Text of Prime Minister’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ on All India Radio

Published By : Admin | November 2, 2014 | 11:28 IST

My dear fellow countrymen, 

I am with you again almost after a month. A month is quite a long time. Lots of things keep happening in the world. You all have recently celebrated the festival of Diwali with great fervour and joy. It is these festivals which bring happiness in our daily lives from time to time. Be it poor or rich, people from village or from urban areas, festivals hold a different significance in everyone’s lives. This is my first meeting after Diwali, so I convey my very warm wishes to you all. 

Last time we had some general conversation. But then I came to some new realizations after that conversation. Sometimes we think leave it... nothing is going to change, people are indifferent, they will not do anything, our country is like this. From my last conversation in Mann Ki Baat to this one, I would urge you all to change this mindset. Neither is our country is like this nor our people indifferent. Sometimes I feel the Nation is way ahead and the government is lacking behind. And from my personal experience I will say that the governments too needs to change their mindsets. And I say that because I can see tremendous sense of commitment in the Indian youth. They are very eager to do their bit and are just seeking an opportunity where they can do their bit. And they are making efforts at their own end. Last time I had asked them to buy at least one khadi outfit. I had not asked anyone to be Khadidhari, But the feedback I got from Khadi stores was that in a week’s time the sales had jumped up by 125%. In this way, as compared to last year the sales this year is more than double in the week following 2nd Oct. This means, the people of our country is many times more than we think of. I salute all my fellow Indians. 

Cleanliness……….. Can anyone imagine that cleanliness will become a such a huge public movement. The expectations are high and they should be so. I can see some good results, cleanliness can now be witnessed in two parts. One is those huge garbage piles which keep lying in the city; well the people in the government will work to remove those. It is a big challenge but you cannot run away from your responsibilities. All state governments and all municipalities will now have to take concrete actions due to the rising public pressure. Media is playing a very positive role in this. But there is the second aspect which gives me immense pleasure, happiness and a sense of satisfaction that the general public has started feeling that leave what happened in the past, now they will not dirty their surroundings. We will not add to the existing dirt. A gentleman Mr Bharat Gupta has sent me a mail on mygov.in from Satna, Madhya Pradesh. He has related his personal experience during his tour of the railways. He said that people eat on trains and usually litter around. He continues to say that he has been touring from the past many years but it is this time around no one was littering, rather they were looking for dustbins to throw their trash. When they could not see any arrangements they collected all their litter in a corner. He says that it was a very gratifying experience for me. I thank Bharat ji for sharing this experience with me. 

What I am seeing is that this campaign has had a great influence on kids. Many families mention that now whenever kids eat a chocolate they themselves pick the wrapper and disposes it. I was seeing a message on the social media. Someone had posted a picture with the Title “My hero of the Day”. This picture was that of a little kid who, picks up trash, wherever he goes, even when going to school. He is himself motivated to do this. Just see…people now feel it is their country and they will not make it dirty. We will not add to the existing dirt pile. And those do litter feel ashamed for someone is around to point it out to them. I consider all these to be good omens. 

Another thing is that many people come to meet me who are from all the sections of the society. They can be government officers, from film world, sports world, industrialists, scientists ……. All of them, whenever they interact with me, in ten minutes discussion, about four to five minutes the discussion is on social issues. Someone talks about cleanliness, while some others talk about education, while someone talks about social reforms. Some people discuss the ruining of family life. I initially thought if a businessman comes, he will definitely talk of things of his personal interest. But I am seeing a major change. 

They talk less about their interest and more about taking on some or the other social responsibility. When I add up all these small incidents I see a larger picture and I realize that we are moving in the right direction. It is true that unhealthy environment leads to diseases and sickness, but where does sickness strike first. It first strikes the poor household. When we work towards cleanliness, we make a major effort in the direction of helping the poor. If the poor families are saved from diseases, then they will be saved from a lot of financial problems. If a person is healthy, then he will work hard, earn for the family and help in running the family smoothly. And so this cleanliness drive is directly related to the health and welfare of my poor brethren. We may not be able to do something to help the poor, but even keeping the environs clean helps the poor in a big way. Let us view it from this perspective; it will be very beneficial. 

