24^th February, 2020 is the 1^st anniversary of starting of a new Central Sector Scheme, namely, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). The scheme was started with a view to augment the income of the farmers by providing income support to all landholding farmers’ families across the country, to enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs. Under the Scheme an amount of Rs.6000/- per year is transferred in three 4-monthly installments of Rs.2000/- directly into the bank accounts of the farmers, subject to certain exclusion criteria relating to higher income status. The Scheme was formally launched on 24^th February, 2019 by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a grand function at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.

The scheme is effective from 1.12.2018. The cut-off date for identification of beneficiaries with regard to their eligibility is 1.2.2019. The entire responsibility of identification of beneficiaries rests with the State / UT Governments. An exclusive web-portal www.pmkisan.gov.in has been launched for the Scheme. The financial benefits are released to the beneficiaries on the basis of the data of farmers prepared and uploaded by them on the PM-Kisan web-portal.

The Scheme initially provided income support to all Small and Marginal Farmers’ families across the country, holding cultivable land upto 2 hectares. Its ambit was later expanded w.e.f. 01.06.2019 to cover all farmer families in the country irrespective of the size of their land holdings. Affluent farmers have been excluded from the scheme such as Income Tax payers in last assessment year, professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants etc and pensioners pensioners drawing at least Rs.10,000/- per month (excluding MTS/Class IV/Group D employees). Special provisions have been made for the North-Eastern States where land ownership rights are community based, Forest Dwellers and Jharkhand, which does not have updated land records and restrictions on transfer of land.

For enrollment, the farmer is required to approach the local patwari / revenue officer / Nodal Officer (PM-Kisan) nominated by the State Government. Farmers can also do their self-registration through the Farmers Corner in the portal. Farmers can also edit their names in PM-Kisan database as per their Aadhaar database / card through the Farmers Corner in the portal. Farmers can also know the status of their payment through the Farmers Corner in the portal. Village-wise details of beneficiaries are also available on the Farmers Corner.

The Common Service Centres (CSCs) have also been authorized to do registration of the farmers for the Scheme upon payment of fees. The above facilities on Farmers Corner are also available through CSCs. The total number of beneficiaries expected to be covered under the Scheme is 14 crore on the basis of the Agriculture Census, 2015-16. Beneficiaries are entitled to their benefit from the 4-monthly period in which their name is registered by the State Nodal Officer (SNO) in the PM-Kisan Portal. The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has also launched a 24×7 automated IVRS based helpline for status verification. Farmers can dial 1800-11-5526 or 155261 to know the status of their application. Besides, farmers can now reach out to the PM KISAN team on email pmkisan-ict@gov.in. State Governments are organizing camps periodically for the farmers to facilitate correction of application details. All installments falling due on or after 1^st December, 2019 are being paid only on the basis of Aadhaar authenticated bank data of beneficiaries to ensure genuine beneficiaries and avoid duplicacy in payments, except in respect of the States of Assam and Meghalaya besides the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh which are exempted from this requirement till 31.3.2020.

The Central Government has already released more than Rs. 50850 crores till now. Total number of beneficiaries to be covered under the scheme is about 14 crore, based on estimates of the Agriculture Census 2015-16. As on 20.02.2020, on the basis of the data of beneficiaries uploaded on the PM-Kisan web portal by the State/UT Governments 8.46 crores farmer families have been given the benefits. Statewise details are as given below:

A comprehensive Monitoring Mechanism has been put in place for effective implementation of the scheme. At the Centre a High Level Committee, comprising Union Ministers of Finance, Agriculture and Land Resources exists to make necessary modifications in the Scheme. A Review Committee at the National Level under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary with Secretaries of Department of Expenditure (DEA), Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), Land Resources and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) as members periodically reviews and monitors implementation of the scheme. The Central Project Monitoring Units (PMU) under JS-level CEO  monitors implementation and publicity etc of the scheme. At the States/UTs level, Nodal Department and PMUs constantly monitor implementation of the scheme  while there are State & District Level Monitoring Committees besides State and District Level Grievance Redressal Committees.

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चीफ़ जस्टिस ऑफ इंडिया जस्टिस बोबड़े, कानून मंत्री रविशंकर प्रसाद जी, मंच पर उपस्थित सुप्रीम कोर्ट के न्यायाधीश गण, अटॉर्नी जनरल ऑफ इंडिया, इस कॉन्फ्रेंस में आए दुनिया के अन्य उच्च न्यायालयों के न्यायाधीश, भारत के सुप्रीम कोर्ट और हाइकोर्ट्स के सम्मानित Judges, अतिथिगण, देवियों और सज्जनों !!

दुनिया के करोड़ों नागरिकों को न्याय और गरिमा सुनिश्चित करने वाले आप सभी दिग्गजों के बीच आना, अपने आप में बहुत सुखद अनुभव है।

न्याय की जिस chair पर आप सभी बैठते हैं, वो सामाजिक जीवन में भरोसे और विश्वास का महत्वपूर्ण स्थान है।

आप सभी का बहुत-बहुत अभिनंदन !!!

साथियों,

ये कॉन्फ्रेंस, 21वीं सदी के तीसरे दशक की शुरुआत में हो रही है। ये दशक भारत सहित पूरी दुनिया में होने वाले बड़े बदलावों का दशक है। ये बदलाव सामाजिक, आर्थिक और तकनीकी, हर मोर्च पर होंगे।

ये बदलाव तर्क संगत होने चाहिए और न्यायसंगत भी होने चाहिए, ये बदलाव सबके हित में होने चाहिए, भविष्य की आवश्यकताओं को देखते हुए होने चाहिए, और इसलिए, Judiciary and The Changing World पर मंथन बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है।

साथियों, ये भारत के लिए बहुत सुखद अवसर भी है कि ये महत्वपूर्ण कॉन्फ्रेंस, आज उस कालखंड में हो रही है, जब हमारा देश, राष्ट्रपिता महात्मा गांधी की 150वीं जन्मजयंति मना रहा है।

पूज्य बापू का जीवन सत्य और सेवा को समर्पित था, जो किसी भी न्यायतंत्र की नींव माने जाते हैं।

औऱ हमारे बापू खुद भी तो वकील थे, बैरिस्टर थे। अपने जीवन का जो पहला मुकदमा उन्होंने लड़ा, उसके बारे में गांधी जी ने बहुत विस्तार से अपनी आत्मकथा में लिखा है।

गांधी जी तब बंबई, आज के मुंबई में थे। संघर्ष के दिन थे। किसी तरह पहला मुकदमा मिला था लेकिन उन्हें कहा गया कि उस केस के ऐवज में उन्हें किसी को कमीशन देना होगा।

गांधी जी ने साफ कह दिया था कि केस मिले या न मिले, कमीशन नहीं दूंगा।

सत्य के प्रति, अपने विचारों के प्रति गांधी जी के मन में इतनी स्पष्टता थी।

और ये स्पष्टता आई कहां से?

