In the 128th episode of his Mann ki Baat, Modi recounted how the month of November was filled with inspiring historical and development milestones, including the nationwide celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Dharmadhwaja uprising at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the achievement of an all-time high with grain production of 357 million tonnes.
Modi also spoke about the inauguration of the world's largest MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility for LEAP engines for civil aircraft in Hyderabad, his participation in a ceremony in Mumbai where INS Mahe was inducted into the Indian Navy and the opening of the Skyroot Infinity campus in Hyderabad.
Talking about the fourth Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, Modi said it would begin on December 2 in Varanasi and would have an interesting theme, Tamil Karkalam, or Learn Tamil. The confluence of the world's oldest language and one of the world's oldest cities is always a wonderful experience. The Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has become an important platform for all those who are committed to the Tamil language, Modi said. He added that whenever we spoke to locals in the host city, they always said they loved being a part of the event.
Here they have the opportunity to learn something new and meet new people. This time again, the people of Kashi are very eager to welcome their brothers and sisters from Tamil Nadu with great enthusiasm. I urge you all to be part of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. Along with this, also consider other platforms that strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat, he added.
In his speech, Modi also delivered a few lines in Tamil, which translate to: Tamil culture is great, Tamil language is great and Tamil is the pride of India. In 2022, Modi inaugurated the first edition of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, his parliamentary constituency.
Voices for local and G20 summits in South Africa
In his speech on Sunday, Modi also reminded citizens of his voice for the local mantra. He recounted that during the recent G20 summit in South Africa, he presented several world leaders with gifts based on the craftsmanship of local artists from Rajasthan, Telangana and Kerala, among others.
As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, Modi urged Indians to strengthen their voice in support of the local campaign. I remind you once again, remember the mantra 'vocal for local', buy only what is made in the country, sell only what bears the hard work of a citizen of the country, he said.
Speaking about his recent visit to Bhutan, Modi said everyone thanked Indians for sending Buddhist relics there. He said the same
initiatives were undertaken to bring Buddhist relics to Russia, Vietnam, Mongolia and Thailand. Even the King of Thailand went there to have darshan. It is heartwarming to see such a deep connection with the sacred relics of Buddha Bhagwan across the world, he said.
Modi also said that November was a great success for India in sports and congratulated the Indian women's team which won the ICC World Cup, India's performance at the Deaflympics in Tokyo, the players who won the Kabaddi World Cup and the women's team which won the Blind Cricket World Cup, among others.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India's potential in winter tourism and said destinations like Auli, Munsyari, Chopta and Deyara are gaining popularity during the winter season. He also spoke about the upcoming winter games in Uttarakhand and the popularity of the hills for destination weddings.