I receive different kinds of letters. Last time I had mentioned about our specially abled children. Whom God has given some kind of deficiencies; I had expressed my feelings regarding those people. I see that people who work in this field are sending me their success stories. But I came to know about two things from my people in the government. The people from the HRD ministry after hearing my talk, felt the need to do something. And the officers came together to work out an action plan. This is an example of how changes are coming about in governance. One they have decided that those specially abled who want to pursue technical education, a thousand of them who are good will be selected for Special Scholarships, and a plan has been made. I congratulate the officials who could think in those lines. Another important decision is that all the Kendriya Vidyalaya’s and all Central Universities will have a special infrastructure for the specially abled, for example if they can’t climb stairs then there will be provision for ramps to facilitate movement by wheel chair. They need different kinds of toilets. The HRD ministry has decided to allocate an additional Lakh rupees to the Kendriya Vidyalays and Central universities. This fund will be used by these institutions to create infrastructure for the specially abled. This is an auspicious beginning……………these things will lead us to change. 

I had the chance to visit Siachin a few days back. I spent Diwali with the Jawans who are ready to lay down their lives for the nation. When the nation was celebrating Diwali I was at Siachin. It is because of them that we were able to celebrate Diwali, so I wanted to be with them. I experienced the difficulties in which they spent their time there. I salute all my Jawans. But I want to share another matter of great pride with you. Our Jawans work in the field of security. In calamities, they risk their lives to save our life. They also fetch medals for us in sporting events. You will be glad to know that these Jawans have won a gold medal in a very prestigious event in Britain called Cambrian Patrol, defeating contestants from 140 nations. I offer these Jawans my heartiest congratulations. 

I also got an opportunity to meet, the young and dynamic students, boys and girls over tea who had won medals in Sports. They give me renewed energy. I was seeing their zeal and enthusiasm. The facilities in our country are quite less as compared to other nations, but instead of complaining they were just sharing their joy and excitement. For me, this tea programme for these players was very inspiring, and I felt really good. 

I would like to tell you something more and that too from my heart. I truly believe that people of my country trust my words and my intentions. But, today one more time, I want to reiterate my commitment. As far as black money is concerned, my people, please trust your Prime Servant, for me this is the Article of Faith. This is my commitment that the hard-earned money of the poor people stashed abroad, every penny of that should be brought back. The ways and means to be followed can be different. And this is very obvious in a democratic country, but on the basis of as much I understand and as much I know, I assure you that we are on the right track. Today, nobody, neither me, nor the government, nor you, nor even the previous government knew how much money is stashed abroad. Everyone gives estimate calculated in his/her own way. I don’t want to get lost in some such figures and estimates, Its my commitment that, be it 2 rupees, or 5 rupees, or millions or even billions, this is the hard-earned money of the poor people of my country and it has to come back. And I assure you that I will keep trying till the end. No efforts will be spared. I want your blessings to be always with me. I assure you that I will do whatever and whenever something is required to be done for you. I give my commitment to you. 

I have received a letter. It has been sent by Sri Abhishek Pareekh. The same sentiments were expressed to me by many mothers and sisters when I was not even the Prime Minister. Some doctor friends had also expressed their concern and I too have expressed my views on this issue a number of times in the past. Mr. Parikh has drawn my attention towards the increase of drug addiction that is fast catching up with our young generation. He has asked me to discuss this topic in “Mann ki Baat.” I agree with his concern and I will definitely include this topic, in my next edition of Mann Ki Baat. I will discuss the topic of drugs, drug addiction and drug mafia and how they are a threat to our country’s youth. If you have some experience, any information in this regard, if you have ever rescued any child from this drug addiction, if you know of any ways and means to help, if any government official has played a good role, if you give me any such information, I will convey such efforts to the public and together we will try to create an environment in each family that no child ever thinks of choosing this vice out of sheer frustration. I will definitely discuss this in detail in the next edition. 

I know I am choosing those topics which put the government in the dock. But how long will we keep these things hiding? How long will we brush these important concerns under the carpet? Some day or the other we need to take a call, follow our instincts and for grand intentions tough calls are equally important. I am mustering the courage to do so because your love inspires me to do so. And I will continue to do such things because of your love. 

Some people told me “ Modi ji you asked us to send you suggestions on Facebook, twitter or email. But a large section of the social class does not have access to these facilities, so what can they do. Your point is very valid. Everyone does not have this facility. Well then, if you have something to say related to Mann Ki Baat, that you hear on the radio even in the villages then do write into me on the following address

Mann Ki Baat
Akashvani
Sansad Marg
New Delhi. 

Even if you send some suggestions through letters they will definitely reach me. And I will take them seriously as active citizens are the biggest asset for development. You write one letter, it indicates that you are very active. When you give your opinion, it means that you are concerned with national issues and this is strength of the nation. I welcome you. 

For my Mann Ki Baat, your mann ki baat sould also reach me. Maybe you will definitely write a letter. I will try and interact with you again next month. I will try, that whenever I talk, it is Sunday, around 11 am. So I am getting closer to you. 

