Citizen Brothers & Sisters who have come in large numbers…

For whom is the Government? The Government is for the poor, it is for the helpless. Gentlemen, when a businessman falls sick, does he face any problem in getting the treatment done by a doctor? Not at all, call one and 50 are present. But what about the poor? The Government has to worry about the poor and build hospitals and has to make sure that the treatment of the poor is done at a concessional rate. If a rich boy wants to study, does he face any problem? He can call 15 teachers at his home. But what if a poor child wants to study? The Government has to construct schools, pay the teachers, provide the uniforms and do all the arrangements because education of the poor is necessary and this responsibility is of the Government. The same way in this age, if a rich or a middle class person wants to build home, they may make it from his savings, but poor can’t even buy 2 feet space because he does not have that much capacity. So the Government has to build houses for the poor, though it causes a burden of crores of rupees. If a poor gets a good house, he can start a new life and hence the Government has started a campaign to provide houses for the poor. You will be happy to know Gentlemen, that the way eight thousand houses are ready today, one lac more houses will be ready at the cost of 1700 crores, one lac houses! And in the coming days, in the urban areas like Surat and Ahmedabad, the Government has undertaken the task of building many houses for those who have to spend their lives in huts under the scheme “A house for a Hut“. Lacs of houses are going to be built for the poor in this state. Congress ruled for 40 years in Gujarat. This Government is going to provide more houses than might have provided in these 40 years. When a poor gets a house, his lifestyle changes too. When a person brings something in his house, he develops the habit of preserving it. As now he is spending his life in a hut, living in a jerry house then he feels that why to spend on this? He doesn’t even spend on a doormat. But if gets such a house, he starts thinking of saving some money to buy a doormat the next month. Next month he will decide to save some more money for a mate because it doesn’t’ look good when guest comes. Then he realizes that I should not waste money as now children are growing up so I should buy a TV. Once he gets a house, he starts saving to improve his living standard. If there is shortage of money he starts working hard and gradually tries to reach to the level of others. Poor’s house often becomes a weapon in his fight against the poverty. Once a person starts living with self respect then he wishes to forget the poverty. And I firmly believe that those 8000 family who are getting these houses, should not only take just shelter but also make a resolution to begin a new life and don’t let poverty enter the house now. Go ahead with such determinations.

When we allot these flats, you will be provided the flats with a market value of about 20-25 lacs rupees at a nominal token amount and that too because it brings some responsibility. The Government is giving you so much, if I ask you for something, will you give, Friends? Very few people are responding, will you..? I don’t want what Nitinbhai has said about, I don’t want anything under the table as generally asked for. I want your word. Will you promise? All those who get these houses decide two things in their life. One, we will educate our children. Whatever hurdles may arise, we will not make our children leave their studies. Will you do it..? Will you educate your children..? Especially daughters..? Say loudly..! Secondly, a sin which is becoming uncontrollable in the cities and that is the sin of female feticide. And as the man is becoming modern, this infection is increasing. As soon as they come to know that it is a female child, they get the abortion done. Ladies & Gentlemen, I request all those who are going to get the house, take the pledge that they will never commit the sin of getting the female fetus aborted, they will not kill the daughter in her mother’s womb, they will let their daughter to be born on this earth. Gentlemen, if you won’t allow ‘Lakshmi’ (daughter) to take birth, ‘Lakshmiji’ (Goddess of Wealth) will never come to your house, we will never get happiness and therefore at the time of getting this house, develop the feeling in your mind that now you don’t want to live your life depending on others. We have to start our new life with the pledge that there will not be any hurdle in the education and progress of our children. We should take the decision of stepping in this house with such resolution.

