Modi-Obama jugalbandi on ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama today said that neither of them had imagined that they would occupy the high offices in their respective countries, with Modi suggesting it was better to dream of doing something instead of becoming something while Obama said both have been blessed with extraordinary opportunity coming from relatively humble beginnings.

Sharing their thoughts with the people in “Mann ki Baat” over All-India Radio, both leaders were candid in expressing their views on societies, attitudes, approach to challenges and opportunities to all while seeking ideas on six key issues to eliminate poverty, quality healthcare for all, youth empowerment with education, jobs for all, end to terrorism, global peace and progress. The talk was a sequel to the joint op-ed the leaders published in Washington Post when Modi visited the US last September.

Prime Minister Modi flagged the issue of skewed girl-child ratio and mentioned how many families who have daughters take pride in bringing them up.

He said that irrespective of seeking assistance from President Obama in his "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, his life is an inspiration for the way he has brought up his daughters and takes pride in them.

On his part, when asked about his two daughters Malia and Sasha, President Obama said they could not join the trip because of schools and that the family would come back sometime later.

He said they were fascinated by Indian culture and when he returns, he would tell them the country is as fascinating as they had imagined. Asked if he and Michelle would return after his term as President to carry on the campaign against obesity and diabetes that the First Lady advocates, Obama said he was proud of the work his wife was doing in this direction.

“We very much look forward to partnering with organisations...and government and non-government organisations here in India around broader public health issues, including obesity."

The Prime Minister and I, Obama said, have discussed how we can do a better job in dealing with the pandemic.
Public health infrastructure around the world needs to be improved and India has a lot to teach other countries who are not moving as rapidly to improve this sector.