The weather is changing. Winters are slowly setting in. This is a good month for health. Some find it a good season for eating. Some find it good for wearing nice clothes. Besides food and clothes it is a good season for health. Don’t let it go waste. Make the most of it. 

Thank You. 

(The original speech was in Hindi, this is the English rendering. Original speech remains the authoritative version)

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प्रधानमंत्री: स्वच्छता से क्या-क्या फायदे होते हैं?

विद्यार्थी: सर हमें कोई बीमारी नहीं हो सकती उससे, हमेशा हम साफ रहेंगे सर, और हमारा देश अगर साफ रहेगा तो और सबको ज्ञान मिलेगा कि यह जगह साफ रखना है।

प्रधानमंत्री: शौचालय अगर नहीं होता है तो क्या होता है?

विद्यार्थी: सर बीमारियां फैलती हैं।

प्रधानमंत्री: बीमारियां फैलती है...देखिए पहले का समय जब शौचालय नहीं था, 100 में से 60, जिनके घर में शौचालय नहीं था, टॉयलेट नहीं था। तो खुले में जाते थे और सारी बीमारियों का कारण वो बन जाता था I और उसमें सबसे ज्यादा कष्ट माताओं-बहनों को होता था, बेटियों को होता था। जब से हमने यह स्वच्छ भारत अभियान चलाया तो स्कूलों में टॉयलेट बनाएं सबसे पहले, बच्चियों के लिए अलग बनाएं और उसका यह परिणाम हुआ कि आज बच्चियों का ड्रॉप आउट रेट बहुत कम हुआ है, बच्चियां स्कूल में पढ़ रही हैं। तो स्वच्छता का फायदा हुआ कि नहीं हुआ।

विद्यार्थी: Yes Sir.

प्रधानमंत्री: आज किस-किस का जन्म जयंती है?

विद्यार्थी: गांधी जी की और लाल बहादुर शास्त्री जी की।

प्रधानमंत्री: अच्छा आप में से कोई योग करते हैं...अरे वाह इतने सारे। आसन से क्या फायदा होता है?

विद्यार्थी: सर हमारी बॉडी में फ्लैक्सिबिलिटी आ जाती है।

प्रधानमंत्री: फ्लैक्सिबिलिटी और?

विद्यार्थी: सर उससे डिसीज भी कम होता है सर, ब्लड सर्कुलेशन अच्छा होता है बहुत।

प्रधानमंत्री: अच्छा आप लोग कभी घर में ये एक कौन सी चीजें खाना पसंद करेंगे। मम्मी बोलती होगी कि सब्जी खाओ, दूध पियो तो कौन-कौन लोग है झगड़ा करते हैं।

विद्यार्थी: सारी सब्जी खाते हैं।

प्रधानमंत्री: सब सारी सब्जी खाते हैं, करेला भी खाती हो।

विद्यार्थी: करेले को छोड़के।

प्रधानमंत्री: अच्छा करेले को छोड़कर।

प्रधानमंत्री: आपको मालूम है सुकन्या समृद्धि योजना क्या है?

विद्यार्थी: Yes Sir.

प्रधानमंत्री: क्या है?

विद्यार्थी: सर आपके द्वारा यह खोली गई एक स्कीम है जो बहुत सारी फीमेल बच्चियों को भी फायदा दे रही है। तो जब हम बर्थ लेते हैं और 10 साल तक हम इसे खोल सकते हैं, तो सर जब हम 18 प्लस के हो जाते हैं तो हमारी पढ़ाई में ये बहुत ज्यादा हेल्प करती है। कोई फाइनेंशली प्रॉब्लम ना हो तो इसमें हम इससे पैसा निकाल सकते हैं।

प्रधानमंत्री: देखिए बेटी का जन्म होते ही सुकन्या समृद्धि का अकाउंट खोला जा सकता है। साल में उस बेटी के मां-बाप एक हजार रूपये बैंक में डालते रहे, साल का एक हजार मतलब महीने का 80-90 रूपया। मान लीजिए 18 साल के बाद उसको कोई अच्छी पढ़ाई के लिए पैसे चाहिए तो उसमें से आधे पैसे ले सकती हैं। और मान लीजिए 21 साल में शादी हो रही है उसके लिए पैसे निकालने हैं, अगर एक हजार रूपया रखें तो उस समय जब निकालेंगे तो करीब-करीब 50 हजार रूपया मिलता है, करीब-करीब 30-35 हजार रुपए ब्याज का मिलता है। और सामान्य दर पर जो ब्याज होता है ना, की बेटियों को ज्यादा ब्याज दिया जाता है बैंक से 8.2 परसेंट।