In the contract of these houses, our AUDA’s friends have made a good provision. The provision is that when the Government takes possession, they will have to hand over the houses according to all the specifications. The Government is not going to accept if there is any single broken door or a window. He will be told that wait, this is not proper, complete it than only we will take it and you are going to get such quality house. Because often some problems might have arisen in the first building while the construction of last building was in progress… But this contract has a provision that the contractor has to hand over all the houses properly constructed. Due to this reason, the beneficiaries will get the houses constructed completely as per the rules and specifications. The Government has already made such arrangement. These houses have been built at different places. Some are here, others are in the eastern area, and few are also in the west zone. Now at the time of draw, you can’t know where you will get the house. You may be staying in Thaltej and may get the house here in Singarva then you will face difficulties. So I have suggested to AUDA that if these poor families want to interchange flats with one another, there should not be any problem, please get it exchanged internally. But to find out the person for exchange will be your responsibility. The Government will not go to find him. You have to hunt out that this man is in Thaltej and wants to go to Singarva, so you better go to Singarva and I am going to Thaltej. Second provision is for the convenience of nearly 200 handicapped families. If there is a handicapped member in the family, he faces a lot of inconvenience while going up and down the stairs… I have requested AUDA friends that let us not add to the suffering of those who have already been suffering and allot them ground floor flats. We have tried to pursue this whole project with the social and sympathetic aspects. Ladies & Gentlemen, previously when the houses that were built in the villages… be it Indira Awaas, Sardar Awaas, Ambedkar Awaas or many other such schemes… But what used to happen? One house would be built of one piece of land in one corner of the village, in another corner second house would be built and the third one at yet another place, they don’t feel that something is made. This Government made a basic consideration. We made a list of poor people requiring houses and under which scheme they may be benefitted. And whether by keeping aside a piece of land, can we build all the houses together, like a colony? So then the Government would provide road, drainage, electricity, etc. The Government may also provide Anganwadi and some place for shop if there are more number of houses. The scenario has been changed as compared to the past when the houses were scattered. In this Golden Jubilee year, we have undertaken the construction of colonies as a Golden Service. In Ahmedabad and Mehsana districts the construction work has been done and the work is progressing fast in every district. The Government has brought about such a basic change so that the poor get house with basic facilities. Though this has caused a very heavy economic burden on the Government, when there will be colonies, they will get a better opportunity to live life. In villages often the houses are built on a useless piece of land, full of pits and during the monsoon these house of the poor are flooded with water. We instructed them to construct these houses on the upper level areas so that during the rain, at least they don’t have to suffer. With such types of suggestions, this Government always worries about the betterment of the poor.

Ladies & Gentlemen, this Government is with the poor at every stage of life since the time of birth to the death. It works for the poor even since before birth. I stress upon that this Government provides expenditure of delivery to the expecting mother of an un-affording family. Not only this, it pays Rs.200 per day to her and also to her husband during 2-3 days of her hospital stay. In addition to this, it also pays auto or tractor fare to this poor woman for going from her home to the hospital. The Government starts spending since the child is in the mother’s womb. The Government has appointed doctors to take care of your children’s birth. The Government looks after your child till 6 moths and ensures that it does not die and it remains healthy. The Government arranges door to door polio vaccination campaign every three months so that your child does not suffer from polio and does not become handicap. The Government runs Anganwadi, free of charge, so that when your children grow, they can start playing, singing songs, can start recognizing toys and start knowing various things. Your younger children can get better nourishment that is why the Government gives FREE water soluble powder hence they can get required nutrition. When they grow little more, the family gets FREE hamper of nutritious edibles from the Government. The Government is concerned about your children's health. When your child grows further and ready to go to school, the Government gives free education. The Government spends for the teachers, for books, and provides free uniforms. The Government also provides free hostel facility for needy students. Even free concession passes are provided to girls if they have to travel in bus for the school. The Government thinks all these only because children of the poor can study. Your child studies and wishes to go to the college, the Government provides college education, without having to spend even a single rupee, to the poor children. If your child wants to become an advocate or a doctor, the Government spends on it also. After becoming an advocate, if he wishes to open an office or to become a notary or to become a doctor, the Government gives lacs of rupees in his hand so that he can manage his life. If any poor child feels like flying an aero-plane, becoming a pilot and desires to study abroad, then the Government gives money to study abroad. The Government also worries about your employment, worries to make you financially self sufficient. If the poor people do not have home, the Government gives it to them. The Government provides 2-3 kg grains at concessional rates so they can get cheap grains and can cook. Not only this, if any family having an extremely poor condition then the Government provides expense for the cremation also.

