Modi marks 12 years of Mann Ki Baat in 139th episode

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 139th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on October 25 by describing its 12-year run as a pilgrimage to understand and recognize people’s contributions across India. He also urged listeners to keep their surroundings clean ahead of Diwali and Chhath and cited community initiatives, including an effort to revive the Heval river in Uttarakhand. Modi said the programme began on Vijayadashami 12 years ago and had continued uninterrupted. He thanked listeners for accompanying the broadcast and described it as an opportunity to highlight the work and service of ordinary people. His comments and the examples he discussed were part of the broadcast; the accounts of those initiatives were presented as his descriptions. In Tehri Garhwal, residents had worked to restore the Heval river through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and tree planting, Modi said. He linked those measures to conserving water resources and emphasized community responsibility for protecting nature. He also called for cleanliness around homes and public spaces during the approaching festive period. Modi highlighted products and enterprises that he...