Mann ki Baat: PM Modi stresses on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat; lauds farmers’ for high production during COVID-19

The new Unlock 4.0 guidelines are based on feedback received from states and UTs and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and departments, said PM Modi in his Mann ki Baat  

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the 68th edition of the monthly radio broadcast Mann ki Baat.

The Prime Minister’s broadcast comes a day after the Centre further relaxed restrictions in phase 4 of Unlock, where in what could be a testing of waters for the eventual reopening of schools, the central government has allowed states and Union Territories to permit 50% of teaching and non-teaching staff in schools.

PM Modi spoke about the importance of ensuring one's safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. "Do gaj ki doori, mask zaroori," he said.

Adding further, he said that September should be observed as a 'nutrition month'. He said that the correct amount of nutrition received during childhood ensures a child's proper physical and mental development and health.

The farmers of India have proved their mettle even during the COVID-19 pandemic and the sowing of Kharif crops has been 7% higher than the last year while cotton has been sown about 3% higher, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

"There is a mantra in the Rig Veda which means...praise to the giver of food, praise to the farmer. Our farmers have proved their mettle even during this COVID-19 pandemic. Sowing of Kharif crops has been seven per cent higher than last year. Paddy has been sown 10% higher, pulses 5%, coarse grain oats cereals around three per cent, oilseeds about 13% and cotton has been sown about three per cent higher," said the Prime Minister during his monthly "Mann ki Baat" programme.

"I congratulate farmers of our nation, bow down before their toil," he added.

The Prime Minister further pointed out that Onam is a festival linked with farming. It is the time of a new beginning for our rural economy.

"Our lives and society are driven by the power of agriculture. Our festivals derive their colour only through the hard work of our farmers. Vedas have also gloriously described the life-giving energy of our farmers," the Prime Minister.

He said that the verve of Onam festival can be felt everywhere and it is turning out to be an international festival.

"The zest of Onam today has reached distant shores of foreign lands. Be it America, Europe or Gulf countries, the verve of Onam can be felt everywhere. Onam is increasingly turning out to be an international festival," the Prime Minister said.

The PM called for 'Atma Nirbharta' for games, toys production. "Computer games are also very famous. Both young and old play them. But most of them are influenced by the West. We should have India-centric games. We can be 'Atmanirbhar' in this regard,” he said.

He added, "I urge our start-up to 'Team up for Toys', this also matches our call for Vocal for Local."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 67th Mann ki Baat, had talked to students from various states who had passed their Board Exams with flying colours. He congratulated them and wished them success for their life ahead.