When the child of the poor is admitted in the school, the Government is doing his health check-up and by chance he gets some illness , then irrespective of the expenses, either 5 lacs - 10 lacs or to be send to Chennai or Bangalore for heart operation, then these poor children are operated from the Chief Minister’s fund. Sometime poor parents do not know the seriousness of such sickness… and if by chance they loss him then they take it as their fate, they do not even understand. In the State, eyes are being checked and FREE spectacles are given to about 1.5 lac poor children so that if he wants to study, he can. Try to imagine that the Government is always ready to help the poor at each and every step of their cradle to cremation.

Under the ‘Garib Kalyan Mela’, this Government is giving Rs. 5000-7000 crores directly in the hands of poor people without any corruption. The Government worries for poor widow. The pension is sent to her place with due respect so that she can live her life respectfully. If she wants to learn either sewing work or embroidery work, the Government trains her. The Government gives her sewing machine, if she needs. Poor widow can live with self reliance is the concern of the Government. If poor person reaches to the age of 60 years and question of what to eat in the evening having no livelihood, then the Government sends his pension directly at home so that he has not to extend his hand for the purpose. Thus the Government works day and night through out (birth to death) for the poor.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Gujarat has started fight against poverty. Friends, we have to remove poverty from Gujarat. The Government has initiated the efforts to float the spring of growth so that each and every person lives with honour and pass the life happily. But unfortunately some discontented errant people do not wish to see the growth of Gujarat. Their bread can be cooked only if the people remain illiterate, therefore they do not have interest in education and do not wish to have welfare of poor people, so they can use them to fill their ballot boxes. Ladies & Gentlemen, that is only reason I ask, if you wish the real development, then we will have to become partners in the development. ”Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Everybody’s Development with Everybody’s Co-operation), with this Mantra we have come forward and is necessary to make full effort to make it significant and we will make it.

Just think, this Government has planned three such schemes for the urban poor. Rs.2000 crores worth package is allotted for the uplift of the urban poor. A scheme called ‘Ummid’ is planned. Those urban poor children who have left their studies after 5th - 6th standard, who are not interested in the study or no such facility… if seeking employment, they should know something. What if they don’t have any skill? If he wants to distribute newspapers, but does not know bicycle riding… or does not have a bicycle, then what? This Government has started giving training in such small skills under the ‘Ummid’ project. Skill development programs of 3 weeks, 5 weeks. They should be trained in some skill. Ladies & Gentlemen, because of these skills, more than one lac such poor children got employment in the last two years. Formerly they used to get Rs.800 to Rs.1000 in ordinary work, today now they are getting Rs.5000 to Rs.7000 per month because of these skills. This is what we have done by the ‘Ummid’ project.

Similarly, ’Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana’ is started for our tribal people and a special package of Rs.1000 crore is given to them for their development. In the same way fishermen, who sail boats in the sea, our ferrymen who are waiting for the development. The Government has made a special package of Rs.15000 crore for their welfare.

We are worrying for the urban poor, worrying for the poor people living on the sea shores and we also worry for the poor forest dwellers. We have planned for overall development of all these poor people. Nobody should remain behind that is the concern of this Government. This is the reason, my friends, why Gujarat is developing, it is progressing in all the areas today… New factories have now started coming in Gujarat. So many people have got their livelihood. Today, in the family of farmers, if farming is limited and if there are four sons in the family then parents would also think that one son do farming and other three will manage to do some job or a small business. The farmer also wants some job or a shop. What would happen to these sons of the farmer, if Gujarat does not progress? Where they would get their livelihood from?

New companies are coming to Gujarat for car manufacturing now. Five Million cars are likely to be manufactured in Gujarat, Five Million..! 50 lacs cars every year..! Maruti, Peugeot and Ford are coming here, Nano has come, General Motors is also here, Truck and Tractor manufacturers are also coming here, countless… Just think, Five Million Cars..! And Ladies & Gentlemen, our statistics say that making one car, right from the beginning to end up to when it comes on the road, it gives employment to 10 people..! One can imagine now that how many people will get some work. Drivers, Engineers… With 5 lac cars, these car factories have the capacity to feed five crore people. If this car goes to Lucknow, then driver of Lucknow will get his livelihood. If it goes to Chennai, the driver there will get his livelihood. Ladies & Gentlemen, Gujarat is moving towards the development of such an industry... and even today, many times the labours are not available in Gujarat, people do complain for that. Even in agriculture, workers are not easily found. If we ask these builders, they also talk in the same tune that everything is fine, machines are also there but workers are not available. The reason? So many employment opportunities have arisen in Gujarat. Harinbhai Pathak was just telling that the Govt. of India has answered in the Parliament that the highest employment in India, 78% employment, is available in Gujarat only. 78%..! And the whole of India is in the rest 22%. If 100 people are employed, then 78 are in Gujarat and remaining 22 are in rest of the country. You just think, because of these the progress that has occurred in Gujarat, it has become possible for the youth and the poor to get employment.

