Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to 68th edition of the monthly radio broadcast "Mann ki Baat" on Sunday.
In his address to the nation, PM Modi spoke about the importance of ensuring one's safety by maintaining social distancing amid coronavirus. He mentioned the made in India apps that are gaining popularity after Chinese apps ban, the importance of toy in a child's development, and the incredible contribution of teachers in the ensuing pandemic.
However, it was his mention of Sophie and Vida, the Army dogs who were given the 'Commendation Cards' on Independence Day, that became a trending topic on microblogging site Twitter. The Prime Minister further urged his countrymen to adopt loyal Indian bred canines who were easy to maintain.
During #MannKiBaat, PM @narendramodi talks about Sophie and Vida, the Army dogs who were given the 'Commendation Cards' on Independence Day. pic.twitter.com/EGDv3yJROE
— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) August 30, 2020
While pooch Vida was key in the detection of five mines and a grenade, Sophie, an explosive detection dog saved lives by sniffing out the accelerant used to initiate makeshift bombs.
Vida was instrumental in detection of five mines and one grenade buried underground and Sophie, an explosive detection dog sniffed out the presence of initiator/accelerant which could have been hastily used to fabricate an IED, thereby saving precious lives: Indian Army https://t.co/yrKUrBy3WR
— ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2020
Soon after PM Modi's Mann ki Baat concluded, Twitterati came along to recognise the efforts of the brave and precious canines who ended up saving human lives.
Army Dog Sophie gets Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card for detecting explosives in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/sX119WdIZG
— Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) August 30, 2020
Thank you PM @narendramodi for talking about canine soldiers and asking people to adopt desi. And as PM said, desi dogs r easy to maintain and r fuss free. They are loyal and loving. I have one, hence saying it with experience. Below is video of Sophie who got COAS Commendation. pic.twitter.com/IC0c9UCvrD
— Snehesh Alex Philip (@sneheshphilip) August 30, 2020
.@PMOIndia’s very IMP msg to encourage people to adopt n nurture Indian Bred canines, a breed largely ignored in India, itself! PM @narendramodi in #MannKiBaat cited how r home grown breed will leave us wonderstruck ( can vouch for this!!) PM also showered praise on Sophie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UjieooBOqp
— Meenakshi.B (@minakshibhanja1) August 30, 2020
Proud of u Sophie 🙏😊 #armysnifferdog https://t.co/a8y2lJmILj
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) August 30, 2020
Speaking of festivals, Modi lauded Indian citizens for being disciplined in such testing times.
"Usually these days are meant for various festivals but coronavirus has changed that. People are a lot more cautious now, and the discipline is touching and inspiring," he said.