New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation in the first 'Mann Ki Baat' programme of 2023. It is also the 97th edition of his monthly radio broadcast.


The prime minister said that a sizeable number of Padma awardees come from tribal communities and people associated with tribal society.


"Tribal life is different from city life, it also has its own challenges. Despite all this, tribal societies are always eager to preserve their traditions," he said, quoted ANI.


He added, "Many great personalities who have worked on tribal languages like Toto, Ho, Kui, Kuvi and Manda have received Padma Awards. It is a matter of pride for all of us. People working with Siddi, Jarwa and Onge tribes have also been awarded this time."






"Tribal communities have been an integral part of our land, our heritage. Their contribution in the development of the country and society is very important. Honouring the personalities who worked for them, will also inspire the new generation. This year the echoes of the Padma Awards are being heard even in those areas which used to be Naxal affected. Due to their efforts, those who show the right path to the misguided youth in Naxalite affected areas have been honoured with Padma awards," the Prime Minister said.


PM Modi said that people from across the country have shared their thoughts with him about Republic Day celebrations held at Kartavya Path. 






Talking about a village in Tamil Nadu, PM gave a reference of a rock inscription and called it 'mini-constitution.'


"There is a small but famous village in Tamil Nadu – Utirmerur. Here an inscription of 1100-1200 years ago surprises the whole world. This rock-edict is like a mini-constitution. It has been explained in detail how the Gram Sabha should be conducted and what the procedure for selection of its members shall be," he said.


The Prime Minister talked about Anubhav Mandapam of Lord Basaveshwara adding that history of India's democratic values goes back to the 12th century. " Another example of Democratic Values in the history of our country is the Anubhav Mandapam of Lord Basaveshwara of the 12th century," he added.


He said that free debate and discussion were appreciated here and it was all even before the Magna Carta.






Yoga And Millets


Talking about the millets and yoga, PM Modi said, " The United Nations has taken the decision of both International Yoga Day and International Year of Millets after India's proposal. Yoga is also related to health and millets also play an important role in health."


He added that a revolution is on the way because of public participation in both campaigns. "Just as people have made yoga and fitness a part of their lives by taking active participation on a large scale; similarly people are adopting millet on a large," PM mentioned in the programme.


PM said, "Have you ever heard the word Milletpreneurs? Odisha’s Milletpreneurs are making headlines, a women's self-help group of the tribal district Sundargarh is associated with Odisha Millets Mission. They make biscuits, cakes and other eatables from millets."


PM Modi On Purple Fest


The recently held 'Purple Fest' in Goa also found its place in PM's address. The Prime Minister praised the event saying it brought new confidence into specially-abled people.


"Purple Fest was organised in Panaji, Goa from 6 to 8 January. This was a unique effort in itself for the welfare of the divyangs. More than 50,000 people participated in it," PM added.


He said that they are now excited as they can visit the famous Miramar beach which is now one of the 'Accessible Beaches for Specially Abled' in the country.






PM On Management Of E-Waste


Prime Minister Modi also talked on the issue of E-Waste. He said whenever someone replaces their old device, it becomes necessary to keep in mind whether it is discarded properly or not.


"If E-Waste is not disposed of properly, it can also harm our environment. If done carefully, it can become a great force in Circular Economy of Recycle and Reuse," the PM added.


He said, "Even if the weight of all the commercial planes that have been built in the history of mankind is combined, it will not equal the amount of E-Waste being released. It is like every second 800 laptops are being thrown away. You will be amazed to know that about 17 types of Precious Metals can be extracted from this E-Waste through different processes. This includes Gold, Silver, Copper and Nickel, so utilizing E-Waste is no less than making 'Kachre Ko Kanchan'."


Wetlands And Ramasar Sites


On the maintenance of wetlands in the country, the PM said, "My dear countrymen, today there is a lot of talk about climate change and conservation of Biodiversity all over the world. We have been continuously talking about India's concrete efforts in this direction. You will also be very happy to know the work that India has done for its wetlands."


"A few days later, on February 2, it is World Wetlands Day. Wetlands are very important for the existence of our earth, because many birds and animals depend on them. Along with enriching Biodiversity, they also ensure Flood control and Ground Water Recharge. Many of you must be knowing that Ramsar Sites are such wetlands which are of International Importance. Ramsar Sites should have 20,000 or more water birds. It is important to have a large number of local fish species."


PM Modi mentioned, "On 75 years of independence during the Amrit Mahotsav, I would like to share with you some good information related to Ramsar Sites. Now the total number of Ramsar Sites in our country has increased to 75, whereas, before 2014 there were only 26 Ramsar Sites in the country. For this, the local community deserves congratulations, who have preserved this Biodiversity. 






Winter Games In Kashmir


Prime Minister Modi went on to discuss the winters and snowfall in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He said, "This time in our country, especially in North India, there was severe winter. In this winter, people also enjoyed snowfall on the mountains. Some pictures came in from Jammu and Kashmir which captivated hearts in the entire country."


"People from all over the world are liking these pictures on social media. Due to snowfall, our Kashmir valley has become very beautiful like every year this time too! People also particularly like the video of the train going from Banihal to Budgam. Beautiful snowfall, white sheet like snow all around," he added.


Talking about Winter Games which were recently organised in Syedabad, Kashmir, the Prime Minister said that Kashmiri youth make cricket even more amazing in the snow.






"Winter Games were organized in Syedabad, Kashmir. The theme of these Games was - Snow Cricket! You might be thinking that Snow Cricket would be a very exciting game –and you are absolutely right...Through this, there is also a search for young players in Kashmir, who will later play as Team India. In a way, this is also an extension of the Khelo India Movement."


"In Kashmir, there is a lot of enthusiasm among the youth regarding sports. In the coming times, many of these youth will win medals for the country, and will hoist the tricolor," the PM added.


PM Modi concluded his address saying that the Republic becomes strong 'by public participation', 'by everyone's effort', 'by performing one's duties towards the country'.


He said, "...I am satisfied that, our 'Mann Ki Baat', is the emphatic voice of such dutiful fighters."