उनकी परवरिश, उनके संस्कार और भारतीय दर्शन के निरंतर अध्ययन से।

Friends,

भारतीय समाज में Rule of Law सामाजिक संस्कारों का आधार रहा है।

हमारे यहां कहा गया है- ‘क्षत्रयस्य क्षत्रम् यत धर्म:’। यानि Law is the King of Kings, Law is supreme. हजारों वर्षों से चले आ रहे ऐसे ही विचार, एक बड़ी वजह हैं कि हर भारतीय की न्यायपालिका पर अगाध आस्था है।

साथियों,

हाल में कुछ ऐसे बड़े फैसले आए हैं, जिनको लेकर पूरी दुनिया में चर्चा थी।

फैसले से पहले अनेक तरह की आशंकाएं व्यक्त की जा रही थीं। लेकिन हुआ क्या? 130 करोड़ भारतवासियों ने न्यायपालिका द्वारा दिए गए इन फैसलों को पूरी सहमति के साथ स्वीकार किया। हजारों वर्षों से, भारत, न्याय के प्रति आस्था के इन्हीं मूल्यों को लेकर आगे बढ़ रहा है। यही हमारे संविधान की भी प्रेरणा बना है। पिछले वर्ष ही हमारे संविधान को 70 वर्ष पूरे हुए हैं।

संविधान निर्माता डॉक्टर बाबा साहब अंबेडकर ने कहा था-

“Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always a spirit of age.”

इसी भावना को हमारे देश की अदालतों, हमारे सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने आगे बढ़ाया है।

इसी स्पिरिट को हमारी Legislature और Executive ने जीवंत रखा है।

एक दूसरे की मर्यादाओं को समझते हुए, तमाम चुनौतियों के बीच कई बार देश के लिए संविधान के तीनों Pillars ने उचित रास्ता ढूंढा है।

और हमें गर्व है कि भारत में इस तरह की एक समृद्ध परंपरा विकसित हुई है।

बीते पाँच वर्षों में भारत की अलग-अलग संस्थाओं ने, इस परंपरा को और सशक्त किया है।

देश में ऐसे करीब 1500 पुराने कानूनों को समाप्त किया गया है, जिनकी आज के दौर में प्रासंगिकता समाप्त हो रही थी।

और ऐसा नहीं है कि सिर्फ कानून समाप्त करने में तेजी दिखाई गई है।

समाज को मजबूती देने वाले नए कानून भी उतनी ही तेजी से बनाए गए हैं।

Transgender Persons के अधिकारों से जुड़ा कानून हो, तीन तलाक के खिलाफ कानून हो या फिर दिव्यांग-जनों के अधिकारों का दायरा बढ़ाने वाला कानून, सरकार ने पूरी संवेदनशीलता से काम किया है।

Friends,

मुझे खुशी है कि इस कॉन्फ्रेंस में Gender Just World के विषय को भी रखा गया है।

दुनिया का कोई भी देश, कोई भी समाज Gender Justice के बिना पूर्ण विकास नहीं कर सकता और ना ही न्यायप्रियता का दावा कर सकता है। हमारा संविधान Right to Equality के तहत ही Gender Justice को सुनिश्चित करता है।

भारत दुनिया के उन बहुत कम देशों में से एक है, जिसने स्वतंत्रता के बाद से ही महिलाओं को वोट देने का अधिकार सुनिश्चित किया। आज 70 साल बाद अब चुनाव में महिलाओं का ये Participation अपने सर्वोच्च स्तर पर है।

अब 21वीं सदी का भारत, इस Participation को दूसरे पहलुओं में भी तेज़ी से आगे बढ़ा रहा है।

बेटी बचाओ, बेटी पढ़ाओ जैसे सफल अभियानों के कारण पहली बार भारत के Educational Institutions में Girls Child का Enrolment, लड़कों से ज्यादा हो गया है।

इसी तरह सैन्य सेवा में बेटियों की नियुक्ति हो, फाइटर पाइलट्स की चयन प्रक्रिया हो, माइन्स में रात में काम करने की स्वतंत्रता हो, सरकार द्वारा अनेक बदलाव किए गए हैं।

आज भारत दुनिया के उन कुछ देशों में शामिल है जो देश की करियर वूमेन को 26 हफ्ते की Paid Leave देता है।

साथियों,

परिवर्तन के इस दौर में भारत नई ऊँचाई भी हासिल कर रहा है, नई परिभाषाएं गढ़ रहा है और पुरानी अवधारणाओं में बदलाव भी कर रहा है।

एक समय था जब कहा जाता था कि तेजी से विकास और पर्यावरण की रक्षा, एक साथ होना संभव नहीं है।

भारत ने इस अवधारणा को भी बदला है। आज जहां भारत तेजी से विकास कर रहा है, वहीं हमारा Forest Cover भी तेज़ी से Expand हो रहा है। 5-6 साल पहले भारत विश्व की 11वीं सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था था। 3-4 दिन पहले ही जो रिपोर्ट आई है, उसके मुताबिक अब भारत विश्व की 5 वीं सबसे बड़ी अर्थव्यवस्था है।

यानि भारत ने ये करके दिखाया है कि Infrastructure के निर्माण के साथ-साथ Environment को भी सुरक्षित रखा जा सकता है।

साथियों,

मैं आज इस अवसर पर, भारत की न्यायपालिका का भी आभार व्यक्त करना चाहता हूं, जिसने विकास और पर्यावरण के बीच संतुलन की गंभीरता को समझा है, उसमें निरंतर मार्गदर्शन किया है।

अनेक Public Interest Litigations-PILs की सुनवाई के दौरान सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने भी पर्यावरण से जुड़े मामलों को नए सिरे से परिभाषित किया है।

साथियों,

आपके सामने न्याय के साथ ही, शीघ्र न्याय की भी चुनौती हमेशा से रही है। इसका एक हद तक समाधान टेक्नोलॉजी के पास है।

विशेषतौर पर Court के Procedural Management को लेकर इंटरनेट आधारित टेक्नॉलॉजी से भारत के Justice Delivery System बहुत लाभ होगा।

सरकार का भी प्रयास है कि देश की हर कोर्ट को e-court Integrated Mission Mode Project से जोड़ा जाए। National Judicial Data Grid की स्थापना से भी कोर्ट की प्रक्रियाएं आसान बनेंगी।

आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलीजेंस और मानवीय विवेक का तालमेल भी भारत में न्यायिक प्रक्रियाओं को और गति देगा। भारत में भी न्यायालयों द्वारा इस पर मंथन किया जा सकता है कि किस क्षेत्र में, किस स्तर पर उन्हें आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलीजेंस की सहायता लेनी है।

इसके अलावा बदलते हुए समय में Data Protection, Cyber Crime, जैसे विषय भी अदालतों के लिए नई चुनौती बनकर उभर रहे हैं। इन चुनौतियों को ध्यान में रखते हुए, ऐसे अनेक विषयों पर इस कॉन्फ्रेंस में गंभीर मंथन होगा, कुछ सकारात्मक सुझाव सामने आएंगे। मुझे विश्वास है कि इस कॉन्फ्रेंस से भविष्य के लिए अनेक बेहतर समाधान भी निकलेंगे।

एक बार फिर आप सभी को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाओं के साथ मैं अपनी बात समाप्त करता हूं !! धन्यवाद !!!

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Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the International Judicial Conference in New Delhi. Distinguished Judges of the Supreme Court as well as various High Courts, Eminent lawyers and delegates from overseas also took part in the Conference.

