‘Mann ki Baat’ highlights: Even during the pandemic, Indian startups continued to create value and wealth: PM

*Paromita Das

In his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio broadcast, he announced that the number of unicorns in India had reached 100 on the fifth of this month.

“A unicorn is a startup with a turnover of at least Rs 7,500 crore. These unicorns are worth a total of $330 billion, or more than Rs 25 lakh crore. It must be a source of great pride for every Indian “said the prime minister.

“You’ll be surprised to learn that 44 unicorns were formed only last year, out of the total of unicorns. Furthermore, 14 unicorns were created in a three-four month period this year. This means that our startups continued to generate wealth and value even during the global pandemic “he stated.

According to Modi, the average annual growth rate of Indian unicorns is higher than that of the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

He also stated that Indian unicorns are diversifying and that the startup world reflects a spirit of a new India, with entrepreneurs hailing from small cities and towns.

PM Modi urges people to support self-help groups in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation via the radio broadcast; Mann Ki Baat, urged people to support women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which “will also give impetus to the self-reliant India campaign.”

The Prime Minister, highlighting the potential of the country’s artisan community, stated that SHGs promote women empowerment and give impetus to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.’
Prime Minister Modi stated, “I discovered an interesting and appealing thing a few days ago that is full of colours and creativity of the countrymen and their artistic talent. It was given to me by a SHG in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This gift has the fragrance of Indianness and Matri-blessings Shakti’s – a glimpse of her love for me. This is a special Thanjavur Doll with a GI Tag. I’d like to thank the Thanjavur Self-Help Group in particular for sending me this culturally rich gift.”

PM Modi stated that the Thanjavur Doll is writing a new chapter in the story of women’s empowerment. He also stated that women’s SHG stores and kiosks are opening up in Thanjavur. The lives of many poor families have changed as a result, according to PM Modi, who added that with the help of such kiosks and stores, women are now able to sell their products directly to customers. “These Women SHGs stores have opened up in very prime locations in Thanjavur,” he added.

Women are also taking full responsibility for their own upkeep. These women-led SHGs make toys, mats, and artificial jewelery in addition to GI products such as Thanjavur Doll and Bronze Lamp. Sales of GI and handicraft products have increased significantly as a result of such stores. Not only have the artisans benefited from this campaign, but the women are also being empowered by an increase in their income.” He stated that the initiative is called ‘Tharagaigal Kaivinai Porutkal Virpanai Angadi,’ and it is supported by 22 Self-Help Groups.

“I also encourage Mann Ki Baat listeners to find out which Women Self Help Groups are active in their communities.” You should also gather as much information as possible about their products and use them as much as possible. By doing so, you will not only help to increase the income of Self-Help Groups, but you will also give a boost to the “Self-Reliant India Campaign,” PM Modi urged.

PM Modi is concerned about litter along the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ route.

Taking note of litter along the Char Dham Yatra route, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about garbage dumps in the Kedarnath Temple areas in his radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and urged people to keep the surroundings clean.

“The Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is currently underway.” Thousands of devotees are participating in the Char Dham Yatra, particularly to the Kedarnath Temple. However, I have seen some devotees bemoan the fact that they encountered filth on their way to Kedarnath. ‘It is not right to be on a holy pilgrimage and come across a heap of filth,’ said PM Modi, adding that some pilgrims have also been cleaning the nearby areas where they have been staying during the Yatra.

He stated that many organizations and voluntary organizations are also working on sanitation efforts alongside the Swachh Bharat campaign team.

“Pilgrimages are important, but so is ‘teertha sewa.’ I would also argue that a pilgrimage is incomplete without ‘teertha sewa.’ Many people in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand are involved in’sadhana’ of cleanliness and service “he stated.
PM Modi praised the efforts of Rudra Prayag resident Manoj Bainjwal, who has spent the last 25 years caring for the environment.

“Apart from leading the cleanliness campaign, he is also working to make holy places plastic-free. Surendra Bagwadi, from Guptkashi, has made cleanliness his life mantra as well. He regularly runs cleanliness programmes in Guptkashi, and I’ve learned that he has also named this campaign ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ “The Prime Minister stated.

PM Modi also mentioned Champa Devi from village Devar, who has been teaching village women about waste management.

“Champa Devi has planted hundreds of trees and has created a forest full of greenery through sheer hard work,” PM Modi added. “Let us keep the dignity of these pilgrimage sites in mind wherever we go. We should never forget the importance of purity, cleanliness, and a holy environment, and it is critical that we follow the resolution of cleanliness. A few days later, the world will observe June 5th as ‘Environmental Day.’ We must constantly promote positive environmental campaigns in our communities. This time, you should bring everyone together – you should definitely make an effort to clean up and plant trees. Plant a tree and inspire others to do the same “PM Modi was also mentioned.

On May 3, on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, the Gangotri and Yamunotri portals were opened for devotees. While Kedarnath reopened on May 6, Badrinath reopened on May 8.