Republic Day Parade to Have Record 10 Chief Guests as PM Invites ASEAN Leaders

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in his final radio programme for 2017; ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and he ended the 30-minute speech with an announcement that this year’s Republic Day parade will have the ASEAN leaders as chief guests.

PM Modi also touched upon various other issues, here are some key quotes from his speech:

• India looks forward to welcoming ASEAN leaders for Republic Day 2018 celebrations. This is the first time that so many leaders will attend the celebrations as the chief guests.

• It had come to our notice that if a Muslim woman wants to go on Haj, she is required to have a ‘Mehram’ or a male guardian, otherwise she cannot travel, it was discriminatory, we have changed this rule and this year arnd 1300 women applied to go without a male guardian.

• Just last week, I had a chance of meeting some daughters of Jammu & Kashmir. I was amazed at spirit that they had, the enthusiasm that was there in their hearts and dreams they nurtured.

• Recently I came to know of the inspiring story of Anjum Bashir Khan Khattak, he extricated from sting of terrorism and hatred and topped in Kashmir Administrative Examination, today he is an inspiration not only for J&K but India.

• Just now, while talking to you I got an idea whether we could organize a mock parliament in every district of India? I propose it should be around August 15.

• People born in 21st century will gradually begin to become eligible voters from 1st of January, 2018. Indian Democracy welcomes these new voters.