Cherishing his presence amongst the Judiciary which inspires trust and confidence to all the citizens of the World, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Judicial Conference is taking place at the beginning of the 3rd decade of the 21st Century.

The Prime Minister stressed that this is the decade of rapid changes not only in India but also the World. He said the changes are taking place in Social, Economic and Technological fields and that they should be based on logic, equitable justice. “Hence the topic of this conference, “Judiciary and The Changing World” is apt and significant”, he said. .

“The Conference is also happening at the same time when the country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi”, he said.

Recalling how the Mahatma, refused his case a lawyer when had to pay commission to get it, the Prime Minister said that the Mahatma’s belief in honesty and service were owing to his upbringing and his study of the Indian traditions and culture.

Prime Minister said that India’s philosophy is based on the paradigm that “Law is King of Kings, Law is Supreme”.

He said it is the belief in this philosophy made all the 130 Crore Indians accept in a calm and peaceful manner, the recent judgements of the Judiciary.

Quoting Dr B R Ambedkar that “Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always a spirit of age’, Prime Minister said that this sentiment has been carried forward by the courts of our country and kept alive by our Legislature and Executive.

“Understanding each other’s limitations, in the midst of all the challenges, many times the three Pillars of the Constitution have found the right path for the country. In the last five years, different institutions of India have strengthened this tradition”, he added.

The Prime Minister emphasized that about 1500 obsolete laws have been abolished in the country at a rapid pace and many new laws strengthening society have been enacted at the same pace.

The Prime Minister expressed his happiness that the theme of ‘Gender Just World’ has been introduced in this conference. “No country in the world, no society can make full development without Gender Justice, nor can it claim justice,” he said. PM listed the changes made by the Government for bringing about gender balance like the recruitment of daughters in military service, changes in the selection process of fighter pilots, and the freedom to work at night in the mines. He also highlighted that today, India is one of the few countries in the world that gives 26 weeks of Paid Leave to the country’s working women.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister thanked the judiciary for its balance between development and environment, and continued guidance in it. He added, India has shown that along with the creation of infrastructure, the environment can also be protected.

Emphasizing the need for technology to deliver speedy justice, the Prime Minister said the government has made an effort to connect every court of the country to the e-court Integrated Mission Mode Project. “The establishment of National Judicial Data Grid will also make court procedures easier,” he said. The synergy of artificial intelligence and human conscience will also give further impetus to judicial processes in India, he added.

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मंच पर उपस्थित ओडिशा के मुख्यमंत्री श्री नवीन पटनायक जी, केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल में मेरे सहयोगी श्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान जी, श्री किरण रिजिजू जी, ओडिशा सरकार में मंत्री श्री अरुण कुमार साहु जी, श्री तुषारकांति बेहेरा जी और देशभर से आए युवा साथियों !!

मैं आपके साथ टेक्नॉलॉजी के माध्यम से जुड़ रहा हूं, लेकिन वहां जो माहौल है, जो उत्साह है, जो जुनून है, जो ऊर्जा है, उसको मैं अनुभव कर सकता हूं।

आज ओडिशा में नया इतिहास बना है। भारत के इतिहास में पहले खेलो इंडिया यूनिवर्सिटी गेम्स की शुरुआत आज से हो रही है।

ये भारत के खेल इतिहास में ऐतिहासिक पड़ाव तो है ही, भारत के खेलों के भविष्य के लिए भी एक बड़ा कदम है।

आज भारत दुनिया के उन देशों की लीग में शामिल हो गया है, जहां इस स्तर पर यूनिवर्सिटी गेम्स का आयोजन होता है।

ओडिशा की जनता और वहां की सरकार को इस आयोजन के लिए और देशभर से आए 3 हज़ार से अधिक युवा खिलाड़ियों को इन गेम्स के लिए बहुत-बहुत बधाई और शुभकामनाएं।

साथियों,

आने वाले दिनों में आपके सामने लक्ष्य 200 से ज्यादा गोल्ड मेडल जीतने का तो है ही, उससे भी अहम आपके अपने प्रदर्शन में सुधार, आपके खुद के सामर्थ्य को नई ऊंचाई देना है।

भुवनेश्वर में आप एक दूसरे से तो कंपीट कर ही रहे हैं, खुद से भी कंपीट कर रहे हैं।

याद रखिए, भुवनेश्वर में किया गया आपका परिश्रम, आपके सपनों को, आपके परिवार के सपनों को और भारत के सपनों को आगे बढ़ाएगा।

आपके सामने इस समारोह की Torch Bearer, दुती चंद जी जैसे अनेक प्रेरक व्यक्तित्व हैं। आप मेडल भी जीतें और देश को फिटनेस के लिए प्रेरित भी करें, इसी भाव के साथ मैदान में उतरना है।

साथियों,

आज का ये दिन सिर्फ एक टूर्नामेंट का आरंभ मात्र नहीं है, बल्कि भारत में खेल आंदोलन के अगले चरण की शुरुआत है।

खेलो इंडिया अभियान ने देश के कोने-कोने में खेलों के प्रति आकर्षण और युवा टैलेंट की पहचान में अहम भूमिका निभाई है।

स्कूली बच्चों के लिए होने वाले इस राष्ट्रव्यापी अभियान को अब एक स्तर आगे बढ़ाते हुए, यूनिवर्सिटी के लेवल पर शुरु किया गया है।

खेलो इंडिया अभियान से देश में क्या परिवर्तन आया है, ये गुवाहाटी में पिछले महीने देखने को मिला है।

साथियों,

साल 2018 में जब खेलो इंडिया गेम्स की शुरुआत हुई थी, तब इसमें 3500 खिलाड़ियों ने हिस्सा लिया था। लेकिन महज तीन वर्षों में खिलाड़ियों की संख्या 6 हजार से अधिक हो गई है, यानि लगभग दोगुनी।

सिर्फ संख्या ही नहीं बढ़ रही, खेल और खिलाड़ियों का स्तर, खेल इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का स्तर भी निरंतर सुधर रहा है। इस साल खेलो इंडिया स्कूल गेम्स में  80 रिकॉर्ड टूटे, जिनमें से 56 रिकॉर्ड तो हमारी बेटियों के नाम रहे।

महत्वपूर्ण बात ये भी है कि इस अभियान के तहत जो प्रतिभा ऊपर आ रही है, वो गांव की है, छोटे शहरों की है, गरीब घरों की है, टीयर 3, टीयर 4 शहरों की है।

ये वो टैलेंट है जो कभी संसाधनों के अभाव में, Exposure के अभाव में आगे नहीं बढ़ पाता था।

अब इस टैलेंट को संसाधन भी मिल रहे हैं और कम उम्र में ही राष्ट्रीय स्तर का ये Exposure भी मिल रहा है।

साथियों,

बीते  5-6 वर्षों से भारत में Sports के Promotion और Participation के लिए ईमानदार प्रयास किए जा रहे हैं। टैलेंट की पहचान हो, ट्रेनिंग हो, या फिर चयन प्रक्रिया हो, हर तरफ ट्रांसपेरेंसी को प्रमोट किया जा रहा है। इसका परिणाम अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मुकाबलों में भारत के प्रदर्शन में भी देखने को मिल रहा है।

