Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the countrymen to lead water conservation efforts and tackle the problem of textile waste with innovative recycling, sustainable fashion, and circular economy initiatives. In the 120th episode of his monthly Mann Ki Baat, the PM also greeted people on various upcoming festivals that highlight how “unity is woven into the diversity of India”. He also unveiled a ‘MY-Bharat’ calendar for children to make summer vacations more productive and creative. The following are excerpts from the Mann Ki Baat broadcast on March 30:
…My young friends, today I would also like to discuss with you the special calendar of MY-Bharat, which has been prepared for this summer vacation. At the moment, copy of this calendar is kept in front of me. I want to share some unique efforts through this calendar. For example, in the study tour of MY-Bharat, you can know how our ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ function. You can undergo a unique experience in the border villages by becoming a part of the vibrant village campaign. Along with this, you can definitely become a part of the cultural and sports activities there. At the same time, by participating in the padyatra on Ambedkar Jayanti, you can also spread awareness about the values of the Constitution…
My dear countrymen, as soon as the summer season approaches, preparations for saving water begin in many cities and villages. In many states, works related to water harvesting and water conservation have gained new momentum. The Ministry of Jal Shakti and numerous NGOs are working in that direction. Thousands of artificial ponds, check dams, borewell recharge and community soak pits are being constructed in the country. Like every year, this time too, preparations have been made on a war footing for the ‘catch the rain’ campaign. This campaign too, is not of the Government… but of the society, of the Janata-Janaardan; the people. Jal SanchayJan Bhagidari Abhiyan is also being run to connect more and more people with water conservation. The endeavour is to safely pass on the natural resources that we have, to the next generation. Friends, by conserving raindrops, we can save a lot of water from getting wasted…
Friends, in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ we will now talk about adding wings to your zeal…
About displaying passion despite challenges. In the Khelo India Para Games that concluded a few days ago, the players surprised everyone with their dedication and talent, once again. This time more players participated in these games than earlier. This shows how popular Para Sports is becoming. I congratulate all the players participating in the Khelo India Para Games for their sterling efforts. My best wishes for the players of Haryana, Tamil Nadu and UP for securing the first, second and third positions, respectively…
Friends, another grand event in Delhi has inspired people a lot; filled them with enthusiasm. Fit India Carnival was organised for the first time as an innovative idea. About 25,000 people from different fields participated in it. All of them had the same goal – to stay fit and spread awareness about fitness. People involved in this event got information related to their health as well as nutrition.
I urge you to organise such carnivals in your area as well. MY-Bharat can be of great help to you in this initiative…
Friends, in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, along with the achievements of the countrymen, we often raise social issues as well. Many a time, challenges are also discussed. This time in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I want to talk about a challenge that is directly related to all of us. This challenge is of ‘textile waste’. You must be wondering, what is this new problem of textile waste?
Actually, textile waste has become a major cause of worry for the whole world. Nowadays, the trend of getting rid of old clothes as soon as possible and buying new ones is increasing all over the world. Have you ever thought what happens to the old clothes that you stop wearing? This becomes textile waste.
A lot of global research is being done on this subject. It has come to light in a research that only less than one percent of textile waste is recycled into new clothes… less than even one per cent.
India is the third country in the world where the maximum textile waste is generated. This means that we also face a huge challenge. But I am happy that many commendable efforts are being undertaken in our country to deal with this challenge. Many Indian start-ups have started working on textile recovery facilities…
Some cities are also carving a new identity for themselves in dealing with textile waste. Panipat in Haryana is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. Bengaluru is also creating a distinct identity for itself with innovative tech solutions. More than half of the textile waste is collected here, which is an example for our other cities as well. Similarly, Tirupur in Tamil Nadu is engaged in textile waste management through wastewater treatment and renewable energy.
My dear countrymen, today along with fitness, count is also playing a big role. Count of the number of steps taken in a day, count of the number of calories eaten in a day, count of the number of calories burnt… amidst all these counts, another countdown is about to begin. The countdown to the International Yoga Day. Now less than 100 days are left for Yoga Day. If you have not yet included yoga in your life, do it now… it is not too late yet…
The first International Yoga Day was celebrated 10 years ago on the 21st of June, 2015. Now this day has taken the shape of a grand festival of yoga. This is such a priceless gift from India to humanity, which is going to be very useful for future generation. The theme of Yoga Day 2025 has been kept as ‘Yoga for One Earth One Health’. That is, we wish to make the whole world healthy through yoga…
