Background: Year’s last Mann ki Baat was the 108th number episode held on Sunday where Prime Minister Modi highlighted the vigour of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and self-reliance is the goal for the year 2024. A flagship radio programme to reach citizens living any part of the country was first introduced by PM Modi on 3rd October 2014. Since 2014, it is been a ritual to organise ‘Mann ki Baat’ on each Sunday to interact with public for exchanging government plan-programmes as well as to recognise people’s participation in the process of development of India collectively.
Highlights of 2023’s last Mann ki Baat:
On 108th episode, PM Modi acknowledged immense public response and covey his warmth gratitude for public engagement seen over the years. He expected 2024 a year full of new energy and faster progress while recognising the first sunrise of the year. He emphasised upon ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, India’s self-reliance and confidence is ushering a bright future.
PM Modi urged for ‘Fit India’ and endorsement by Akshay Kumar
He talked on importance of physical as well as mental health and mentioned key efforts for ‘Fit India’ which is vital ingredient for healthy India. He linked cultural and spiritual practices of ancient India to Fit India. To popularise Fit India, prominent Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar shared his fitness goal and focused on long lasting fitness.
The Bollywood actor categorically expressed that one must live ‘fitter’ life not ‘filter’ life. He is known for his passion for fitness but he pressed upon natural way to remain fit instead of applying fancy tools to look fit. Khiladi actor also expressed he enjoys swimming, playing badminton, climbing stairs and eating nutritious food instead of going to fancy gym.
Akshay Kumar requested his audience to not fall blindly for the physical appearance of movie star as many times filters and special effects are used to get perfect image. Unlikely young generations perceive it as inspiration to follow their favourite actor’s foot-steps and many even uses shortcuts to reach that level. Especially males are seen consuming steroids and excessive protein supplements to have perfect body and muscles which is a serious health matter to be discussed widely.
Therefore, the actor supported PM Modi’s Fit India initiative and appreciated Modi for inviting him to endorse the move publicly. He urged youth and people to take part in Fit India and prioritise fitness as the part of life.
PM louds people’s enthusiasm for Ayodha Ram Temple:
PM Modi exchanged his happiness to see people’s welcoming attitude in opening the divine temple. Some are writing poems and some are composing bhajans to celebrate the temple inauguration. This shows how people of India is marking their traditional root by showing immense gratitude.
Modi mentioned Oscar wins:
Additionally, he appreciated India’s twin wins at this year’s Oscars for the song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from RRR and documentary short ‘The Elephant Whisperes’ in his address of ‘Mann ki Baat’. He added India offers the suitable platform to flourish creative art and entertainment. The world watched India’s unique masterpiece and able to grab the most coveted award of the year.
Few notable quotes by PM Modi from the year’s last episode:
“India is brimming with the spirit of developed India; the spirit of self-reliance. We have to maintain the same spirit and momentum.”
“Even today people send messages congratulating me for the success of Chandrayaan-3. I am sure, just like me, you would be proud of our scientists, especially our women scientists.”
“India becoming the innovation hub signifies that we are not going to stop. In 2025, we were at the 81st rank on the Global Innovation Index, today our rank is 40th.”