खेलो इंडिया अभियान तो युवा टैलेंट की पहचान का एक बड़ा माध्यम बना है। इसमें चुने गए युवा खिलाड़ियों को हर वर्ष लगभग सवा 6 लाख रुपए तक की मदद दी जाती है। इसके अलावा इनको देश की 100 से अधिक एकेडेमी में ट्रेनिंग दी जाती है। अभी तक करीब 3 हज़ार ऐसे खिलाड़ियों का चयन हो चुका है। हाल में एक खेलो इंडिया मोबाइल ऐप की भी शुरुआत की गई है।

इसी तरह ओलंपिक पोडियम स्कीम के तहत देश के प्रतिभाशाली खिलाड़ियों को उच्च स्तर के मुकाबलों के लिए तैयार किया जा रहा है। इस योजना के तहत अभी देश के करीब 100 शीर्ष एथलीट्स को सहायता दी जा रही है।

साथियों,

ये वो खिलाड़ी हैं जो टोक्यो ओलंपिक्स में हिस्सा लेने के लिए संभावित हैं। इस योजना का लाभ पाने वाले खिलाड़ियों ने कॉमनवेल्थ गेम्स, एशियन गेम्स, एशियन पैरा गेम्स, यूथ ओलंपिक्स जैसे मुकाबलों में 200 से अधिक पदक देश को दिलाए हैं। यही नहीं Meritorious Sportspersons के लिए आजीवन पेंशन का भी प्रावधान किया गया है।

साथियों,

खिलाड़ी अपना ध्यान सिर्फ अपने श्रेष्ठ प्रदर्शन पर लगाए, बाकी की चिंता देश कर रहा है। प्रयास ये है कि पढ़ाई के साथ-साथ खेल भी बढ़े और फिटनेस का लेवल भी ऊंचा हो। हमारा युवा खिलाड़ी हर प्रकार के करियर के लिए फिट रहे, इसके लिए राष्ट्रीय खेल युनिवर्सिटी जैसे संस्थान बनाए जा रहे हैं।

साथियों,

देश के युवाओं की फिटनेस हो या फिर International Sports में भारत की बुलंदी, इसके लिए हमें पूरे सामर्थ्य से प्रयास करना है।

अब मैं पहले खेलो इंडिया यूनिवर्सिटी गेम्स की शुरुआत की औपचारिक घोषणा करता हूं !!

आपको फिर से बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं

श्रीमान नवीन जी का, उड़ीसा सरकार का, इतने बड़े समारोह की योजना सिर पर लेने के लिए हृदय से धन्‍यवाद करता हूं, उनका अभिनंदन करता हूं और जय जगन्‍नाथ करते हुए, जगन्‍नाथ की कृपा के साथ हम जग जीतने के लिए निकल पड़ें, ये मेरी आप सबको बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं हैं।

बहुत-बहुत धन्‍यवाद।

वी.आर.आर.के./एस.एच/ एन.एस.

*****

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Khelo India University Games today in Odisha via video link. Addressing on the occasion, Prime Minister said that today is not just the beginning of a tournament but the beginning of the next phase of the sports movement in India. Here you are not only competing with each other, but also with yourself.

“I am connected with you through technology, but I can experience the atmosphere the enthusiasm, the passion and the energy there. The first Khelo India University Games in India’s history are starting today in Odisha. This is a historic moment in India’s sports history. It is also a big step for the future of India’s sports”, Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister added that Khelo India campaign has played an important role in increasing interest towards sports and recognition of young talent in every corner of the country.When the Khelo India Games started in the year 2018, 3500 players took part in it. But in just three years the number of players has almost doubled to more than 6 thousand.

“This year, Khelo India Schools Games has broken 80 records. Out of which 56 records have been in the names of our daughters, our daughters have won, our daughters have done wonders. The important thing is that the talent coming up under this campaign is not from the big city, but from small towns”, Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister mentioned that since the past 5-6 years sincere efforts have been made for the promotion and participation of sports in India. Transparency is being promoted in identification of talent, training and selection process.

“These are the players who are likely to take part in the Tokyo Olympics. The players benefiting from this scheme have given more than 200 medals to the country in several sporting events such as Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Asian Para Games, Youth Olympics. In the coming days, the goal is to win more than 200 Gold medals, and more importantly to improve your own performance and to give new heights to your own potential”, Prime Minister said.

*****

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today felicitated three Padma Awardees from Telangana – ace badminton player Ms PV Sindhu, innovative farmer Shri Chintala Venkat Reddy and well known Sanskrit and Telugu poet Shri Vijayasarathi Sribhashyam, at a function organized by Swarna Bharat Trust, Hyderabad today.

Ms Sindhu is a recipient of Padma Bhushan the other two were awarded Padma Shri by the government recently.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President lauded their achievements in their respective fields. The felicitation was meant to give inspiration to others to emulate these three Padma awardees. It is the recognition of their merit, Shri Naidu said and added that recognizing and respecting the talent is part of Indian culture.

Shri Naidu, who also inaugurated a medical camp expressed his concerns over the rising incidences of Non Communicable Diseases in the country and urged the doctors and the media to create awareness among the people, particularly the youngsters on the need of taking preventive measures.

He pointed out that sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food habits were mainly responsible for NCDs and urged the youth to shun eating junk food and take up physical activity on daily basis to remain fit.

Observing that programs like Fit India, Yoga and Swachh Bharat Mission were meant to ensure good health and hygiene for all, Shri Naidu called upon the youth to adopt these programs and turn them into people’s movements.

He also stressed the need for living in harmony with nature and focus on water conservation efforts.

He urged the youth not to support those indulging in violence and asked them to develop a positive and constructive attitude in life. Quoting the three word mantra of ‘Reform-Perform-Transform’ given by the Prime Minister, Shri Naidu asked the youth to work towards the transformation of the country in all spheres.

On this occasion, certificates were also distributed to the trainees who completed their courses at Swarna Bharat Trust.

Chairman Swarna Bharat Trust, Shri Kamineni Srinivas and Hyderabad Chapter President of Swarna Bharat Trust, Shri Krishna Prasad were among those present on the occasion.

****

VRRK/MS/RK

1. I am happy to be here to attend ‘The Huddle’ organised by The Hindu, a name that connotes not only India’s cultural diversity but also covers a sweep of history which is unparalleled in the world in civilisational context.

2. The Hindu group of publications has been relentlessly aiming to capture the essence of this great country through its responsible and ethical journalism. I commend them for their insistence on sticking to the five basic principles of journalism – truth-telling, freedom and independence, justice, humaneness and contributing to the social good. I am borrowing here Shri N. Ram’s wonderful description of these principles as ‘Panchsheel’ for The Hindu group of newspapers.

3. You all deserve appreciation for organising ‘The Huddle’ as a platform for the churning of thought on a variety of issues that concern people. I am sure that the nectar, that is, Amrit, coming out from the churning would benefit the nation and the world.

4. Let me tell you why it is civilisationally contextual to hold ‘The Huddle’ in this land. Long before the West discovered the benefits of democratic decision-making, Sant Basaveshwara, a 12th century philosopher endowed with extraordinary wisdom, had promoted a culture of collective discussion which was called ‘Anubhav Mantapa’. This is remembered as one of the world’s first parliaments where people were encouraged to speak their mind irrespective of their social status. This was also a unique experiment of gender equality as women were also encouraged to take part in discussions and express their views. We, the people of India are blessed to have sages like Bhagwan Basaveshwara among our ancestors.

