New Delhi, November 30: In his monthly radio program “Mann Ki Baat” on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited people to the fourth Kashi Tamil Sangamam, to be held in Kashi from December 2 to 15.
He said that this Sangamam has become an important platform for people associated with the Tamil language and culture. He also mentioned during the program that during the G20 summit, a bronze statue of Nataraja, based on the Chola period art of Thanjavur, was presented to the President of South Africa.
In the 128th episode of “Mann Ki Baat,” the Prime Minister said that the confluence of the world’s oldest language and one of the world’s oldest cities is always wonderful. The theme of this year’s Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is “Learn Tamil” (Tamil Karakalam).
He said, “I urge all of you to be a part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Also, consider other platforms that strengthen the spirit of ‘One India, Best India’. .. Tamil Kalachaaram Uyarvanad, Tamil Moli Uyarvanad, Tamil Indiavin Perumidam.”
Modi described the transport of Buddhist relics to many countries around the world as heart-warming. He said that the people of Bhutan were expressing their gratitude to Indians for sending the sacred relics of Lord Buddha. Similar enthusiasm was seen in many other countries. The sacred relics have also been transported to Kalmykia in Russia, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
He said that seeing such a deep connection to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha across the world is heart-warming. It is heartening to hear how such initiatives become a means of connecting people across the world.
The Prime Minister said that the spirit of “vocal for local” is rapidly growing in the country and the public has embraced it as a part of their lives. He noted that India’s diverse handicrafts were also highlighted in the gifts presented to foreign leaders at the G20 Summit. Gifts made using traditional arts from various states were intended to bring global recognition to the talent of Indian artisans.
He reiterated the need to choose indigenous products when shopping for festivals and upcoming occasions.
Describing the month of November as highly inspiring, he cited achievements such as Constitution Day, the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” the hoisting of the Dharma Dhwaj at the Ram Temple, the Panchajanya Memorial in Kurukshetra, the inauguration of the world’s largest leap engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, the induction of INS Mahe into the Navy, and the new impetus given to the space economy by SkyRoute’s “Infinity Campus.”
He pointed out that India has set a new record with a food grain production of 357 million tonnes, which is 100 million tonnes more than a decade ago.
The Prime Minister said that the month has been a remarkable one for Indian sports. It began with the women’s cricket team winning the ICC Women’s World Cup, followed by India’s best-ever performance at the Deaf Olympics in Tokyo, winning 20 medals. Women athletes created history by winning the Kabaddi World Cup, while Indian athletes also won 20 medals at the World Boxing Cup Finals.
He particularly praised the World Cup victory of the women’s blind cricket team, which won the title without losing a single match. The Prime Minister said that this team is an inspiration to every Indian. He also mentioned the rapidly growing endurance sports culture in the country, with young people actively participating in competitions like marathons, bikeathons, and Ironman triathlons. Such events are strengthening fitness and self-confidence among people.
At the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the achievements of young people from Pune in a drone competition organized by ISRO, where they successfully flew a drone in Mars-like conditions. The Prime Minister also highlighted the progress made in honey production in the country. The Prime Minister praised the growing interest of the country’s youth and professionals in natural farming and the efforts being made in this direction in South India.
He noted the growing respect for the Gita worldwide. He explained that the Mahabharata Experience Centre in Kurukshetra offers a live experience of the stories through 3D and digital technology. The International Gita Festival held at Brahma Sarovar has so far seen participation from numerous countries, while the Gita was presented on a public platform for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Special Gita festivals were also organized in several European countries.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Indian culture conveys the message of peace and compassion. In this context, he mentioned the unveiling of a statue in memory of ‘Jam Saheb’ in Moshav Nevatim, southern Israel. He recalled that Maharaja Digvijay Singh of Nawanagar set a humanitarian example by sheltering Polish Jewish children during World War II.