Ahmedabad, Aug 30 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday joined booth-level workers, local leaders and residents in Ahmedabad’s Thaltej area to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 137th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, with the programme focusing on grassroots participation, youth and initiatives aimed at nation-building.
Patel attended the collective listening programme at Booth number 172 in Thaltej Ward of the Ghatlodia Assembly seat, his constituency.
The programme was part of similar gatherings organised across Gujarat, where party leaders, elected representatives, workers and citizens listened to the monthly radio address.
During the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode, PM Modi highlighted grassroots initiatives involving technology, social action and entrepreneurship, and spoke about the importance of public participation in the country’s development.
He also urged citizens to adopt positive thinking and contribute to nation-building.
The Prime Minister emphasised the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, calling for greater support for local products, indigenous goods, art and culture as part of efforts towards building an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
New experiments, start-ups and the use of technology in different fields were also highlighted.
Prime Minister Modi also drew attention to successful initiatives relating to cleanliness, environmental conservation and ‘Nari Shakti’, or women’s empowerment, while appreciating modern and traditional farming practices adopted by local farmers.
A key focus of the address was the need to keep young people away from substance abuse.
PM Modi made a special appeal for greater momentum to the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, urging efforts to keep the country’s youth free from addiction and enable them to contribute to the creation of a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
The Prime Minister also referred to the ‘Bharatrajya’ website created by Krishna Sheshadri, praising the initiative for using technology to make India’s history more accessible.
Chief Minister Patel listened to the programme alongside booth workers and local residents and reiterated the importance of taking the messages conveyed through ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to people across Gujarat.
The Chief Minister described the programme as a source of “inspiration, energy and a resolve for nation-building”.
A large number of booth workers, office-bearers and residents participated in the Thaltej gathering.
Across Gujarat, the BJP had organised community-focused programmes involving different groups, including youth, farmers, professionals and women, alongside the broadcast.
–IANS
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