In the 81st edition of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute the country’s rivers on the
occasion of World River Day. He lauded states and communities that
have been working towards protecting their rivers, and encouraged
people to work together to prevent pollution and conserve rivers.
“As we celebrate World River Day today, I urge the people across the
country to mark a ‘river festival’ at least once a year,” PM Modi said.
The proceeds from the recent ‘E-auction’, held in honour of his
birthday, will be dedicated to the ‘Namami Gange’ campaign, PM
Modi said.

Continuing with the theme of protecting the environment, the Prime

Minister also highlighted the importance of his nationwide Swachh
Bharat cleanliness drive. “Today, after so many decades, the
cleanliness movement has once again worked to connect the country
with the dream of a new India,” PM Modi said. “And this is also
becoming a campaign to change our habits.”

Mahatma Gandhi was a proponent of cleanliness, Modi observed.

“He made cleanliness a mass movement and associated it with the
dream of independence,” he said.

To mark the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti next month, PM Modi

encouraged people to buy Khadi products with great fervour. “Today
the production of Khadi and Handloom has increased manifold and its
demand has also increased,” he stated.
To mark the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti next month, PM Modi
encouraged people to buy Khadi products with great fervour. “Today
the production of Khadi and Handloom has increased manifold and its
demand has also increased,” he stated.

Nearly a week after the country administered a record number of

Covid vaccines in a single day on PM Modi’s birthday, he lauded the
country’s efforts in combating the pandemic. “I request those who are
not yet vaccinated to take their shot. But we cannot let out guard
down even after vaccination,” he said.
He also honoured late politician Deendayal Upadhyay, whose birth
anniversary was celebrated on September 25. “His philosophy of
economics, his policies to empower the society, the path shown by
him to Antyodaya, is as relevant as it is inspiring even today.,” the
PM said.
“Deendayal ji taught that we take so much from the society, from the
country, whatever it is, it is only because of the country, so we should
think about how we will repay our debt towards the country,” he
added.
The latest episode comes on the heels of PM Modi’s recent visit to the
United States, where he met US President Joe Biden and other fellow
Quad leaders, and addressed the United Nations General Assembly
(UNGA).