PM Modi hailed media for making positive impact on Swachh  Bharat mission and BetiBachaoBetiPadhao

NEW DELHI, Mar 18 (The CONNECT) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi today suggested to media to amplify the “lesser-known events” of the freedom struggle and unsung freedom fighters and places associated with the struggle.

Similarly, newspapers can be a great way to give platform for upcoming writers from non-media background and promote regional languages in areas where they are not spoken, Modi said inaugurating centenary year celebrations of Mathrubhumi via video conferencing today.

He elaborated on the positive impact of the media on the campaigns of New India. He gave the example of the Swachh Bharat Mission where every media house took it up with great sincerity. Likewise, the media has played a very encouraging role in popularising Yoga, fitness and BetiBachaoBetiPadhao. 

“These are subjects beyond the domain of politics and political parties. They are about making a better nation in the coming years”, he pointed out.

The Prime Minister said that “while we did not have the opportunity to sacrifice our lives  during the freedom struggle for Swarajya, this Amrit Kaal gives us the opportunity to work towards a strong, developed and inclusive India”.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to all the leading personalities in the journey of Mathrubhumi. He said inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, Mathrubhumi was born to strengthen India’s freedom struggle.  He placed the publication in the glorious tradition of newspapers and periodicals founded all across India to unify the people of our nation against colonial rule. He gave examples of Lokmanya Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Shyamji Krishna Varma and others who used newspaper for their work during India’s freedom struggle.

He specially recalled the efforts of Shri M.P. Veerendra Kumar to uphold India's democratic ethos during the Emergency.

Speaking about the world’s expectation from India in presenr cuircumstances, the Prime Minister said that India defied the initial speculation of inability to handle the pandemic. For two years, 80 crore people got access to free ration. Over 180 crore doses of vaccines have been administered, he said.

“Powered by India’s talented youth, our nation is moving towards Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance.  At the core of this principle is to make India an economic powerhouse that caters to domestic and global needs”, the Prime Minister said. Unprecedented reforms were brought in, which will boost economic progress. Production Linked Incentive Schemes were introduced in different ectors to encourage local enterprise. India's start-up eco-system has never been more vibrant, he explained.

In four years, the number of UPI transactions   have increased over 70 times. Rupees110 Lakh crore are being spent on a National Infrastructure Pipeline. PM Gatishakti  is going to make  infra creation and governance  more seamless, he said.

“We are actively working to ensure every village of India has high-speed internet connectivity. The guiding principle of our efforts is to ensure the future generations lead a better lifestyle than the present ones”, he added.