'Not less than a pilgrimage’: PM Modi marks 12 years of Mann Ki Baat - top quotes

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the 12th anniversary of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, this Sunday, hailing it as a "pilgrimage" that has enabled him to gain insights into the efforts and contributions of people from across the nation. The 139th episode of the programme was addressed by the Prime Minister, who expressed gratitude to the listeners for being his fellow travelers and guides on this journey.

Modi emphasized that Mann Ki Baat has provided him with a unique opportunity to celebrate the hard work, courage, commitment, dedication, and spirit of service displayed by the common people of India. He drew a parallel between the programme and India's long-standing tradition of pilgrimages, stating that it has allowed him to closely understand the efforts of the people and pay tribute to their contributions.

As the country prepares to observe the festivals of Diwali and Chhath, Prime Minister Modi urged citizens to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and places where they reside. He highlighted the importance of cleanliness campaigns being conducted across various locations and stressed the significance of keeping living areas clean.

The Prime Minister also reflected on India's historical reverence for nature, noting that the responsibility of preserving the environment and safeguarding water sources has been instilled in people by previous generations. Drawing attention to the efforts undertaken by residents of Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand to revive the Heval river, Modi underscored the importance of collective responsibility towards nature.

He described the initiative as an exemplary demonstration of community participation in protecting natural resources.