In 99th 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi warns against rising Covid cases, raises awareness about organ donation

NEW DELHI: Amid rising Covid cases in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked the citizens, during his 99th episode of 'Mann ki Baat', to remain vigilant.
“Covid is also increasing in some places. So we all have to take precautions and pay attention towards cleanliness,” the PM said. India reported 1,890 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, highest in 149 days.
The PM started his third 'Mann Ki Baat' of this year by remembering two organ donors -- one a 39-day-old baby girl from Punjab's Amritsar, youngest till date, and another 63-year-old woman from Jharkhand's Seraikela.
He talked to the parents of the infant, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Supreet Kaur, and the son of the elderly woman over phone, saying that their families took very inspiring decision.
The PM said when a person donates one’s body after death, it creates a possibility for eight to nine people to get a new life. "It is matter of satisfaction, that today awareness about organ donation is also rising in the country. The families of the people who have donated their organs have actually accomplished a lot of 'punya', In our country altruism is held in such a high place that people do not hesitate to sacrifice their everything for the happiness of others. For this reason, we are told the stories of those who gave their bodies like King Shibi and Dadichi Rishi from childhood," said the PM, urging the countrymen to come forward in this direction. "One decision of yours can save the lives of many people."
He added the awareness about organ donation is increasing in the country today. "In 2013, there were less than 5,000 cases of organ donation in our country. But in 2022, their number has increased to more than 15,000."
Here are the other points he touched on during his address:
Women empowerment
Prime Minister Modi talked about a number of women who achieved newer heights in their respective fields over the last few days like film director Kartiki Gonsalves who documentary won an Oscar award and India's Under-19 women's cricket team members.
"Today, our woman power has a very big role in the country. India's Nari Shakti is leading from the front, imparting new energy to India's dreams," he said giving example of some women achievers.
"Producer Guneet Monga and director Kartiki Gonsalves brought laurels to the country by winning an Oscar for their documentary, 'The Elephant Whisperers' ... Earlier this year, India's Under-19 women's cricket team created history by winning the T-20 World Cup," said PM Modi.
Asked for suggestions on 100th episode
Prime Minister Modi said he was happy that there is a lot of enthusiasm among the countrymen regarding the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat. "I am getting a lot of messages, phone calls. I am very eager to know your suggestions and opinions regarding the 100th episode."
'Mann ki Baat' is a monthly address, aired on All India Radio on the last Sunday of every month, through which Prime Minister Modi interacts with countrymen. The programme started on the occasion of Vijayadashami on October 3, 2014.
The show airs on All India Radio and Doordarshan's entire network, as well as on the AIR News website and newsonair mobile app. Following the Hindi broadcast, AIR broadcasts the programme in regional languages.
'Mann Ki Baat', will complete its 100th edition on April 30.
In the run-up to the centenary episode, AIR launched a campaign from March 15, focussing on the impact of the programme on the transformation of India, according to a statement.
The campaign brings out 100 identified themes highlighted by the PM in Mann Ki Baat episodes till date. The relevant sound bytes of the PM from each episode of Mann ki Baat is being broadcast in all bulletins and other programmes across the AIR network including 42 Vividh Bharati stations, 25 FM Rainbow channels, 4 FM Gold channels and 159 primary channels.
The campaign will concludes on April 29, a day before the 100th episode.
(With inputs from agencies)