We are developing Tourism. If the tourism is developed, who will get the employment? Snack seller, Tea kettles, small toy maker, bag maker, Rickshaw drivers, Taxi drivers… a poor person will get his earning if the tourism is developed. We have made great effort for the development of tourism, only because the poor people can get work.

The Government has taken a bid to see that how the maximum job opportunities can be made available to the poor. The Government has also taken up a challenge to give education to the poor. How they can get better health care that is real worry of the Government. If poor person sends his children to the school, then the Government takes his insurance. Gujarat is the only state in India, where from nursery to school and then in the college, for each student, around one and a quarter crore students, the Government has taken insurance for them. If something unforeseen event occurs to student, then his family gets 1-2 lacs for which the premium is paid by the Government. Even the farmers are now started being insured. Formerly, if big industrialist traveling in a car and if he met with an accident then he gets insurance, but if a farmer working in a field and if he does not have insurance and by chance he gets snake bite and dies then nobody is there to ask him or his family. If somebody dies of spurious liquor, he used to get Rs. 2 lacs. The Government used to give money to such people, but not to any farmer if he dies. Friends, our Government has insured the farmers and if a farmer falls into the well and dies or dies due to snake bite, then in such case, this Government has made an arrangement that his family immediately gets Rs. 1 lac.

We are worried about the welfare of the poor. In the past, in case of sudden sickness or may be heart attack, or may be snakebite or any other health problem. Even an auto rickshaw driver used to refuse to come and was first asking for money on seeing a poor. Such was the condition in the past, nobody would come forward. If you call an ambulance, it would go to fill the petrol, by that time the patient would pass away. Ladies & Gentlemen, the Government has started 108 service. Just dial 108 and it does the task of taking a poor family to the hospital without charging a single penny. Today the 108 has become lifeline in Gujarat. What is the reason? This is the Government working only and only for the poor, working for the welfare of the poor and instead of keeping poor as they are, this is the Government that prepares the poor to fight against the poverty and for this reason different endeavors have been undertaken.

The houses that are being allotted today are also a weapon to fight against the poverty. By using this weapon, make two resolutions in your life that you will educate your children and will not commit the sin of feticide. I wish, you go to live in these new houses with great pomp, may you be very happy and never be a burden on the society. I offer my best wishes with a request that whenever you get a chance, repay the society that has given you everything.

 

Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat..!!

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My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Welcome back to ‘Mann Ki Baat’, greetings to you. The year 2026 is knocking at the door, and today, as I speak to you, memories of an entire year are swirling in my mind – myriad images, many discussions, many achievements that bound the nation together. 2025 gave us many moments that made every Indian proud. From national security to the sports field, from science laboratories to the world's biggest platforms, India left a strong mark everywhere.

This year, ‘Operation Sindoor’ became a symbol of pride for every Indian. The world clearly saw that today's India does not compromise on its security. During ‘Operation Sindoor’, images of love and devotion towards Maa Bharati emerged from every corner of the country. People expressed their feelings in their own unique ways.

Friends, the same spirit was also visible when 'Vande Mataram' completed 150 years. I had requested you to send your messages and suggestions with '#VandeMataram150'. The countrymen participated enthusiastically in this campaign.

Friends, 2025 was also a memorable year in terms of sports. Our men's cricket team won the ICC Champions Trophy. The women's cricket team won the World Cup for the first time. India's daughters created history by winning the Women's Blind T20 World Cup. The tricolour also fluttered high with pride in the Asia Cup T20. In the World Championship Para-athletes proved by winning several medals that no obstacle can come in the way of zeal & determination. India also took a big leap in the field of Science and Space. Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. Many efforts related to environmental conservation and wildlife protection also became the hallmark of 2025.