5. Debate and discussion are internalised in India’s social psyche to arrive at truth since time immemorial. They are means to an end. On a lighter side, I am talking about an era that preceded high-voltage TV debates! Even in this period of transition, The Hindu continues with its tradition of conducting informed debate through news and views. It would not be an exaggeration to say that The Hindu seeks to protect the sanctity of the printed word and holds fast to the ideology of truth.

6. There is no doubt that perception of truth is conditioned by circumstances. For example, we tend to describe the day’s progress with the rising or setting of the sun. But we know that it is more of a popular and metaphorical expression than the truth. Through arduous research, we came to know it well that neither does the sun rise nor does it set. The conditions that cloud the truth’s positions are effectively dispelled by a contestation of ideas through debate, discussion and scientific temper. Prejudices and violence vitiate the search for truth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

7. As one of the oldest newspapers in the subcontinent, The Hindu has contributed immensely to the nation-building. Fired by a nationalist impulse, six intrepid youth of Madras, barely out of their teens, founded The Hindu in 1878 to redeem our cultural pride. They challenged the imperial power at its peak and nourished nationalism. Since then, the story of The Hindu’s journey is quite instructive for those who wish to understand the spirit of India that is Bharat. Readers too responded enthusiastically. For many in Chennai and elsewhere, the morning came to mean a cup of filter coffer and a copy of The Hindu.

8. One of this newspaper’s avid readers was the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, himself. When The Hindu celebrated its golden jubilee in 1928, Gandhiji wrote, [And I quote] “I gladly add mine to the many tributes that will be paid to The Hindu on its Golden Jubilee. I consider The Hindu to be one of the best, if not the best, among the Indian owned dailies throughout India.” [Unquote]

9. Gandhiji’s insistence on truth, that is, Satyagraha, was based on his unique understanding of truth. Gandhiji, as we all know, was a journalist too and edited a range of journals, in several languages, in South Africa as well as in India. His journalism was, journalism with a cause. Yet, he was deeply aware of the cause of journalism itself too, which is simply truth itself.  That is why he cautioned against the superficiality, the one-sidedness, the inaccuracy and often even dishonesty that had crept into journalism. As he evolved from Mohandas to Mahatma, Truth – with a capital T – became his sole cause, sole quest.

10. Sometimes, dogmas and personal prejudices distort the truth. In the 150^th year of Gandhiji’s birth, let us ponder upon this question: Will it not be proper to pursue truth itself as the ideology? Gandhiji has shown us the path by walking ceaselessly in search of truth which would ultimately encompass every positive attribute that enriches the universe.

11. Today, however, we seem to be living in what has come to be called the post-truth era. I wonder what Gandhiji would have said about it. Of late, there have been attempts to give various shades to truth and define its stages as if some final truth exists beyond provisional truths. To my mind, such attempts are nothing more than indulgence in semantics. Truth exists in absolute form which cannot be eclipsed by blinkers of prejudices. It cannot be a case of ‘your truth’ versus ‘my truth’. Truth has to be one.

12. I am sure that society has been moving in this direction to discover truth through persistent dialogue, argumentation and scientific approach. Let me cite one instance of how society has been transforming itself. Two weeks back, I visited the Kendriya Vidyalaya located in the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises for an interaction with students. I faced a volley of questions about fundamental duties, and many schoolchildren asked if those duties should not be made mandatory for citizens. I was quite surprised when a girl student of class 11 asked if it would be correct to make it legally binding upon citizens to pay their genuine taxes, exercise their franchise, follow rules and respect constitutional entities. Such questions, asked without any prompt, are indicative of the new generation’s yearning for arriving at truth through their own experience.

Ladies and gentlemen,

13. The world is now being shaped above all by information technology. It is so rapidly evolving that what was outright unimaginable only a few years ago has not only become a reality but has even lost its novelty! These trends have impacted journalism in all its aspects, from news gathering to delivering news to readers and finally making money to sustain the activity. The internet and social media have democratized journalism and revitalized democracy. This process is ongoing, but in its current stage, it has also led to many anxieties. The new media is fast and popular and people can choose what they want to watch, hear or read. But only the traditional media has, over years, developed skills to authenticate a news report, and that is a costly operation. I hope that we will arrive at the ideal trade-off soon. In the meanwhile, the traditional media will have to introspect on its role in society and find ways to earn the reader’s full trust again. The project of democracy is incomplete without informed citizens – which means, without unbiased journalism.

Ladies and gentlemen,

14. Those at the helm of The Hindu know that their journey began with a huddle, 142 years back, for a cause. That thinking must also be behind naming the event as ‘The Huddle’ that covers a wide array of topics ranging from politics, economics, the environment and entertainment to gender and sports. At this conclave, speakers are invited to come together and form a huddle to deliberate and review the strategy for the benefit of society and the country. Implicit in this effort is welfare of the entire cosmos consistent with the philosophy of “Sarve bhavantu sukhinah”. I once again commend The Hindu group of publication for organising this conference that lays out a roadmap for posterity.

15. I wish my best to all of you. Thank you.

Jai Hind!

****

VRRK/SH

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the fourth edition of ‘The Huddle’ – annual thought conclave of the Hindu in Bengaluru today (February 22, 2020).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was happy to attend ‘The Huddle’ organised by The Hindu, a name that connotes not only India’s cultural diversity but also covers a sweep of history which is unparalleled in the world in civilisational context. He said that the Hindu group of publications has been relentlessly aiming to capture the essence of this great country through its responsible and ethical journalism. He commended them for their insistence on sticking to the five basic principles of journalism – truth-telling, freedom and independence, justice, humaneness and contributing to the social good.

The President said that debate and discussion are internalised in India’s social psyche to arrive at truth since time immemorial. There is no doubt that perception of truth is conditioned by circumstances. The conditions that cloud the truth’s positions are effectively dispelled by a contestation of ideas through debate, discussion and scientific temper. Prejudices and violence vitiate the search for truth.

The President said that sometimes, dogmas and personal prejudices distort the truth. In the 150th year of Gandhiji’s birth, let us ponder upon this question: will it not be proper to pursue truth itself as the ideology? Gandhiji has shown us the path by walking ceaselessly in search of truth which would ultimately encompass every positive attribute that enriches the universe.

The President said that the internet and social media have democratized journalism and revitalized democracy. This process is ongoing, but in its current stage, it has also led to many anxieties. The new media is fast and popular and people can choose what they want to watch, hear or read. But only the traditional media has, over years, developed skills to authenticate a news report, and that is a costly operation. He expressed hope that we would arrive at the ideal trade-off soon. He said that in the meanwhile, the traditional media would have to introspect on its role in society and find ways to earn the reader’s full trust again. The project of democracy is incomplete without informed citizens – which means, without unbiased journalism.

****

The Indian Delegation at Berlin International Film Festival met Ms Maud Amson, Head of Sales & Operations, Marche Du Film, Cannes Film Festival and Mr Arnaud Menindes, Sales & Operations – Advertising at Marché du Film, Cannes Film Festival regarding Government of India’s participation at the Cannes Film Market 2020. The discussion involved positioning India much more strategically at Cannes. Cannes expressed their collaboration and participation for the 51st edition of IFFI.

