Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, had the pleasure of listening the 100th episode of Mann ki Baat, the much-acclaimed monthly radio program of  Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji. He was joined in this by the PVTGs of the Islands namely the Onges, the Great Andamanese and other Tribal Groups amongst others.

Through this medium, the  Prime Minister interacts with citizens of our country on themes and issues that matter to the Nation along with expressing his thoughts on various matters. 

Mann ki Baat which airs on the last Sunday of every monthand  commenced on Vijayadashami on October 2014.

A brainchild of PM Modi, while Mann Ki Baat’ started as a monologue, 03.10.2014. It has evolved into a conversation, a dialogue, a means of sharing the seminal work done in various fields by various dedicated and motivated citizens of the country.  It has thus become a major medium of sharing positive stories from the lives of common people who are doing some exceptional work for the betterment of the nation.

This platform required a universal reach which has access to the lowest common denominator of the society. That’s where the role of radio becomes important since radio is the most affordable means where the poorest of the poor can be integrated into this dialogue process.

The  Prime Minister in his 100^th episode today, recounted many of the inspirational themes and stories that had been a part of the previous episodes - Selfies with daughter, the enterprising use of the lotus fibre, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the Swachh Bharat movement, love for Khadi, nature, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Amrit Sarovar and much more.

 Prime Minister recalled reading thousands of messages from the people of the country and the experience to view one or the other wonderful manifestation of the countrymen each month. He symbolised the program as a matter of faith, of worship, or Vrat, a Thaal of Prasad at the feet of God in the form of Janata-Janardan, the people.

Union  Minister listened Mann Ki Baat and was accompanied by the PVTGs like Onges, Great Andamanese Nicobarese Tribal Community, officials from Andaman and Nicobar UT Administration and local residents at Port Blair, Andaman Nicobar Islands. He was also accompanied by Shri Anil Kumar Jha, Secretary, MoTA, Smt. R. Jaya, Add. Secy MoTA, Shri Naval Jit Kapoor, Joint Secy MoTA along with senior officials of the Ministry and Andaman and Nicobar UT Administration.

Prior to this, Shri Arjun Munda called on Admiral D. K. Joshi,  Lt. Governor in Raj Niwas, Port Blair today issuing pertaining to welfare of entire tribal communities in general, PVTG communities in particular were discussed including measures to draw up programs as part of the ambitious PM-PVTG Mission, the basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation to the PVTG families. An allocation of Rs.15,000 cr. has made for this Mission in the next three years. Itay be recalled that the  Minister is on a four day visit to the Island since 27.04.2023.

 

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NB/SK

 

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