The number of cheetahs in India has now increased to more than 30. In 2025, faith, culture, and India's unique heritage all came together. The Prayagraj Mahakumbh organized at the beginning of the year astonished the entire world. At the end of the year, the Dhwajarohan ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya filled every Indian with pride. The excitement towards Swadeshi was also evident among one & all. People are purchasing only those goods that bear the sweat of an Indian and the fragrance of Indian soil. Today, we can proudly say that 2025 has given India even greater confidence. It is also true that this year we had to face natural disasters, at very many places. Now, the country is ready to move forward in 2026 with new hopes and new resolutions.

My dear countrymen, today the world is looking at India with great hope. The biggest reason for hope in India is our youth power. Our achievements in the field of science, new innovations, and the expansion of technology have greatly impressed countries around the world.

Friends, the youth of India always have a passion for something new and they are equally aware. My young friends often ask me how they can further contribute to nation-building. How can they share their ideas? Many among them enquire as to how they can present their ideas to me. The answer to this curiosity of our young colleagues is the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue'. Its first edition was held last year, and now its second edition is scheduled in a few days’ time. On the 12th of next month, 'National Youth Day' will be celebrated on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. A 'Young Leaders Dialogue' will also be held on this day, and I will certainly participate in that. In this, our youth will share their ideas on important topics like innovation, fitness, startups, and agriculture. I am very eager about this program.

Friends, I am pleased to see the rising participation of our youth in this program. A quiz competition related to this was held a few days ago. More than 50 lakh youth participated in it. An essay competition was also held, in which students expressed their views on various topics. Tamil Nadu stood first and Uttar Pradesh second in this competition.

Friends, today the youth in the country are getting new opportunities to showcase their talent. Many platforms are being developed where youth can showcase their talent as per their abilities and interests. One such platform is 'Smart India Hackathon'; another medium where ideas are turned into action.

Friends, the 'Smart India Hackathon 2025' concluded this month. During this Hackathon, students worked on more than 270 problems of more than 80 government departments. Students offered solutions which were related to real life challenges like traffic related problems. Related to this, the youth shared very interesting perspectives on 'Smart Traffic Management'. The youth also put forward their ideas on solutions to challenges like Financial Frauds and Digital Arrests. Suggestions were extended on Cyber ​​Security Framework for digital banking in villages. Many youth remained engaged in solving the challenges in the agriculture sector. Friends, over 13 lakh students and over 6,000 institutes have participated in the 'Smart India Hackathon' in the last 7 to 8 years. The youth have also provided accurate solutions to hundreds of problems. Such Hackathons are organized from time to time. I urge my young friends to certainly be a part of these Hackathons.

Friends, today's life is becoming tech-driven, and the changes that used to happen over centuries; we are seeing them happen over a few years. At times, some people express concern whether robots are going to replace humans! In such changing times, it is very important to stay connected to our roots for human development. I am very happy to see that our next generation is holding on to the roots of our culture well – with new thinking and new methods.

Friends, you must have heard the name of the Indian Institute of Science. Research and innovation are the hallmarks of this institute. A few years ago, some students there felt that there should be a place accorded for music amidst studies and research. That's where a small music class started. Neither a big stage nor a big budget. Gradually, this initiative grew and today we know it as 'Geetanjali IISc'. It is no longer just a class; it is the cultural centre of the campus.

Here, there is Hindustani classical music, folk traditions, classical genres; students here sit together and practice. Professors come along and their families also join. Today, more than two hundred people are associated with it. And the special thing is that even those who have moved abroad are joining online and holding on to the threads of this group.

Friends, this effort to stay connected to one’s roots is not limited to India. Indians living in different corners of the world are also playing their part. Another example that takes us outside the country is Dubai. Kannada families living there asked themselves an important question: Our children are moving ahead in the tech world, but aren’t they moving away from their language? This is where 'Kannada Pathshale' was born. An initiative where children are taught to teach, learn, write, and speak Kannada. Today, more than a thousand children are associated with it. Truly, Kannada Nadu, Nudi Namma Hemme.

(The land and language of Kannada are our pride.)

