New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted 2018’s first edition of Mann ki Baat on Sunday, lauding the country’s women achievers and unsung heroes who were conferred the Padma awards this year.
Remembering astronaut Kalpana Chawla ahead of her death anniversary on February 1, Modi said she gave a valuable message to all Indians, especially young girls.
"...Her message is, 'Nothing is impossible for women if they have a strong will'," said Modi in the 40th edition of Mann Ki Baat.
Emphasising that women in India are progressing in every field and have amazed the entire world, Modi said several verses of the Holy Vedas were composed by women.
"Let me tell you that one daughter is equal to 10 sons... The punya (good) we get from 10 sons, we get that from one daughter," said Modi.
He also shared the inspiring stories of women who were honoured with the First Ladies Achievement Award by the Women and Child Development Ministry recently.
“A few days ago, the Honourable President of India met women achievers, who distinguished themselves in various fields. I would like to mention the Matunga Railway station which is an all-women station. All leading officials there are women. It is commendable. India's Nari Shakti has contributed a lot in the positive transformation being witnessed in our country and society,” he said.
The performance of an all-woman BSF team during the Republic Day parade surprised guests, he said. He also praised the "human chain" formed in Bihar against social evils against dowry and child marriage and said flexibility and continuous efforts for self-correction are a hallmark of society.
Moving onto the Padma awards, Modi said the selection process for picking award winners has been transformed under his government, asserting that more significance has now been given to the nominee's work than name.
Modi highlighted works of some winners whose names were announced on the eve of Republic Day, and said common people, who are not living in big cities and not seen in newspapers and TV, have received it.
In the last three years, he said, the selection process has been made online, which has led to transparency and anybody can now nominate people for the honours. He called upon society to hear the stories of these winners so that they could enrich and inspire others.
With Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary falling on January 30, he said no tribute to him can be bigger than following the path shown by him.
(With agency inputs)
Comments
0 comment