Mann Ki Baat Highlights: PM Modi Pays Tribute to Seer Shivakumara Swami, Honours Election Commission, Recalls Subhash Chandra Bose

New Delhi, January 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation through the 52nd edition of his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat, touched upon an array of topics, including the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019, the role of Election Commission and the success of his pet sports project - 'Khelo India'. Here are the highlights:

Pays Tribute to Deceased Siddaganga Mutt Seer Shivakumara Swami

Modi said the late seer dedicated his entire life towards education, healthcare for the underprivileged and upliftment of the poor. His demise, Modi added, has left an unprecedented void. PM Modi Meets Movie Stars But Skips Lingayat Seer's Funeral, Says Karnataka Deputy CM Parameshwara.

"We received a sad piece of news this month. Shivakumara Swami ji left us for his heavenly abode. He dedicated his entire life for the service of society. He spent the 111 years of his life working for the social, educational welfare of thousands of people," Modi said.

Honours Election Commission

The Prime Minister told the nation that January 25, the date of inception of the Election Commission of India (ECI), is observed as National Voters' Day each year. Honouring the polling body, Modi said it should be lauded for conducting smooth elections year-after-year in all legislative assemblies of the nation, apart from holding the massive general polls for the Lok Sabha on every five years.

"Every one of us should ensure they vote. If for some reason, you are unable to vote, then you should be pained by the fact. When you see something going wrong, you should realise that you had not exercised your right to franchise," Modi said, further adding that the electorate must strive for maximum voter turnout in the forthcoming general elections.

Recalls Subhash Chandra Bose

Modi said the nation's patriotism gets refueled on January 23 each year, when the birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose is commemorated. The Prime Minister claimed that he has been inspired to use the radio for addressed the nation via 'Mann Ki Baat' from Netaji Bose, who used the radio to interact with the Indian masses from his Indian National Army (INA) base abroad.

Reflects on Sant Ravidas' Teachings

"Sant Ravidas has proposed that if God was present in every human being, then it was not fair to categorize him on the basis of caste, creed and other sociological demarcations," Modi said.

"India is a land of saints. Our saints have conveyed message of goodwill, equality, social empowerment through their thoughts and deeds. One such Saint was Sant Ravidas. On February 19, we will observe Ravidas Jayanti," he added.

Highlights Khelo India Success

"When we talk about creation of New India, then determination exhibited by our youth is veritable example of what is New India. Inspiring stories from ‘Khelo India’ are ample proof that building of New India involve contribution from big cities,small cities,villages," he said.

'Swachh Sundar Shauchalaya'

Modi said there has been innumerable beauty contests across the world, but India is witnessing a revolutionary contest - the "Swachh Sundar Shauchalaya". The participants of this public contest upload the images of their toilets on social media using the hashtag #MyIzzatGhar.

"Over the past month, more than 50 lakh toilets have participated in this unique contest. The name of this unique contest is 'Clean beautiful Toilet'," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 27, 2019 11:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).