New Delhi: The beauty of ‘Mann ki Baat’ is that a political person like Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not mention even a single political issue in its 99 episodes, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said at 'Mann Ki Baat@100' conclave organised by Prasar Bharti on Wednesday to celebrate the 100th edition of the monthly radio address. “During the 99 episodes of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi did not talk about political things despite being a politician. I don't think there is any such dialogue in the world,” news agency ANI quoted Amit Shah as saying.
Talking about the contributions of PM Modi to democracy, the Union Minister said, “PM Modi has made two major contributions to our democracy. One, he has freed the democratic system from casteism, nepotism and appeasement. Second, he has democratised the Padma Awards. Earlier Padma Awards were given on the basis of recommendation but today Padma Awards are being given to the one who has made the biggest contribution.”
It is to be noted that Home Minister Amit Shah made the statements while addressing the valedictory session of the conclave where a commemorative coin and postage stamp was also unveiled in the presence of Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.
Talking about the transformative impact of the radio programme, Amit Shah said ‘Mann ki Baat’ took Akashvani to the younger generation. "PM Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' took Akashvani to younger generation.... 'Mann Ki Baat' is a complete communication to inspire 130 crore Indians," he said. He further said that the half-an-hour episode of 'Mann ki Baat' inspired crores of people to contribute towards the nation.
Notably, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the daylong 'Mann Ki Baat@100' conclave that had discussions on the four themes "Nari Shakti" (women power), "Virasat Ka Uthhan" (taking pride in heritage), "Jan Samvad se Atmanirbharta" (self-reliance through conversations with people), and "Ahwahan se Andolan" (from clarion call to a revolution).
Prasar Bharti Chief Executive Officer Gaurav Dwivedi said that the 100th episode of "Mann ki Baat" will be broadcast over 1,000 radio stations, including numerous community radio stations and private radio stations, across the country on Sunday (April 30).