The Delegation also met with Heads of renowned Film Festivals, Film Commissons, International Producers like Ms Mariëlle Poupelin, Specialist International Business Development, Telefilm Canada; Mr Enrico Vannucci, Deputy Executive Director, Eurimages; Mr Kai Nordberg, Making Movies OY; Ms Adriane Freitag, Executive Manager, Cinema do Brasil; Mr Lefteris S. Eleftheroiu, Senior Officer, Head of Film Unit, Invest Cyprus, Ms Katalin Vajda, Festival Manager, National Film Institute, Hungary Mr Luis Chaby Vaz, President of Board – ICA Instituto do Cinema e Do Audiovisual, Portugal and Mr Sergio Scapegini, Italian Producer. Mr Scapegini expressed that the Italy would actively consider participating and collaborating with India for the 51st edition of IFFI. He also underlined that the participation would pave-forward for more proactive ties between the two nations.

The Indian Delegation, through these interactions, promoted the 51st edition of IFFI and ease of shooting films in India through Film Facilitation Office that facilitates Single Window Clearance for film-makers and provides a platform for ‘film tourism’ in India through the website www.ffo.gov.in. The Delegation also explored opportunities regarding co-production with India and collaborations for films with international production houses.

Ministry of Information & Broadcating, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry, is participating at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2020 in Germany.

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Indian Naval Sailing Vessels Mhadei and Tarini set sail for the Bay of Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition on 22 February 2020 from the Indian Naval Ocean Sailing Node at Goa. The expedition was flagged off by Rear Admiral SJ Singh, Commandant Naval War College, Goa. This would be the maiden major mixed crew sailing expedition of the Indian Navy with crew composition of five naval officers including two women officers in each boat, covering a total distance of 6,100 Nautical miles each and will be at sea for 55 days. Captain Vipul Meherishi, Skipper Tarini would be the Expedition Leader and Captain Atool Sinha would be Skipper Mhadei. The Skippers for the expedition are accomplished yachtsmen who have brought laurels to the navy and the country by winning medals, both at national and International level competitions.

The prolonged voyage of nearly three months during this expedition would showcase harnessing of renewal energy namely wind energy to propel the boats. The expedition is also in pursuance of the GOI mission of ‘Nari Shakti‘ providing opportunity to women officers at par with men. The expedition also aims to enhance the level of cooperation and camaraderie between the littoral nations in the Bay of Bengal whilst exhibiting the IN expertise in the domain of ocean sailing. The sailing vessels as part of the expedition would make replenishment halts at ports of Phuket, Yangon, Chittagong and Colombo, wherein interaction with various state officials would be conducted including harbour sorties for visiting dignitaries.

Mhadei and Tarini inducted in the Indian Navy on 08 February 2009 and 18 February 2017 respectively have been the vessels of choice for the naval expeditioners in various sailing expeditions, including three circumnavigations and thus have thousands of miles tucked under their belt. Mhadei has successfully completed two circumnavigations, three Cape to Rio trans-Atlantic races and several other expeditions around various continents. The vessel has covered in excess of 1,36,000 nautical miles. Tarini created history in 2017-18 when six Indian Naval women officers sailed the vessel on maiden circumnavigation voyage titled Navika Sagar Parikrama. She thereafter also participated in mixed crew Kochi to Seychelles sail training expedition during 10^th anniversary celebration of the IONS.

The Bay of Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition will generate goodwill amongst the visiting nations and inspire participation in the forthcoming BIMSTEC Sailing Expedition being planned with mixed crew of member nations onboard Indian Naval Sailing Vessels.

 My dear countrymen, I am fortunate to have got an opportunity once again to greet citizens from Kutch to Kohima, Kashmir to Kanyakumari; in fact across the length & breadth of the country. Namaskar to all of you. Reflecting on the expanse & diversity of our land, revering them fills each & every Indian with a sense of pride. And an opportunity to experience this varied diversity is one that touches the heart, filling it up with joy; it is a flower that radiates inspiration. A few days ago, at a small place at the Hunar Haat in Delhi, I witnessed hues of our country’s diverse expanse, cultures, traditions, cuisines & the warmth of emotions. As a matter of fact the repertoire comprising traditional attires, handicrafts, carpets, utensils, Bamboo & brass products, Phulkari of Punjab, exotic leatherwork of Andhra Pradesh, beautiful paintings from Tamilnadu, brass products of Uttar Pradesh, Bhadohi carpets, copper work of Kutch, a number of musical instruments & innumerable stories; the vivid mosaic of pan- Indian art & culture was truly unique. The stories of the artisans’ perseverance, zeal & love for their skill are equally inspiring as well. Listening to a divyang woman at the Hunar Haat was a source of fulfillment. She told me that earlier she used to sell paintings on the pavement. Her life changed after she connected with Hunar Haat. Today, she is not only self- reliant; she has purchased a house too. At Hunar Haat, I got the opportunity to converse with many other artisans. I am told that over 50 per cent of the crafts persons participating at Hunar Haat are women. Also, during the last three years, through Hunar Haat, close to three lakh artisans & crafts persons have gained many opportunities of employment. Hunar Haat, of course, is a platform showcasing art & craft; it is also lending wings to people’s dreams. It is a venue where it is impossible to overlook the country’s diversity. Besides handicrafts, it displays the diversity of India’s varied cuisine too. In a single row, one could savour the sight of Idli- Dosa, Chhole- Bhature, Daal- Baati, Khaman- Khandvi & what not! I thoroughly enjoyed having the delicious Litti- Chokha of Bihar. All over India, fairs & exhibitions such as this are organized from time to time. Whenever the opportunity arises, one should attend such events to know India, to experience India. Thus, not only would you be able to be a part of the country’s art-culture canvas; you will also contribute in the progress & prosperity of hardworking crafts persons, especially women. Do make it a point to visit.

My dear countrymen, our country is bestowed with great traditions. The legacy that we inherited from our ancestors, the knowledge & values that have permeated entail compassion toward each & every living being and boundless love for nature. All this is a part of our cultural heritage. And to partake of this culture of hospitality in the Indian ethos, every year, numerous species of birds from across the world come to India. Throughout the year, India is home to many migratory species. We are told that more than 500 varieties of birds fly in from varied regions. Recently, Gandhinagar was host to the COP- 13 convention, where this phenomenon was mulled over, discussed and deliberated. India’s efforts concerning the subject were lauded too. Friends, it is a matter of pride for us that for the next three years, India will chair the COP convention on migratory species. Do send in your suggestions on lending more substance to this opportunity, making it more useful.

While discussing the COP convention with you, an important piece of information connected with Meghalaya drew my attention. Very recently, biologists have discovered a new species of fish whose habitat is within the caves of Meghalaya. It is believed that this fish is the largest among aquatic species found under the surface of caves. It lives in deep, dark underground caves, with little chance of light reaching in. Scientists are perplexed at the ability of this large fish to survive in such deep caves. It is a matter of joy that our India, and especially Meghalaya is home to a rare species. It lends a new facet to India’s bio-diversity. We are surrounded by many such mysteries, which are still undiscovered. To discover such a phenomenal enigma calls for fierce detective passion.