विद्यार्थी: यह नक्शा लगा रखा है कि स्कूल को हमें साफ करना चाहिए और इसमें बच्चों को साफ करते दिखाया गया है कि बच्चे साफ कर रहे हैं।

प्रधानमंत्री: एक दिन मैं गुजरात में था। एक स्कूल के टीचर थे, उन्होंने बड़ा अद्भुत काम किया। एक वो इलाका था जहां समुद्र का तट था, पानी खारा था, जमीन भी ऐसी थी, कोई पेड़-पौधे नहीं होते थे। हरियाली की बिल्कुल तृप्ति नहीं थी। तो उन्होंने क्या किया बच्चों को कहा, सबको उन्होंने बोतल दिया बिसलेरी का खाली बोतल, ये तो तेल के कैन आते हैं खाली वो धो करके, साफ करके सब बच्चों को दिया, और कहा कि घर में मां जब खाना खाने के बाद बर्तन साफ करें, तो खाने के बर्तन पानी से जब धोती हैं, वो पानी इकट्ठा करें, और वो पानी इस बोतल में भरके हर दिन स्कूल ले आओ। और हर एक को कह दिया कि ये पेड़ तुम्हारा। अपने घर से जो बोतल में वो अपने किचन का पानी लाएगा वो उसमें डालना होगा पेड़ में। अब मैं जब 5-6 साल के बाद वो स्कूल गया...पूरा स्कूल उससे भी ज्यादा।

विद्यार्थी: ये ड्राई वेस्ट है I अगर इसमें हम सूखा कूड़ा डालेंगे और इसमें गीला कूड़ा डालेंगे, तो ऐसा जगह करेंगे तो खाद बनती है।

प्रधानमंत्री: तो ये करते हैं आप लोग घर में ये?

प्रधानमंत्री: मां तो सब्जी लेने जा रही है और खाली हाथ जा रही है, फिर प्लास्टिक में लेकर आती है तो आप सभी मां से झगड़ा करते हैं कि मम्मा घर से थैला लेकर जाओ, ये प्लास्टिक क्यों लाती हो, गंदगी घर में क्यों लाती हो, ऐसा बताते हैं...नहीं बताते हैं।

विद्यार्थी: सर कपड़े के थैले।

प्रधानमंत्री: बताते हैं?

विद्यार्थी: Yes Sir.

प्रधानमंत्री : अच्छा।

प्रधानमंत्री: यह क्या है? गांधी जी का चश्मा और गांधी जी देखते हैं क्या? कि स्वच्छता कर रहे हो कि नहीं कर रहे हो। आपको याद रहेगा क्योंकि गांधी जी जीवन भर स्वच्छता के लिए काम करते थे। गांधी जी हर बार देख रहे हैं कि स्वच्छता कौन करता, कौन नहीं करता है। क्योंकि गांधी जी जीवन भर स्वच्छता के लिए काम करते थे...पता है ना, वो कहते थे कि मेरे लिए आजादी और स्वच्छता दोनों में से अगर कोई एक चीज पसंद करनी है तो मैं स्वच्छता पसंद करूंगा। यानी वो आजादी से भी ज्यादा स्वच्छता को महत्मय देते थे। अब बताइए हमारे स्वच्छता के अभियान को आगे बढ़ना चाहिए कि नहीं बढ़ना चाहिए?

विद्यार्थी: सर बढ़ाना चाहिए।

प्रधानमंत्री: अच्छा आपको लगता है कि स्वच्छता ये कार्यक्रम होना चाहिए कि स्वच्छता ये आदत होनी चाहिए।

विद्यार्थी: आदत होनी चाहिए।

प्रधानमंत्री: शाबाश। लोगों को क्या लगता है कि ये स्वच्छता तो मोदी जी का कार्यक्रम है। लेकिन हकीकत ये है कि स्वच्छता एक दिन का काम नहीं है, स्वच्छता एक व्यक्ति का काम नहीं है, स्वच्छता एक परिवार का काम नहीं है। ये जीवन भर, 365 दिन और जितने साल जिंदा रहे, हर दिन करने का काम है। और उसके लिए क्या चाहिए? मन में एक मंत्र चाहिए अगर देश का हर नागरिक तय कर ले कि मैं गंदगी नहीं करूंगा, तो क्या होगा?

विद्यार्थी: तो स्वच्छता का स्थापन होगा।

प्रधानमंत्री: बताइए। तो अब आदत क्या डालनी है। मैं गंदगी नहीं करूंगा, पहली आदत ये है। पक्का।

विद्यार्थी: Yes Sir.