Vinay Kumar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, highlighted India’s progress in self-reliance, defence manufacturing and aviation, praised citizens for responding to his appeal amid the Middle East crisis, and lauded initiatives promoting social welfare and financial security.Addressing the programme, he highlighted the successful test of an indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile developed jointly by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.“From the seas to the skies, our India is becoming increasingly secure and self-reliant,” Modi said, adding that these achievements are strengthening the country’s resolve towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat. India’s defence and aviation achievementsOn defence, PM Modi talked about the successful induction of indigenous naval platforms, saying INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray had joined the Indian Navy and that every aspect of their design and manufacturing was indigenous.Highlighting India’s progress in the aviation sector, he noted that the indigenously manufactured C-295 transport aircraft had completed its maiden flight and 40 such aircraft are being manufactured in India.
Highlights Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
The Prime Minister urged citizens to take advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), describing it as an affordable social security initiative.“The government is extending this protective shield to crores of families across the country. Under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, for an annual premium of just ₹20, one gets accidental insurance cover of up to ₹2 lakh,” he said.
Warns against superstition
Prime Minister Modi also spoke about the dangers of superstition, urging people to rely on logic and facts rather than fear and misconceptions.“In Mann Ki Baat, let us now discuss a subject that is thousands of years old, one that has been deeply ingrained in human society for millennia. That subject is superstition. Superstition is often not merely a misconception; it begets fear, and when fear dominates the mind, a person stops seeing the truth. People steeped in superstition begin making decisions without logic or knowledge of the facts—decisions that lead to great harm,” he said.
Hails public response to Middle East crisis
Referring to the prevailing war-like situation in Middle East, the Prime Minister thanked citizens for responding positively to his appeal to conserve resources.“I had urged countrymen to avoid buying gold for some time, as far as possible. I am grateful to every citizen of the country; not only have they supported my appeal, they are also actively cooperating in every way,” he said.Modi said several families had informed him that they chose not to purchase new gold for weddings, instead opting to recycle old jewellery. He also noted that many people had postponed foreign travel and embraced carpooling to reduce fuel consumption.
