Prime minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of India for achieving the $400 billion exports target which he said signifies the country's potential and capability.
He was speaking for the 87th episode of monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on March 27.
Here are highlights and key quotes from the address:
Congratulates India for achieving $400 billion exports target
"India has achieved the target of 400 billion dollar exports. It has filled us with pride. This signifies India's capabilities and potential. It means that the demand for Indian goods is rising in the world," said Modi.
The PM added, "There was a time when the figure of exports from India used to be $100 billion, at times $150 billion, sometimes $200 billion. India has reached $400 billion."
Success of small entrepreneurs
The PM stated that it was previously believed only big business could sell products to the government, but this has changed due to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and it demonstrates the spirit of India.
- Today our small entrepreneurs are playing a major partnership role in government procurement through GeM. A much transparent system has been developed through technology.
- During the last one year through the GeM portal, the government has purchased items worth more than one lakh crore rupees.
- Close to 1.25 lakh small entrepreneurs, small shopkeepers have sold their goods directly to the government. There was a time when only big companies could sell goods to the government.
Array of new products sent to newer countries
- The list of 'Make in India' products is as huge as our potential and hard work of our farmers, manufacturers and industry.
- Many fruits and vegetables like Ladakh's apricot, Tamil Nadu's bananas, and Himachal's millets are reaching the world.
- Right from Bijapur's fruits and vegetables to the black rice from Chandoli, we are seeing exponential exports. The best part is that our exports are being supplied to new destinations like Denmark, South Korea, London, and Kenya among other nations.
- The first consignment of millets grown in Himachal and Uttarakhand was exported to Denmark.
- Bainganapalli and Subarnarekha mangoes from Krishna and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh were exported to South Korea.
- Fresh jackfruits from Tripura were exported to London by air
- For the first time King Chilli from Nagaland was dispatched to London
- The first consignment of Bhalia wheat was exported from Gujarat to Kenya and Sri Lanka.
Promotes 'Local to Global' concept
- When each and every Indian is vocal for local, it does not take long for the local to become global. Let's make the local ‘global’ and augment the prestige of our products further
On Ayush startups from India
- Ayush is becoming the source of inspiration for upcoming startups. Startups like Kapiva, Nirog Street, and Atrey Innovations are promoting holistic lifestyle around the world.
- I am confident that India's Ayush startups will soon rule the world with better quality products.
Urges people to conserve every drop of water
- I would request the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' to reiterate our resolves that we should save every drop of water. Also, we must give equal emphasis on recycling water. The water used at home can be used in pots, can be used in gardening, and must be reused. With a little effort, you can make such arrangements in your homes.
Tells children to become 'Water warriors'
- In this task of saving water, I have high hopes from children. Just as our children made cleanliness a movement, they can help save water by becoming 'Water Warriors'.
- 'Jal Mandir Scheme' played a significant role in the protection of these wells or step wells. Several step wells were revived all over Gujarat. This also helped a lot in raising the water level in these areas.
Lauds efforts of citizens for taking up inspiring and noble initiatives
- Chandrakishore's resolve regarding cleanliness is very heartfelt. He stands by Godavari river, and encourages people not to throw garbage in the river. If he sees someone doing this, he immediately stops them.
- Rahul Maharana from Puri has cleaned hundreds of kilos of plastic garbage and filth by visiting holy pilgrimage sites and cleaning their plastic garbage. He has taught us about performing our duties as a citizen.
- Muttapan Narayan's initiative 'Pots for Water for Life' has distributed earthen pots for people to fill water for birds and animals in summer season.
- Arun Krishnamurthy from Chennai is running a campaign to clean the ponds and lakes in his area. He took up the responsibility of cleaning more than 150 ponds and lakes and successfully completed it.
- Rohan Kale, an HR professional, is running a campaign to preserve hundreds of step wells in Maharashtra. Many of these wells are centuries old and are part of our heritage. Bansilal-Pet Kuan in Secunderabad is one such step well.
Praises 126-year-old yoga practitioner Baba Sivananda, calls him an inspiration
- The life of Baba Sivananda is an inspiration for all of us. He has a passion for Yoga and leads a very healthy lifestyle.
- Seeing the agility of the 126-year-old, everyone must have been as astonished as I was. Before one could bat an eyelid, Baba started bowing in the Nandi Mudra. I bowed a number of times and offered Pranaam to Baba Sivanand ji.
- I saw several comments on social media that Baba is more fit than people four times younger than him.
Says many festivals lined up next month, hails diversity of India
- Navratri is only a few days away, we practice fasting, perform sadhana of Shakti, our traditions teach us celebration and restraint as well. Sanyam and Tap are also a festival for us, which is why Navratri has always been very special for all of us.
- There is also festival of Gudi Padwa on the very first day of Navratri. Easter also comes in April and the holy days of Ramadan are also starting. Let us celebrate our festivals by including everyone together, strengthening India's diversity.
Tributes to Mahatma Phule, Savitribai Phule & Babasaheb Ambedkar
- In the month of April we will also celebrate the birth anniversary of two great personalities. Both of them have left a deep impact on Indian society. These great personalities are Mahatma Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar. We will celebrate Mahatma Phule's birth anniversary on April 11 and Babasaheb's birth anniversary on April 14.
- Both these personalities were crusaders against injustice & have left strong imprints on India's history & future.
PM Modi said that Mahatma Phule opened schools for girls in that era and raised the voice against female infanticide.
- I would urge the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' to visit the places associated with Mahatma Phule, Savitribai Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar. You will get to learn a lot there.
- The mention of Savitribai Phule is equally important in this reference to Mahatma Phule. Savitribai Phule played a significant role in the formation of many social institutions. As a teacher and a social reformer, she also made society aware and encouraged it. Together they founded the Satyashodhak Samaj...they made efforts for the empowerment of the people. We can clearly see the influence of Mahatma Phule in the work of Babasaheb Ambedkar. He also used to say that the development of any society can be assessed by looking at the status of women in that society.
- Hence I request every parent to educate girl child, and 'Kanya Shiksha Pravesh' is one such initiative to encourage girls to rejoin schools and resume education that they are entitled to.
