Mann Ki Baat: ‘Every Citizen Can Combat Black Money’

He wished Bangladesh on its Independence Day and spoke of Gandhi’s arrival in public life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the 'New India' was a joint call and desire of 125 crore Indians and called upon the people to perform their duties as responsible citizens.

In his monthly radio address Mann ki Baat, the first since the Bharatiya Janata Party's victories in the recently concluded assembly elections in five states, Modi said small and steady steps by all Indians can lead to realisation of a new and transformed India.

We are in the 21st century and there is no Indian who doesn’t want to transform India. New India is neither a government project nor a manifesto of a political party. It is the joint call and desire of 125 crore Indians to transform India.

"Everything is not linked to the budget or government funds. If every citizen pledges to be more responsible, performs his duties, then this dream of new and transformed India can be easily realised," he said.

Digital Payments

Expressing his gratitude to people for taking to digital payments, the Prime Minister said that every Indian can combat black money.

Modi said that with a firm resolution, India can see 2.5 crore digital transactions within the next six months.

I express my gratitude to the citizens for going for digital transaction. Every Indian can be a crusader against black money just by opting for digital payment rather than cash transactions.

He added, "Within two months of its launch, there had been 1.5 crore downloads of BHIM app, this is commendable... If 125 crore citizens make a resolution, then we can achieve the target of 2.5 crore digital transactions within six months, and not wait for a year."

Just make sure that you submit the school fee of your children, railway or airline bookings and other transactions are done through digital mode.

On Gandhi

On the centennial year of Champaran and Kheda agitations helmed by Mahatma Gandhi, he reminded the countrymen of the great leader's arrival in public life at a time which was a "turning point".

The arrival of Gandhi in public life in 1917 "was a turning point from the point of view of struggle (for independence)", Modi said. He implored people to imagine the hard work and immense enterprise that Gandhi must have put to use when he marshalled these agitations in Champaran and Kheda, having only been in India for two years.

He cited the agitations as a text-book example of "how to begin in public life", for Gandhi's display of his "organisational skills, knowing the pulse of people placed at the bottom rungs", and of using other great leaders such as Rajendra Prasad in the movement.

British, at the time, were confounded by Gandhi’s ways... who practised ‘<i>sangharsh</i> and <i>srijan</i>’ (struggle and creation) as modes of agitation.

Bangladesh’s Independence Day

He also wished neighbouring Bangladesh on its Independence Day on 26 March.

We all are proud that both the nations share the memories of Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore who wrote the national anthem of both India and Bangladesh.

Modi said both Bangladesh and India will continue being partners in future for mutual benefit and progress.

'Depression Curable, Speaking About it Helps’

Modi called on people to change the society's mindset about the menace of "depression" and to encourage its victims to speak up.

We are aware about depression. However, it is true that those suffering from depression are not forthcoming to share their exprerience with others because he or she feels ashamed to do so. We should change this and encourage them to speak and share their burden.

He said that depression was not an incurable ailment, and one can overcome it if the right psychological environment is built for him or her.

Suppression of depression is not good. Expression is always good. If depressed, share your feelings with others, it will make you feel better.

He made the remarks ahead of World Health Day on 7 April.

(With IANS inputs)