PM Narendra Modi addressed the 81st edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat‘ on Sunday, September 26, 2021. He started his address by saying “September is an important month, a month when we celebrate World River Day. A day to remember the contribution of our rivers that selflessly provide us with water.”

“Naga river in Tamil Nadu had dried up, but due to the initiatives by the rural women, and active public participation the river was brought to life, and to this day there is plenty of water in the river,” said PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

The prime minister also addressed the water scarcity issues in India and talked about two of the most adversely impacted state by the crisis. 

“In the western parts of India, especially Gujarat and Rajasthan, there is a scarcity of water and suffer droughts. In Gujarat, at the beginning of the rainy season people celebrate ‘Jal-Jilani Ekadashi’ it is similar to what we call today ‘Catch the Rain,” said PM Narendra Modi.

Modi then talked about his US visit, where the Biden administration offered India to take back some of its antiques.

“A special ‘E-auction’ of gifts I received is underway, these days. The proceeds from that will be dedicated to the ‘Namami Gange’ campaign,” said Modi.

Modi also urged the nation to adopt ‘Swacchta and Khadi’, two ideals of Mahatama Gandhi ahead of the Gandhi Jayanti.

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“Bapu’ (Mahatma Gandhi) was a proponent of cleanliness, he made cleanliness a mass movement and associated it with the dream of independence,” the PM said urging people to buy Khadi products to mark Bapu’s Jayanti with great fervour on October 2.

Modi also touched upon India’s COVID-19 crisis and warned Indians to be extra careful and not to let their guards down in the festive season.

“Festivals are approaching, we’ve to continue our fight with COVID. ‘Team India’ is making new records every day, including vaccination which has made records internationally… No one should be devoid of this ‘Suraksha Chakra’, protocols should be followed,” said Modi.

The radio programme is PM Modi’s first address to the nation after his recently-concluded visit to the United States. In New York City, he addressed the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Before his address at the UNGA, he attended the Quad Summit that was hosted by US President Joe Biden in Washington.  

In the earlier episode of the ‘Mann ki Baat’, PM Modi lauded the efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Bihar and Kanjirangal Panchayat in Tamil Nadu for their initiative towards village waste management and self-reliance. The episode was held on August 29, 2021.