New India is clarion call of 125 crore countrymen

Mar 26,  2:0 PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon citizens to be the part of the transformation of the country so that the dream of New India can be fulfilled. Sharing his thoughts in the 30th edition of Mann Ki Baat in All India Radio today, Mr Modi said, New India is the clarion call of 125 crore countrymen. He said it is the desire of 125 crore countrymen for change. He said, New India is neither a government programme, nor is it the manifesto of a political party, nor is it a project. Mr Modi said it is the essence of the emotions of the Indians wanting to come together and create a magnificent India. Mr Modi said, there are lakhs of people, who besides their own personal responsibilities are working selflessly for the exploited, victimised, deprived and for the poor and the oppressed. He said, the belief that service to humanity is service to God, is innate to Indians. The Prime Minister said, if every citizen resolves that he will discharge his duties honestly, it will contribute to the realisation of the dream New India. Mr Modi urged people to be part of the journey from Swaraj to Suraaj by making their lives disciplined, and filled with resolve. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagrah which is completing 100 years next month, Mr Modi said, in India’s struggle for freedom, Gandhian thought and Gandhian practice became manifest for the first time in Champaran. He said, it was a turning point in the entire journey of India’s freedom struggle. Mr Modi said, the immense power of the common man in the freedom struggle, manifests again in the journey from Swaraj to Suraaj for the benefit and happiness of all. Expressing happiness over large number of people participating in the digital payment, Prime minister said the poorest of the poor also making an attempt to learn to do business without cash. He said there has been a surge in various modes of digital payment after demonetisation and over one and half crore people have downloaded BHIM app. Urging the people to become a brave soldier in the fight against black money and corruption, Prime minister asked 125 crore countrymen to undertake 2500 crore digital transactions during this year. Welcoming the increased participation of working class women, Mr Modi said central government has taken a very important decision of giving maternity leave of 26 weeks, instead of the earlier 12 weeks for their pregnancy and delivery. He highlighted the basic aim is to ensure proper care of the newborn, the future citizen of India from the time of birth. Prime minister said this landmark decision will benefit 18 lakh women working in the formal sector. Prime minister said 7th April is World Health Day and this year the focus is on Depression. Saying there is a need to create psychologically conducive environment for the person suffering from depression, Mr Modi said depression is curable. He said yoga is a good means for mental wellbeing. Extending greetings to people of Bangladesh on their Independence Day, Mr Modi assured that India is a strong partner, a good friend of Bangladesh and both nations will continue to work together to contribute towards peace, security and development of the entire region. Paying tributes to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, the Prime Minister said, no words can do justice to their sacrifice and they continue to inspire people. In his address, Mr Modi also touched upon the issues of cleanliness and wastage of food. Mr Modi also greeted people for the new year which will be celebrated in different parts of the country on Tuesday.