New Delhi: In his monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the Centre's decision to rename Chandigarh airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh.


"As a tribute to the great freedom fighter, it has been decided that the Chandigarh airport will now be named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh," he said.


Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that he and Haryana's Civil Aviation Minister Dushyant Chautala mutually sent a letter to Aviation Ministry to name Mohali-Chandigarh airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh before his birthday on September 28. "PM Modi, on 'Mann Ki Baat', declared the renaming, I thank him," he added, as quoted by news agency ANI. 


Besides this, PM Modi also spoke about the return of cheetahs as Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, the new home of African cheetahs in India, is basking in its new-found global fame after eight cheetahs airlifted from Namibia were released in the wildlife sanctuary recently with much fanfare. 


"People from many corners of the country expressed happiness over the return of Cheetahs. 130 crore Indians are elated and filled with pride. A task force will monitor Cheetahs, on the basis of which we will decide when you can visit the Cheetahs," PM Modi stated.






The Prime Minister invited suggestions for naming the wild cats.


"I request people to share their views on naming of the campaign and Cheetahs. It will be great if the naming of Cheetahs is in tune with our traditions. Also, suggest how humans should treat animals. Participate in this contest and maybe you could be the first one to witness the Cheetahs," he added.


PM Modi remembered Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Deendayal Upadhyay on the occasion of his birth anniversary as a "brilliant humanist, thinker, and great son of the country." "The biggest feature of Deendayal ji's thoughts is that in his lifetime, he had seen the great upheavals of the world. He had become a witness to the struggles of ideologies. That is why, he put forward an idea of ​​'Ekatma Manavdarshan' and 'Antyodaya' before the country which was completely Indian," he said.


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PM Modi's Quotes From 'Mann Ki Baat' Address



  • "Today, India is scaling new heights in para-sports, which we have witnessed in multiple tournaments. There are many people who are working on the ground to promote fitness culture among the specially-abled, strengthening their self-confidence."


  • "Climate change is a major threat to marine ecosystems. On the other hand, the litter on our beaches is disturbing. It becomes our responsibility to make serious and continuous efforts to tackle these challenges."


  • "For years, there were no clear standards for Sign Language. To overcome these difficulties, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center was established in 2015. Since then numerous efforts have been taken to spread awareness about Indian Sign Language."



  • "On the occasion of Bapu's birth anniversary on the 2nd of October, we have to take a pledge to intensify the campaign of 'Vocal for local'. Khadi, handloom, handicrafts…along with all these products, you must buy local goods. After all, the true joy of this festival is also when everyone becomes a part of it."


  • PM Modi also recalled his meeting with 14-year-old Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia, popularly known as 'Rubber Girl'. She suffering from Down Syndrome with a 75 per cent intellectual disability. In a heartwarming moment on Saturday, Anvi Vijay Zanzarukia, popularly known as 'Rubber Girl', met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. "Anvi is afflicted with Down’s Syndrome since birth and she has also been battling with serious heart disease since childhood. She also had to undergo open heart surgery when she was only three months old. Despite all these difficulties, neither Anvi, nor her parents ever gave up," he mentioned.

    "She started practicing yoga with her mother and now she has become an expert in yoga. Today Anvi participates in competitions across the country and wins medals. Yoga gave a new life to Anvi," he said, highlighting the importance of the ancient Indian practice.


Concluding his address, the Prime Minister mentioned that National Games will be organised in Gujarat from September 29."This is a very special occasion, because the National Games are being organised after many years. The previous events had to be canceled due to the Covid pandemic. My very best wishes to every player who takes part in this sports meet," he said, mentioning that he will be attending the ceremony.