During the 105th episode of his radio show, ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe corridor, which was announced during the G20 summit in New Delhi, as a pivotal global trade route for future economic interactions. PM Modi underscored that this corridor had the potential to shape world trade for generations to come, drawing parallels to the historic Silk Route of ancient India, instilling a sense of pride that the IME corridor originated from India.
Furthermore, PM Modi commended India’s role in granting full membership to the African Union in the G20 bloc, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to strengthening its international partnerships. He also acknowledged the rising popularity of the venue, Bharat Mandapam, during the Delhi G20 summit, where people were enthusiastically taking selfies and sharing their pride on social media.
The Prime Minister recognized the active participation of India’s youth in the G20 summit, specifically mentioning the ‘G20 University Connect Programme’ set to take place in Delhi. This initiative would unite university students from across the country, including prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, NITs, and Medical Colleges. PM Modi encouraged college students to watch and participate in this program scheduled for September 26, expressing his anticipation for engaging with them.
PM Modi also highlighted the global reverence for Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas, noting that world leaders paid homage at his memorial during the G20 Summit. He encouraged people to participate in a significant cleanliness program on October 1, emphasizing its significance as a tribute to Gandhi and urging support for khadi products. As the festive season approached, he appealed to the public to prioritize ‘vocal for local’ and consider purchasing ‘Made in India’ products.
In a celebration of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, PM Modi applauded two notable achievements. To begin with, he marked the acknowledgment of Santiniketan as a World Heritage Site. Additionally, he expressed joy over the inclusion of the Hoysala Temples of Karnataka in the list of World Heritage Sites, emphasizing India’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its diverse heritage.
PM Modi also acknowledged ‘World Tourism Day’ on September 27, highlighting the importance of tourism as a means of employment and education. He mentioned the successful exposure of India’s tourism sites to the world during the G20 conference, with around one lakh foreign delegates visiting the country. PM Modi stressed that tourism, besides being a business sector, serves as a cultural educator for travelers, offering insights into the visited places.
Lastly, PM Modi took pride in India’s global cultural influence, mentioning a 21-year-old German girl named Kasmi who gained popularity on Instagram for singing Indian songs. Despite being blind since birth, Kasmi learned to play the tabla and sing in various Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Assamese, serving as an inspiring example of cross-cultural appreciation and talent.
