Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Terms Corruption A Termite & Speaks About Hastinapur Foundation In Argentina

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday. The 85th edition of the programme is Modi’s first address of 2022, to his listeners.

Speaking on the day which coincided with Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary, Modi said “We shouldn’t forget the ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’. We should accelerate the campaign against single use plastic. ‘Vocal for Local’ mantra is our responsibility. We have to work wholeheartedly for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign.”

He also urged people to visit the National War Memorial in New Delhi. “We have seen the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ near India Gate and the flame at the nearby National War Memorial have been merged into one. On this emotional moment, many countrymen and the family of martyrs had tears in their eyes,” he said.

Terming that the flag of India is flying high and attraction of Indian culture around the world, he mentioned about Professor Albrect and the work of Hastinapur Foundation in Argentina which now has 40,000 members and 30 branches across Latin America.

Calling the dip in COVID-19 cases in the country a positive sign, he said India is successfully fighting the new wave of coronavirus and far almost 4.5 crore children have taken COVID vaccine” he added.

He shared that he received a large number of postcards from children across the country and outside as well. “I have also received 75 postcards from Croatia, a friendly country of India,” he said.

Answering  a question of a corruption-free nation, Modi said corruption is like a “termite” which makes the country hollow and all the people of the country have to work together to rid the nation of it as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister also touched upon his admiration for horse Virat of President’s Bodyguard and said “This year, on Army Day, horse Virat was also given COAS Commendation Card by the Army Chief. In view of Virat’s immense services, after his retirement he was given farewell in an equally grand manner.”

PM Modi also spoke about the Collarwali tigress, saying that India’s love for nature and animals is appreciated worldwide.

“Look back at our history and we will see so many individuals who have been associated with education. They have founded several institutions. We are also seeing Indians across all walks of life contribute resources so that others can get the joys of education,” he said.

Speaking about some unsung heroes. He referred to the family of Tayammal in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur who has been making a living selling tender coconut water. “Despite financial strains, she left no stone unturned to educate her children. She even donated ₹1 lakh for a school. To do this, you need a very big heart,” he said.