Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the nation to 'cheer for Bharat' and encourage the athletes participating in the Paris Olympics 2024. Addressing the 112th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister also asked the citizens to resume the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign before the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. This was Modi's second address after the Lok Sabha Elections and first after the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25.
"In the entire world, Paris Olympics is all over there at this point of time. Our players have the opportunity to let our tricolour at the world level, they have this opportunity to do something for the country. You all should encourage them," he said.
Urging the citizens to resume the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign in the run-up to Independence Day, the PM asked citizens to click and upload their selfies with the Tricolour on social media.
“Like before, this year too you must upload your Selfie with the Indian flag on http://harghartiranga.com and I would like to remind you one more thing. Every year before 15th August you send me lots of suggestions. Please do send me your suggestions this year too," he said.
The Prime Minister also interacted with the participants of the International Mathematics Olympiad and congratulated them for their impressive performance in the tournament.
"In the International Mathematics Olympiad, young participants from over 100 countries take part, and our team has successfully ranked in the top five in the overall tally...The names of these students who have brought glory to the country are - Aditya Venkat Ganesh from Pune, Siddharth Chopra from Pune, Arjun Gupta from Delhi, Kanav Talwar from Greater Noida, Rushil Mathur from Mumbai and Anando Bhaduri from Guwahati," he said.
Modi further noted that Assam's Charaideo Maidam has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list and said that though it will be the 43rd site of India in the coveted list, Charaideo Maidam is the first site from the Northeast.
"Charaideo means a shining city on the hills. It was the first capital of the Ahom dynasty. The people of the Ahom dynasty traditionally kept the mortal remains of their ancestors and their valuables in the Moidams...Charaideo Maidam is a World Heritage Site, it will attract more tourism. I request you to include this site in your future plans," he said.
The Prime Minister further stressed that a country can progress only by taking pride in its culture. "Many such efforts are being made in India as well, One such effort is Project Pari. You must have seen very beautiful paintings on the walls on the roadsides and in the underpasses. These paintings and artworks are made by these artists only who are associated with Pari," he added.
He also mentioned that his government has opened a special centre named MANAS, to fight against the drug abuse problem in the country. "Recently, the helpline and portal for MANAS were launched. The government has also issued a toll-free number, 1933. Anyone can call this number to receive necessary advice or information related to rehabilitation," he said.