The great Tamil poetess Avvaiyar writes: Kattat Kemaavoon Kalladaru Udgadvu, Kaddat Kamiyan Adva Kalladar Olaaadu.

This means, what we know is but just a handful of sand; what we do not know is like a universe in itself. Similar is the case with the biodiversity of this country. The more you know, the more you realize the magnitude of what you do not know. Our biodiversity too is a unique treasure for the entire human kind. We have to preserve it, conserve it & explore further.

My dear young friends, children & the youth in India are increasingly taking a keen interest in Science & Technology. Record satellite launches into space, new records, new missions fills up every Indian heart with a sense of pride. When I was in Bengaluru during Chandrayan-2, I witnessed immense enthusiasm & fervor on the part of the children present there. There was no sign of drowsiness from any angle. In a way, they kept awake throughout the night. One can never forget their inquisitiveness when it came to Science, Technology and Innovation. To give a fillip to this very enthusiasm in children & young people; to encourage scientific temper in them, another system has been put in place. You can now sit & watch rocket launching at Sriharikota, taking place in front of your own eyes. Recently, the facility has been made open for all. A visitors’ gallery has been erected, large enough to seat 10 thousand people. Online booking is also possible through a link provided on ISRO’s website. I am told that many schools are arranging tour for their students to show them rocket launching and motivate them. I urge the Principals & teachers of all schools that they should avail of this benefit in times to come.

Friends, I would like to convey to you another exciting piece of information. I’d read the comment of Paras from Dhanbad, Jharkhand on Namo App. Paras wants me to tell our young friends about ISRO’s ‘Yuvika’ programme. ‘Yuvika’ is a very commendable effort on part of ISRO to integrate the youth with science. This program was launched for school students in the year 2019. ‘Yuvika’  is an acronym for ‘ Yuva Vigyani Karyakram and this program is in consonance with our vision, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhaan’. In this programme, students, after their exams, during their holidays, visit different centres of ISRO and learn about Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications. If you want to know how training is imparted, what its nuances are, how exciting it is, then you must read the experience of those who have attended its earlier sessions. If you wish to be a participant of this training, you can register by visiting the website of ‘Yuvika’ linked to that of ISRO. My young friends, I’m telling you the name of the website which you can write down, and must visit today itself. It is – http://www.yuvika.isro.gov.in. Have you written it down?

My dear countrymen, the beautiful valleys of Ladakh witnessed a momentous event on the 31^st of January 2020, for History was made when an Indian Air Force AN-32 aircraft took off from Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpoche Airport. A mixture of 10% Indian Bio-jet fuel was used in this flight and this was the first time that this mix was used in both engines. Not just that, but the airport from which this plane took off from Leh is not only one of the highest altitude airports in India but also in the world! Notably, the bio-jet fuel is prepared from non-edible tree borne oil. It is procured from various tribal areas of India. These efforts will not only reduce carbon emissions but may also reduce India’s dependence on crude oil imports. I congratulate all the people involved in this significant mission, especially the scientists of CSIR and Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, who made it possible to develop the technology to fly an aircraft with bio-fuel. Their efforts also empower the ‘Make in India’ mission.

My dear countrymen, our new India is not willing to tag along with the old approach. In particular, our sisters and mothers of New India are going ahead and grasping the challenges hands on thus setting a pace for a positive transformation in the entire society. The region of Purnia in Bihar is an inspiration for people across the country. This area has been grappling with the havoc caused by floods for decades together. In this backdrop, it has been very difficult to do farming and mobilize other sources of income. But under these very circumstances, some women of Purnia chose a different path. Friends, earlier the women of Purnia used to cultivate cocoons from silkworms obtained from Mulberry trees, and received very nominal price for their produce, while merchants who bought this raw silk made huge profits by spinning it into silk yarn. But today, the women of Purnia have taken a new initiative that has changed the entire scenario. These women formed mulberry-production co-operatives with assistance from the Government. After that, they spun silk yarn from the cocoons, and also started getting saris made with those threads. You will be surprised to know that the very cocoons were sold for a nominal amount earlier; saris made from them are fetching thousands of rupees now. The Didis of the ‘Adarsh ​​Jeevika Mahila Mulberry Production Group’ have performed miracles that are being witnessed across many villages. The Farmer Didis of many villages of Purnia are not only getting saris produced, but are also selling them in big fairs by putting up their own stalls – an example of how today’s women fortified with new power, new thinking are achieving new targets.

My dear countrymen, the entrepreneurship of women and daughters of our country, their courage, are a matter of pride for each one of us. We find many such examples around us which illustrate the manner in which our daughters are breaking age old shackles and attaining new heights. I would particularly like to share with you, the achievement of twelve-year-old daughter Kamya Karthikeyan. Kamya, at the age of just twelve years, has conquered Mount Aconcagua. This is the highest peak of the Andes Mountains in South America, which is about 7000 meters high. Every Indian will be touched by the fact that at the beginning of this month, when Kamya conquered the peak, the first thing she did was to hoist our tricolour there. I have also been told that Kamya, who has made the country proud, is now on a new mission, which is called ‘Mission Saahas’. Under this she is trying to conquer the highest peaks of all the continents. Also, under this mission she will also be skiing on North and South poles.

I wish Kamya all the best for ‘Mission Saahas’. By the way, Kamya’s achievement also motivates everyone of us to stay fit. Fitness has also contributed in great measure in Kamya’s achieving great heights at such a young age. A Nation that is fit, will always be a nation that is a hit. By the way the oncoming months are very opportune for adventure sports. The geography of India is such that it provides many opportunities for adventure sports in our country. On the one hand, we have high mountains, on the other, there is a desert spread far and wide. Similarly on the one hand we have a network of dense forests, on the other, there is an infinite expanse of the sea. Therefore, I make a special appeal to all of you to visit the place of your choice, pick up the activity of your interest and ensure integrating of your life with adventure. Shouldn’t there always be adventure in life? And on top of that friends, after knowing the success story of our twelve-year-old daughter Kamya, you will be astonished, once you hear the success story of 105-year-old Bhagirathi Amma.

Friends, if we wish to progress in life, develop ourselves, wish to achieve something in life, the first pre-condition for that is the student within us must never die. Our 105 year old Bhagirathi Amma, also gives us this inspiration. Now you would be wondering, who Bhagirathi Amma is! Bhagirathi Amma lives in Kollam in Kerala. She lost her mother when she was very young. Soon after her marriage at a young age, she lost her husband as well. But Bhagirathi Amma did not let go of her courage, did not lose her spirit. She had to quit school before she was 10-years-old. She restarted her school education at the age of 105! She started studying again!In spite of her advanced age, Bhagirathi Amma wrote her level 4 exam…and then eagerly awaited her results. She scored 75 percent in her exams. Not just that, she scored cent per cent marks in Mathematics. Amma now wants to continue her studies; wants to appear for higher exams. It’s obvious that people like Bhagirathi Amma are the strength of this country; a great source of inspiration for all of us. Today I specially salute Bhagirathi Amma.

