Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Narendra Modi Mann Ki Baat Today Live Updates: In what he claimed is a good sign for “Aatanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the various mobile apps that were part of the “app innovation challenge” and urged young entrepreneurs to develop computer games in the country.
On August 18, Modi had asked people to share their inputs and ideas for the 68th edition of the programme today.
In his last broadcast, Modi had cautioned citizens against the spread of coronavirus and said wearing of masks and social distancing must continue as the threat of the virus was as high as ever. He even spoke to several CBSE students, who recently cleared their board exams, and shared the success stories of the country’s rural areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Mann Ki Baat programme. (PTI/File)
The Prime Minister has concluded his address.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke about the importance of ensuring one's safety amid the coronavirus pandemic. "Do gajj ki doori, mask zaroori," he said.
Modi also spoke on the role of dogs in disaster management and rescue missions. "In India, NDRF has trained dozen such dogs. These dogs are experts in detecting alive persons under the debris in an earthquake or building collapse," he said.
Speaking on the upcoming Teachers' Day, Modi said: "We will be celebrating Teacher's day on September 5. During Covid-19, our teachers have faced many challenges but they have been brave and have adapted to technological changes."
Shifting focus, Modi said "India is marking Nutrition Month and this will benefit young children". He added that the correct amount of nutrition received during childhood will ensure proper physical and mental development and health.
"We have many different mobile applications that are made in the country - like 'Koo' for microbloging and 'Chingari' - and these are gaining popularity," Modi said. He added: "Under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat App innovation challenge, there is an App ‘#KutukiKids Learning app. This is an interactive app for children in which they can easily learn many aspects of maths, science through songs and stories."
Addressing citizens, Modi said: "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 'Aatma Nirbhar' in this regard."
"Some parts of India are also developing as toy clusters, that is, as centres of toys. Like, Channapatna in Ramnagaram (Karnataka), Kondaplli in Krishna (Andhra Pradesh), Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, Dhubri in Assam, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh – there are many such places, we can count the names," Modi said.
"India's share in the global toy industry is very small. It is not right for us to have such a small share, we have to work towards improving this," Modi said.
Speaking on the toy industry, which he claimed was worth Rs 7 lakh crore, Modi said: "During these times, I have been thinking about my young friends. I have been thinking - how can my young friends get more toys. The best toys are those that bring out creativity. How can India become a toy production hub? This is necessary as toys can be used to build minds. Even Rabindra Nath Tagore has spoken about the importance of toys."
"There is a strong bond between our festivals and environment. We have many festivals that are related to the protection of our environment," Modi said.
"Usually these days are meant for various festivals but coronavirus has changed that. People are a lot more cautious now, and the disclipine is touching and inspiring," the Prime Minister said.
"This is a time for festivals but at the same time, there is also a sense of discipline among people due to the Covid-19 situation. There is a close link between nature and our festivals. These days, the festival of Onam is also being celebrated with fervour. The zest of Onam has reached foreign lands. Be it USA, Europe or Gulf countries, the joys of Onam can be felt everywhere. Onam is increasingly turning to be an international festival," Modi said.
The Prime Minister has begun addressing the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to some successful students of the Central Board of Secondary Examinations (CBSE), and congratulated them in last month's ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Modi interacted with the students, most of them are from small towns and villages. Sharing success stories of the country’s rural area, the Prime Minister said their achievements were not limited only in sports and other fields, but also in board exam results. He also shared the stories through his Twitter handle.
In his last broadcast, Modi had cautioned citizens against the spread of coronavirus and said wearing of masks and social distancing must continue as the threat of the virus was as high as ever. The prime minister added that when one feels tired of wearing a mask, they should think of Covid warriors and their exemplary efforts. “Today, Covid-19 recovery rate in our country is better than others. Our fatality rate is much less than most of the other countries. We managed to save the lives of lakhs of people, but the threat of coronavirus is not over yet. It is spreading fast many areas, we need to remain vigilant," he had said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address the nation through his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, at 11 am.