‘Mann ki Baat’: Modi lauds Padma winners, talks about women empowerment
Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the selection process for picking Padma award winners has been transformed under his government, asserting that more significance has now been given to the nominee’s work than name.
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In his monthly and this year’s first ‘Mann ki Baat’ address, Modi highlighted works of some winners whose names were announced on the eve of Republic Day, and said common people, who are not living in big cities and not seen in newspapers and TV, have received it.
In the last three years, he said, the selection process has been made online, which has led to transparency and anybody can now nominate people for the honours.
He called upon society to hear the stories of these winners so that they could enrich and inspire others.
Modi also spoke at length about the issue of women empowerment and said women are now moving ahead in all fields.
“Women in India are making progress in all fields and doing us proud. They are playing leadership role, which is very heartening,” he said.
The performance of an all-woman BSF team during the Republic Day parade surprised guests, he said.
Remembering astronaut Kalpana Chawla ahead of her death anniversary on February 1, Modi said she gave out a valuable message to all Indians, especially young girls. “...Her message is, ‘Nothing is impossible for women, if they have a strong will’,” Modi said.
Modi said Chawla inspired women with the thought that there is no limit to the power of women.
Prime Minister also lauded the President of India for taking a new initiative of meeting a group of women achievers.
He lauded tribal women of Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh, who have taken upon driving e-rickshaw to empower themselves economically.
He also praised the “human chain” formed in Bihar against social evils against dowry and child marriage and said flexibility and continuous efforts for self-correction are a hallmark of society.
With Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary falling on January 30, he said no tribute to him can be bigger than following the path shown by him.
The Prime Minister also mentioned of 3000 medical stores started by the Centre, which provide medicines at low price.
He said on account of transparency in the process of selection for Padma awards, deserving persons have become beneficiaries.
Modi also paid tribute to Indian residing abroad who had been contributing to the countries of their adoption. With agencies