Friends, there is an old saying: 'Where there is a will, there is a way.' This saying has been proved true once again by a young man from Manipur, Moirangthem Seth ji. He is less than 40 years old. The remote area of ​​Manipur where Shriman Moirangthem ji lived had a major electricity problem. To overcome this challenge, he focused on local solutions and found this solution in solar power. In our Manipur, it is anyway easy to generate solar energy. So, Moirangthem started a campaign to install solar panels and on account of this campaign, today solar power has reached hundreds of houses in his area. The special thing is that he has used solar power to improve health care and livelihood. Today, owing to his efforts, many health centres in Manipur are also getting solar power.

The woman power of Manipur has also benefited a lot from this endeavour. Local fishermen and artists have also been helped through this.

Friends, today, under the 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana', the government is providing approximately 75,000 to 80,000 rupees to each beneficiary family for installing solar panels. While Moirangthem's efforts are personal, they are giving new impetus to every campaign related to solar power. I extend my best wishes to him through 'Mann Ki Baat'.

My dear countrymen, let's now head towards Jammu and Kashmir. I want to share a saga about Jammu and Kashmir's cultural and historical heritage that will fill you up with pride. In Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, there is a place called Jehanpora. For years, people had been seeing some tall mounds there. These were ordinary mounds, and no one knew what they were. Then, one day, an archaeologist noticed them.

When he began to observe the area carefully, these mounds appeared somewhat unusual. Following this, a scientific study of these mounds began. Drones were used to take photographs from above, and the land was mapped. And then some surprising things started to emerge. It turned out that these mounds weren't natural. They were the remains of a large human-made structure. Meanwhile, another interesting connection emerged.

Thousands of kilometres away from Kashmir, an old, blurred photograph was found in the archives of a museum in France. Three Buddhist stupas were visible in that photograph of Baramulla. From here, time took a turn, and Kashmir's glorious past was revealed to us. This history dates back nearly two thousand years. This Buddhist complex in Jehanpora, Kashmir, reminds us of Kashmir's past and its rich identity.

My dear countrymen, I now want to share with you about an endeavour thousands of kilometres away from India, which is heart-touching. In Fiji, a commendable initiative is being taken to spread Indian language and culture. Continuous efforts are being made at many levels to connect the new generation there with Tamil language. Last month, Tamil Day was celebrated for the first time in a school in Raki-Raki, Fiji. On that day, children found a platform where they openly expressed pride in their language. Children recited poems in Tamil, gave speeches, and confidently showcased their culture on stage.

Friends, continuous work is also being done within the country to promote the Tamil language. A few days ago, the fourth 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam' was held in my parliamentary constituency, Kashi. I am now going to play you an audio clip. Listen to it and guess where these children trying to speak Tamil are from?

Friends, you will be surprised to know that these children, who express themselves so fluently in Tamil, are from Kashi, Varanasi. Their mother tongue is Hindi, but their love for the Tamil language inspired them to learn Tamil. This year, during the 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam' in Varanasi, special emphasis was placed on learning Tamil. Under the theme of 'Learn Tamil - Tamil Karkalam', special campaigns were also run in more than 50 schools in Varanasi.

Friends, Tamil is the world's oldest language. Tamil literature is also extremely rich. I had requested you to participate in the 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam' in 'Mann Ki Baat'. I am happy that today, in other parts of the country, there is a renewed interest in the Tamil language among children and youth – this is the power of the language, this is the unity of India.

Friends, next month we will celebrate the 77th Republic Day of the country. Whenever such occasions arise, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution. Our country fought a long struggle for independence.

People from every part of the country contributed to the freedom movement but unfortunately, many of the heroes, both men and women of independence did not receive the respect they deserved.

One such freedom fighter is Parbati Giri ji of Odisha. Her birth centenary will be celebrated in January 2026. She participated in the Quit India Movement at the age of 16. Friends, after the

independence movement, Parbati Giri ji dedicated her life to social service and tribal welfare. She established several orphanages. Her inspiring life will continue to guide every generation.

“मूँ पार्वती गिरि जिंकु श्रद्धांजलि अर्पण करुछी |”
“I pay my tribute to Parvati Giri.”

Friends, it is our responsibility that we do not forget our heritage. We must pass on the great saga of the heroes, both men and women who brought us independence, to the next generation. You may recall that when we celebrated 75 years of independence, the government created a special website. A section on it was dedicated to "Unsung Heroes." Even today, you can visit this website to learn about the great personalities who played a significant role in achieving independence for our country.