Friends, our courage, our determination during adverse circumstances in life can help us completely alter the situation. Recently, I read one such story in the media, which I would surely like to share with you. This is the story of Salman who lives in Hamirpur village of Moradabad. Salman is divyang by birth. He is unable to stand on his feet. Despite this hardship, he hasn’t lost hope, and decided to start his own business. On top of that, he resolved to help other divyang people people too. And soon enough, Salman started manufacturing slippers and detergent in his village itself. And in no time, 30 divyang people joined him. Do also note, that while Salman himself found it difficult to walk, he decided to manufacture slippers, that help others walk easily. The important thing is that Salman trained his divyang colleagues himself. Now all of them jointly not only manufacture the products, but also market them. By dint of their hard work, they not only ensured employment for themselves, but also turned their venture into a profit-making one. Today, all of them together manufacture 150 pairs of slippers a day. Not just that, this year Salman has resolved to provide employment to 100 more such divyang mates. I salute their courage and their enterprise. A similar determination has been manifested by residents of Ajrak village in Kutch area of Gujarat. In 2001, after the devastating earthquake, most villagers were migrating from the village. However, one person by the name of Ismail Khatri, decided to stay back and nurture his traditional art form of ‘Ajrak print’. And in no time at all, everyone was enchanted by the natural colours used in the Ajrak art. And the entire village joined in on their traditional handicraft category. The villagers not only nurtured their ages-old art form, but also fused it with modern fashion. Now major designers and Design Institutions have started using the Ajrak Print. The hardworking village folk have today turned ‘Ajrak print’ into a major brand. Large international buyers are now getting attracted towards this print.

My dear countrymen, recently the festival of Maha Shivaratri was celebrated throughout the country. The blessings of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati has kept the ethos of this nation awakened. On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, may you continue to be blessed by Bhole baba…may Lord Shiva fulfill all your wishes…may you be energetic, healthy…and continue to do your duties unto the country.

Friends, along with Mahashivaratri, now the splendour of spring will keep blooming day by day. In the coming days, we will celebrate Holi and soon after that, Gudi Padva will be celebrated. The festival of Navaraatri is also associated with spring. Ram Navami will also be celebrated. Festivals and celebrations are an inseparable part of the social fabric of our country. Every festival has a hidden social message which binds not just the society, but the entire country into a spirit of unity. After Holi, from the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the Indian Vikrami New year also begins. For that too, please accept my greetings in advance.

My dear countrymen, I think students will be busy with their examinations till the next Mann Ki Baat. Those who have completed their examinations, will be carefree. My heartiest wishes to those who are busy, and also to those who are carefree. We will meet again in the next edition of Mann Ki Baat with lots of new topics.

Many many thanks. Namaskaar.

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The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today urged the Union and State governments to mandatorily link employment upto a level with the local languages to promote the use of mother tongues in the country.

Inaugurating the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Andhra Vidyabhi Vardhani (AVV) Educational Institutions, in Warangal today, the Vice President also emphasized the need to promote the use of Indian languages in the administration. This will not only bring the administration closer to the people but also help in preservation of our rich linguistic heritage, he said.

Quoting Sardar Patel, Shri Naidu said that unless a child understands the language of instruction properly, he will not be able to understand the subject being taught in that language.

Stressing the need for value-based education, Shri Naidu said that education should focus on overall development of the students by imparting morals, ethics and age old civilizational values of the country. A teacher has prominent role after parents in shaping the life of a student, he said.

Emphasizing the need to end every kind of social discrimination, the Vice President called for a mindset change in the society. He said that the children should be taught to be respectful towards girls and women from an early age.

Highlighting that Indian culture shows great respect for  women, the Vice President said that it was evident from the fact that all rivers in the country are named after  women.

Describing ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ as the essence of Indian culture, Shri Naidu said that secularism is in the blood and veins of every Indian and minorities are more secure in India than any other country of the world. Respecting all religions and ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhav’ is our culture and we should continue to follow it, he added.

Appreciating India’s rich spiritual heritage Shri Naidu said that Bharat Mata Ki Jai means the ‘Jai of 130 crore Indians’.

He exhorted the youth to develop 4Cs – Character, Capacity, Conduct and Caliber, and asked them to be hardworking and disciplined to achieve success in life. Shri Naidu also advised them to shun sedentary lifestyle and keep physically fit.

Objecting to some countries’ tendency to comment on India’s internal matters, the Vice President asked them to refrain from advising India on its internal affairs. Pointing out that India was the largest parliamentary democracy , he said it was capable of managing its own affairs.

Stressing that peace was a prerequisite for development, the Vice President said that in a democracy, everyone has a right to dissent and protest but it should be done in a peaceful manner. He asked the youth to develop positive attitude in life and be constructive and not obstructive in their approach.

Expressing his concern over the fast depleting water resources, the Vice President stressed the need for protecting lakes and traditional water bodies.

“Earlier every village used to have different water bodies for different purposes, but we neglected these traditional water conservation methods”, he said. Shri Naidu also appreciated the work being done by the Telangana government for the irrigation development in the state.

On this occasion, the Vice President released the souvenir of the institute and lauded the contributions of philanthropist and founder of AVV institutions, Shri Chanda Kanthaiah, particularly his love for Telugu during Nizam rule and his initiatives for starting Telugu Medium Schools.

Home Minister of Telangana, Shri Mohammad Mahmood Ali, Panchayati Raj Minister of Telangana, Shri Yerrabelli Dayakar Rao were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

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The Mughal Gardens will remain closed for the general public on February 24 (Monday – maintenance day) and February 25 (Tuesday – on account of state visit of the President of USA).  The Gardens will reopen on February 26, 2020 at 1100 hrs.

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The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, delivered the valedictory address at the International Judicial Conference being organised by the Supreme Court of India, in New Delhi today (February 23, 2020).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the theme chosen for the conference is timely and apt: “Judiciary and the Changing World”. In a way, change is the only constant, and the world has always been changing. In recent years, however, the world has been changing very fast, and in unforeseeable ways. The role of the judiciary is bound to be pivotal amid these dramatic transformations.

The President said that the selection of the topics for the working sessions of the conference could not have been more meaningful. Gender Justice, Contemporary Perspectives on Protection of Constitutional Values, Dynamic Interpretations of the Constitution in a Changing World, Harmonisation of Environment Protection vis-à-vis Sustainable Development and Protection of Right to Privacy in the Internet Age are issues that influence every member of the global community. These five distinctly defined topics cover the matrix of challenges faced by the judiciary across the world. He was happy to note that the judiciary in India has been alive to these themes, and has approached them in the light of the vision behind the Indian Constitution.

The President said that the Supreme Court of India deserves admiration for carrying out many radical reforms that made justice more accessible to common people. Landmark judgements passed by this Court have strengthened the legal and constitutional framework of our country. Its bench and bar are known for their legal scholarship and intellectual wisdom. What it has achieved is nothing less than a silent revolution in diagnosing and correcting the afflictions that adversely affected the justice delivery system.

Referring the yeoman service rendered by the Supreme Court in making the higher courts’ judgments available in regional languages, the President said that this is indeed an extraordinary achievement given the linguistic diversity of India. As of now, the judgments of the Supreme Court get translated in up to nine Indian languages to make them accessible to common people. He expressed confidence that its scope would further widen with the passage of time.

Click here to See President  Speech

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VRRK/SH