PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ leaves a deep impression, Drug-Free Tripura our goal: CM

Agartala, Aug 30 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 137th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ left a deep impression on him, particularly the Prime Minister’s call for building a drug-free India, adding that the state government is also working towards the goal of making Tripura drug-free.

The Chief Minister also said that Prime Minister Modi’s reference to legendary Bengali actor Mahanayak Uttam Kumar in Sunday’s episode evoked a sense of nostalgia among the people.

Chief Minister Saha after listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme at Muktadhara Theatre in Agartala on Sunday, said that knowledge of history offers valuable lessons and noted that many people still do not know much about the rich history of Tripura.

The Chief Minister said: “Today (Sunday), we listened to the 137th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’. We eagerly wait for the last Sunday of every month to hear what Prime Minister Narendra Modi will bring before the people through this programme. Some of the issues that the Prime Minister talked about today have left a deep impression on me.”

“If someone comes forward to study and conduct research on the history of Tripura, the state government will definitely extend all possible assistance,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that in Sunday’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode, the Prime Minister also spoke about the need to build a drug-free India, particularly to protect the younger generation from the menace of narcotics.

“We are also working towards building a drug-free Tripura. Various security agencies, including the police, are conducting sustained anti-drug campaigns across the state. With time, people are gradually becoming more aware and alert about the harmful effects of drugs,” CM Saha added.

People have now started raising their voices and protesting against drug addiction and the illegal drug trade, he noted, and said that this is necessary because the menace cannot be eliminated by the police or security agencies alone.

The Prime Minister has called for building a drug-free India for the sake of the youth and future generations, he added.

The Chief Minister also said that Prime Minister Modi spoke about the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ and highlighted several other important issues during the programme.

“He (PM Modi) also talked about the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. The Prime Minister has introduced an important scheme like the PM SVANidhi Yojana to provide financial assistance and support to street vendors,” CM Saha added.

He said that there has been considerable discussion about this issue in the Tripura Assembly as well and the state government has taken the initiative to set up vendor zones at appropriate places.

The state government also has a clear vision about how to further strengthen and streamline this system for the benefit of street vendors, CM Saha added.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Modi has also given considerable importance to the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, aimed at promoting locally produced goods and strengthening self-reliance.

CM Saha added that the present state government is working consistently towards improving the socio-economic condition of the people of Tripura and ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.

“Initiatives have also been taken to make self-help groups self-reliant and economically empowered. The government is making efforts to create more opportunities for people to become financially independent,” he said.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s mention of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar in the latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode, the Chief Minister said that the legendary actor continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Bengali-speaking people.

Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, Baradowali Mandal President Shyamal Kumar Deb and other leaders were also present at the event.

–IANS

sc/khz