My dear countrymen, "Mann Ki Baat" provides us with a wonderful opportunity to discuss important topics related to the welfare of society. Today, I want to address one such issue that has become a matter of concern for all of us.

The ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) recently released a report. It states that antibiotics are proving ineffective against many diseases like pneumonia and UTI. This is a matter of great concern for all of us. According to the report, a major reason for this is people's indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are not medicines that should be taken mindlessly. They should be used only on the doctor's advice. Nowadays, people have started believing that just taking a pill would cure all their problems. This is the reason, diseases and infections are proving to be too strong for these antibiotics. I urge all of you to refrain from using medicines at your own discretion. This is especially important when it comes to antibiotics. I would simply say: Medicines require guidance, and antibiotics require doctors. This practice will prove to be very helpful in improving your health.

My dear countrymen, our traditional arts are empowering society and becoming a major vehicle for people's economic progress. The lace craft of Narasapuram district in Andhra Pradesh is gaining popularity across the country. This lace craft has been in the hands of women for generations. The women of the country have preserved it with great patience and meticulousness. Today, this tradition is being carried forward with a new dimension. The Andhra Pradesh government and NABARD are jointly teaching artisans new designs, providing better skill training, and connecting them with new markets. The Narasapuram Lace has also received the GI Tag. Today, more than 500 products are being made from it, and approximately 1 lakh women in more than 250 villages are getting employment from it.

Friends, 'Mann Ki Baat' is also a platform to bring forward such people who, through their hard work, are not only promoting traditional arts but are also empowering the local people through it. The efforts of Margaret Ramtharsiem of Churachandpur, Manipur, are also of a similar kind. She saw Manipur's traditional products, its handicrafts, and items made from bamboo and wood, with a broad vision. Because of that vision, from a handicraft artist she became a medium for transforming people's lives. Today, Margaret ji's unit employs over 50 artists, and through her hard work, she has developed a market for her products in several states across the country, including Delhi.

Friends, another example from Manipur is that of Chokhone Krichena ji, a resident of Senapati district. Her entire family has been involved in traditional farming. Krichena expanded this traditional experience to a greater extent. She made floriculture her passion. Today, she connects this work with various markets and empowers local communities in her area. Friends, this instance exemplifies the fact that when traditional knowledge is leveraged with a modern vision, it can become a major vehicle for economic progress. If you have similar success stories around you, please share them with me.

Friends, the most beautiful thing about our country is that there's a festive atmosphere in some part of the country or the other, throughout the year. Not only are there various festivals, but local festivals are also held in different states. Which means, if you make up your mind to travel, you'll find some corner of the country ready with its own unique celebration at any given time. One such festival is currently underway in the Rann of Kutch. This year, the Kutch Ranotsav began on the 23rd of November and will continue until the 20th of February. The diverse folk culture, folk music, dance, and handicrafts of Kutch are on display here. Witnessing the grandeur of the White Rann of Kutch is a delightful experience in itself. At night, when the moonlight spreads over the White Rann, the view is mesmerizing. The Rann Utsav's Tent City is very popular. I have been informed that over Two lakh people have participated in the Rannotsav in the past month, coming over from all corners of the country and even from abroad. Whenever you get the opportunity, be sure to participate in such festivals and enjoy India's diversity.

Friends, this is the last episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' in 2025. Now, in the year 2026, we will certainly join the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme to share our own, varied 'Mann Ki Baat' with the same enthusiasm and zeal, with a sense of belonging. New energy, new topics and countless stories of countrymen, filling us with inspiration, connect us all in 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Every month, I receive many such messages in which people share their vision for a 'Viksit Bharat'. Seeing the suggestions from people and their efforts in this direction, this belief gets strengthened and when all these messages reach me, the resolution of a 'Viksit Bharat' will definitely be fulfilled. This belief grows stronger day by day.

May the year 2026 prove to be an important milestone in the journey towards the fulfillment of this resolve. May you and your family have a happy life. With this wish, before bidding farewell to this episode, I will definitely say, 'Fit India Movement'… you too have to stay fit. This winter season is very suitable for exercise… do exercise. Wishing you all a very Happy 2026. Thank you. Vande Mataram.