Mann Ki Baat: A conversation that millions of Indians look forward to

Source- The post is based on the article “Mann Ki Baat: A conversation that millions of Indians look forward to” published in “The Indian Express” on 29th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Polity and Governance

Relevance– Public communication by leadership

News– Pm Modi is going to address the 100th episode of Maan Ki Baat programme.

Why has the medium of radio been chosen by PM Modi for the exchange of his ideas?

Radio is an intimate story-telling medium. There cannot be a more potent instrument for exchange of ideas between the country’s Prime Minister and the people of his country.

AIR’s reach is also large, with about 600 channels carrying the programme.

Many world leaders have realised the power of radio — Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and other presidents of the United States of America.

What is the importance of the Maan Ki Baat programme?

Youth, especially students and lifestyle issues of our competitive times have been a regular focus of Mann Ki Baat. The Prime Minister had dedicated one complete episode in February 2016 to the topic of facing exams in a stress-free manner.

People who faced tremendous pressure themselves and excelled, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Viswanathan Anand and CNR Rao,  featured in this episode. They gave valuable, simple tips to students.

The Prime Minister went on to write the best-selling book, Exam Warriors, on the same topic. These turned into bestselling books for students.

From the girl child to student stress, from cleanliness to coming out of depression, the Prime Minister has often utilised Mann Ki Baat as a platform to make society speak to itself by speaking to him.

Mann Ki Baat and Swachh Bharat are connected in more ways than one. Swachh Bharat was launched on October 2, 2014, and the first episode of Mann Ki Baat went on air the very next day, on October 3, 2014.

For PM, Mann Ki Baat has been one of the most important platforms in strengthening the cleanliness mission and making it a more people-driven movement.