A Milestone in Public Outreach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday marked the completion of 12 years of his monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, describing the milestone as a journey equivalent to a "pilgrimage" that celebrates the extraordinary contributions of ordinary citizens across diverse sectors.

Addressing the 139th episode of the programme, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to listeners nationwide for the unwavering warmth and affection shown throughout the broadcast's twelve-year run.

From Vijayadashami to a National Tradition

The inaugural episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on October 3, 2014, coinciding with the festival of Vijayadashami, across the networks of All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan. Since then, the programme has maintained an uninterrupted monthly schedule.

"Twelve years ago, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, we began Mann Ki Baat. Since then, our journey has continued uninterrupted. All of you have been both fellow travellers and the inspiration of this journey," the Prime Minister stated during his address.

Celebrating Grassroots Heroism

Highlighting the core philosophy of the broadcast, PM Modi noted that the platform serves as a vital medium to spotlight grassroots innovators and unsung heroes whose dedication often remains unnoticed by mainstream society.

"For me, Mann Ki Baat has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work, courage, commitment, dedication, and spirit of service of the common man of our country," he said. He likened the experience of connecting with citizens to a traditional pilgrimage, aimed at understanding societal efforts at the ground level.

Building a Direct Connection

The Prime Minister emphasized that the programme transcends a traditional one-way broadcast, functioning instead as an intimate dialogue that bridges distances between the leadership and individual households.

"Through this programme, I, in a way, pay homage to the power of the people of our country. It gives me an opportunity to connect with every family across the nation," PM Modi added, noting the frequent feedback from citizens who feel he speaks to them directly as a family member.