Mann ki Baat: PM Modi extends greetings on Chhath puja, lauds Ambikapur's 'garbage cafe'

New Delhi [India], October 26 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Chhath Puja, describing the festival as a symbol of unity between culture, nature, and society.
In the 127th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said, "These days, the entire country is immersed in the festive spirit. All of us celebrated Diwali a few days ago, and now a large number of people are busy with Chhath Puja. Thekua is being prepared at homes, ghats are being decorated everywhere, and the markets are bustling. Everywhere, we are witnessing a confluence of devotion, affection, and tradition. The dedication and devotion with which women observe the Chhath Vrat is truly inspiring, in itself."
"The Mahaparva of Chhath is a reflection of the deep unity between culture, nature, and society. Every section of society comes together at the Chhath ghats. This sight is the most beautiful example of India's social unity. No matter where you are; within the country or at any corner of the world... if you get the opportunity, do participate in the Chhath festival. Experience this unique feel for yourself. I bow to Chhathi Maiya. I extend my best wishes to all countrymen; especially the people of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Purvanchal, on the occasion of the Chhath Mahaparva," PM Modi further said.
Prime Minister also mentioned the 'Garbage Cafe' run by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation in Chhattisgarh, where residents can exchange plastic waste for meals.

"I have also received numerous messages regarding cleanliness and efforts towards that. I want to share with you some inspiring stories from different cities of the country. In Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, a unique initiative has been launched to clean up plastic waste from the city. Garbage Cafes are being run in Ambikapur. These are cafes where you get a full meal in exchange for plastic waste. If someone brings over one kilogram of plastic, they are provided with either lunch or dinner, and in lieu of half a kilogram of plastic, they get breakfast. These cafes are run by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation," PM said.
Prime Minister expressed happiness over the increase in the number of indigenous dogs in the BSF and CRPF contingents.
He recalled mentioning Indian dog breeds five years ago and expressed happiness that the BSF and CRPF have since increased their use of Indian breed dogs.
"Five years ago, I discussed Indian breeds of dogs in this programme. I am happy to say that BSF and CRPF have increased the number of Indian breed dogs in their contingents. BSF's National Training Centre for dogs is located in Tekanpur, Gwalior. Here, special focus is being accorded to the Rampur Hound from Uttar Pradesh and the Mudhol Hound from Karnataka and Maharashtra. At the CRPF's Dog Breeding and Training School in Bengaluru, Indian breeds such as Mongrels, Mudhol Hounds, Kombai, and Pandikona are being trained," said PM Modi.
Prime Minister Modi commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, lauding his contributions to India's freedom struggle, governance, and national unity.
He also urged citizens to participate in the Run For Unity on October 31 to honour the Iron Man of India.
"The 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is a very special occasion for the entire country. Sardar Patel has been one of the greatest luminaries of the nation in modern times. His towering personality encompassed many qualities. He was an exceptionally brilliant student. He excelled in his studies both in India and Britain. He was also one of the most successful lawyers of his time. He could have earned even more fame in the field of law, but, inspired by Gandhiji, he completely dedicated himself to the freedom movement. His contributions to numerous movements, from the 'Kheda Satyagraha' to the 'Borsad Satyagraha', are still remembered today. His tenure as the head of the Ahmedabad Municipality was also historic. He accorded top priority to cleanliness and good governance. We will all forever be indebted to him for his contributions as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister," the PM said.
"Sardar Patel also laid a strong foundation for India's bureaucratic framework. He made unparalleled efforts for the unity and integrity of the country. I urge all of you to participate in the Run For Unity being organized across the country on the 31st of October, Sardar Saheb's birth anniversary, and not just participate alone, but along with others. This should become an opportunity for youth awakening; this run for unity will strengthen unity. This will be our true tribute to that great luminary who united India," he said.
Prime Minister highlighted the significance of India's national song, Vande Mataram, describing it as a source of unity, patriotism, and devotion that connects citizens to the timeless spirit of the nation.
He said India will soon celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, first sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896.
"Let's talk about a subject that is very close to everyone's hearts. This subject is our national song - India's national song, 'Vande Mataram'. A song whose very first word evokes a surge of emotions in our hearts. 'Vande Mataram' - this one word contains so many emotions, so many energies. In simple terms, it makes us experience the maternal affection of Ma Bharati. It makes us aware of our responsibilities as children of Ma Bharati. If there is a moment of difficulty, the chant of 'Vande Mataram' fills 140 crore Indians with the energy of unity. Patriotism... love for Ma Bharati... if this is an emotion beyond words, then 'Vande Mataram' is the song that lends tangible voice form to that abstract feeling. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to infuse new life into an India weakened by centuries of servitude. 'Vande Mataram' might have been written in the 19th century, but its spirit is connected to the immortal consciousness of India that is thousands of years old," he said.
"You might be wondering why I am suddenly referring to so much about Vande Mataram! Actually, just a few days from now, on the 7th of November, we will be entering the 150th year of the celebration of 'Vande Mataram'. 'Vande Mataram' was composed 150 years ago, and in 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time," PM said.
Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda ahead of Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15, highlighting his contributions to India's independence and tribal rights.
"Next month, on the 15th, we will celebrate the Janajateeya Gaurav Diwas. This is the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. I respectfully pay my homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The work he did for the country's independence and for the rights of the tribal community is unparalleled. It was my great fortune to have had the opportunity to visit Ulihatu, the village of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, in Jharkhand. I touched the soil of that land to my forehead in reverence. Just like Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Komaram Bheem, there have been many other great luminaries in our tribal communities. I urge you to definitely read about them," he said.
Mann Ki Baat is Prime Minister Modi's monthly radio programme in which he discusses important national issues with the citizens of India. The programme is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month.
Launched on October 3, 2014, Mann Ki Baat aims to connect with various segments of Indian society, encompassing women, the elderly, and the youth. Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, 'Mann Ki Baat' is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Balochi, Arabic, Pashto, Persian, Dari, and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is broadcast by more than 500 centres of All India Radio. (ANI)