Justice K G Balakrishnan
India, that is Bharat, completed 75 years of its Independence on 15th August, 2022. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought forth to our nation and its rich civilization the vision for its ‘Amrit Kaal’ – the next 25 years till the centenary of its precious freedom in the Vikram Samvat 2104 (Gregorian year 2047), which is a period of infinite possibilities and transformation for our beloved country Bharat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ushered in a new era of growth and achievements for our country by his vision and diligence in creating this truly remarkable path forward for all our citizens. One initiative by the Prime Minister that has stood out, out of the many outstanding initiatives he has taken for the upliftment and better governance of our country is his programme, Mann Ki Baat. Mann Ki Baat is a unique radio programme which was incepted in Vikram Samvat 2071 (Gregorian year 2014), through which Prime Minister has not only established direct contact with those citizens who are hardest to reach but also the most down trodden in our society.
Mann Ki Baat is wonderful in its essence because it creates a direct connect between the listener and the Prime Minister. One feels that he or she is being addressed directly by Prime Minister, as their well-wisher and guide on an intellectual, spiritual and individual level. Prime Minister has established this practice of addressing the Nation without any fail. No matter what the challenge was before us as a nation, the Prime Minister has never relented in discharging his role as a leader of our country. This transformative radio programme which has been the ushered for several significant social and cultural mass movements in the country was started in October 2014 and is reaching the milestone of 100 episodes on 30th April 2023.
Prime Minister has ushered in the Amrit Kaal by laying down the ‘Panch Pran’ i.e., five pledges that every citizen of Bharat must take to lay the unshakable foundation of the future Bharat. Each of these Panch Pran is focused on inspiring action, and facilitating Nation building. The Pran include the goal of a developed Bharat; removing any traces of colonial mind set; celebrating our heritage; strengthening unity and focusing on our duties. Bharat in the last decade has recorded spectacular growth in its various sectors with the Prime Minister’s resolve to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is evident from the fact that during the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19 pandemic, Bharat was able to produce indigenous vaccines for the benefit of its citizens and the World. The Prime Minister urged Bharat to become a self-reliant nation and a strong global economic force on ‘Mann ki Baat’ during the pandemic. Bharat has resolved to excel in its civilisational goals which include social stability, economic prosperity, cultural safeguard and evolution, which are contemporaneous with its roots. Prime Minister has effectively conveyed and manifested the spirit of this resolve in the people of our country through his programme Mann Ki Baat.
Prime Minister has continuously inspired citizens of the country to become agents of change and contribute to national development. Mann Ki Baat has been a stellar platform for promoting Start-up India campaign, fuelling innovation and entrepreneurship among young people in India. The digital revolution in our country, to the largest scale, has been popularised through this medium. ‘Mann ki Baat’ has been a bulwark in popularizing all-round developments in the country. Mann Ki Baat is yet another tool for transforming the lives of our citizens and uniting them to contribute to the broader goal of a developed nation. Prime Minister recognizes that our Art, Literature and Culture are pillars of structuring a new Bharat. He has not only taken this responsibility upon himself to inform the general public about the collective wealth of our society through Mann Ki Baat but has taken many initiatives to retrieve and rebuild our pillars of Art, Literature and Cultural heritage. Prime Minister has shown his faith in the nation’s ability to take on the role of a global leader as a true representative of the country. He promotes the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ on the world stage through his initiatives. This has created a positive impact on citizens who feel proud and motivated to work towards the goal of Bharat becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’. While giving the clarion call for ‘Amrit Kaal’ to the nation, Prime Minister said that this is the right time to embark on a journey of achievements based on our talent, resources and strength. He added the call of ‘Sabka Prayas’ to the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, invoking the people to make their contribution in the journey of building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The Prime Minister laid down the path of ‘Amrit Kaal’ setting the goal of ascending new heights of prosperity, while bridging the rural-urban divide and promoting the less government, more governance mantra for the nation. It has been established that the rise of New Bharat can undoubtedly be ensured with the participation, dedication and commitment of every Indian. And Mann Ki Baat will continue to be a driving force in this direction, highlighting the nation’s progress through Jan-Bhagidari. Therefore, bringing the nation closer to continually achieving its goals and perpetually instilling the spirit of nationalism and patriotism in India i.e., Bharat. It will be interesting to see what the centenarian episode of this iconic radio programme which will be live on 30th April 2023, brings forth.
(The author is former
Chief Justice of India).
