A special screening of the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat takes place in Raj Bhawan, Mumbai

PM Narendra Modi addressed the 100th Mann Ki Baat today. The program was first broadcast on 3 October 2014 on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami. On the occasion of broadcast of the landmark 100th episode of this popular program on All India Radio, a special screening was organized at Raj Bhawan, Mumbai, in the presence of Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Ramesh Bais.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said, “Today we are celebrating an achievement. Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program as the most popular program of All India Radio has completed its 100th edition today. It has been a long journey since then till now. Over the years, the Mann Ki Baat program has spread to every nook and corner of the country”. The 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is in a way the grand beginning of India@2047, he said.

Speaking on the important role played by this program through which PM directly connects and speaks with the countrymen, Maharashtra Governor stated that Mann Ki Baat programme has been the origin, means and extension of social changes like Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao, Water Conservation, Vocal for Local among others. The event has shown tremendous impact on industries like Khadi, Indian toy industry, startups in health sector, AYUSH and space, he stated. The Maharashtra Governor further said that, ’Mann Ki Baat’ with its innovative and unique conversational style of presentation has truly carved a niche for itself as a unique piece of communication. He further said that, when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, the Prime Minister connected with all sections of the society. Through his ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ and Exam Warriors, he continues to connect with students and youth, he added. He also stated that 47.8 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened so far, with the efforts of the Prime Minister.

While doing ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he has paid attention to every social change taking place in some remote corner of the country, said Maharashtra Governor Shri Ramesh Bais. He further informed that, In the very first episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister described radio as a simple medium of communication, through which one can reach far-flung areas. “He had also made clear his intention to convey his message to the poorest of the poor family. He believed that the strength of the country is in the hut of the poor man. Thus, the aim of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has been to make a place in the hearts and mind of every Indian”.

Maharashtra Governor Shri Rameh Bais further said that India is the largest democratic country in the world and people’s participation in governance makes the country truly people-oriented. Over the years, the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a medium for people to participate in governance and convey their views, suggestions and achievements to the Prime Minister of India.

Shri Bais said that India has emerged as the most populous country in the world, surpassing China. To convert this demographic change into demographic dividend, Hon’ble Prime Minister has laid emphasis on skilling, reskilling and upskilling. Many countries of the world which are aging are looking towards India to meet the requirements of skilled manpower. This is India’s moment, he stated.

One fact that the Prime Minister has repeatedly reiterated in the program is that the purpose of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is to highlight positive stories and inspire citizens by telling their stories. All those people who have been mentioned anywhere in this program have really helped in making this mass movement a success. He urged more and more people of Maharashtra to be a part of this important movement.

The Maharashtra Governor also mentioned that‘Mann Ki Baat’ highlights various topics, which are important for the development of the country. It acquaints the listeners with various programs of the government. The Prime Minister mentioned many more incredible people from across the country in the episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’. It is a matter of pride for us that a large number of people from Maharashtra are also included in this list. From the tribal areas of Palghar, Chandrapur and Nashik to far flung countries like USA, people have gained fame through ‘Mann Ki Baat’. People from different professions and walks of life have participated in the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, he stated.

On the sidelines of the special screening of Mann Ki Baat, the Maharashtra Governor inaugurated an exhibition on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Mann Ki Baat, organized by Central Bureau of Communication, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in the lawn besides Durbar Hall in Raj Bhawan. The Maharashtra Governor walked through the exhibition and also visited a book exhibition by Department of Publications Division put up on the occasion. The special screening was organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati.

The dignitaries present on the occasiongat Raj Bhawan in Mumbai included Padmashree Popatrao Pawar, former Sarpanch, Hivre Bazar; Padmashree Dr Shashank Joshi, Endocrinologist, Diabetes Specialist; Padmashree Milind Kamble, President DCCI (Dalit Chamber of Commerce and Industries); and Ms Sharmila Oswal, Millets Campaigner, Agriculture Entrepreneur. Apart from the Padma Awardees, the talented youth, ladies and gentlemen mentioned by the Prime Minister in previous ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episodes were present during the special screening at Raj Bhawan, Mumbai today. Eminent personalities who were present for the special screening included Padma Awardees Milind Kamble, Coomi Wadia, Parshuram Khune, Gajanan Mane, Sonu Nigam, Anuradha Paudwal, Adinath Mangeshkar, Ekta Kapoor and Kalpana Saroj, IMC President Anant Singhania and film industry personailities Madhunri Dixit, Jayantilal Gada, Prasad Oak, Shahid Kapoor and Rohit Shetty. BCS Bureau