Expressing his gratitude to people for adopting digital payment methods, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio address Mann Ki Baat said that every Indian can combat black money.

This was PM Modi’s first Mann Ki Baat after BJP’s triumph in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Here are the highlights from his speech:

– For all the students sitting for the Board exams, I wish them all the very best.

b’We will create a Bhavya (grand) and a Divya (brilliant) India, says PM Modi. | Source: PTI’

– Asserting his notion of ‘New India,’ PM Modi said, “We live in the 21st Century. Everyone wants a change for betterment — for a new India. One hundred and twenty five crore Indians want to make a great India. And everyone wants to contribute in their own ways. 

The people of India are caring in nature. Despite their differences, they are seen as helping others, especially the poor, needy, sick. That is our biggest strength – to be there for one another.”

– “We will create a Bhavya (grand) and a Divya (brilliant) India.”

– Modi said India marks 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha today. This was one of the first Gandhian movements in the country.

“The Champaran Satyagraha showed us how special Mahatma Gandhi was and how unique his personality was. Gandhi taught not through words but through action on how to take on the powers that be,” the PM added.

b'”Working women are going to benefit from 26 weeks of maternity leave,” said PM Modi in his Mann Ki Baat today. | Source: AFP’

– Talking about a surge in digital transactions, Modi said, “Within two months of its launch, there have been 1.5 crore downloads of BHIM app; this is commendable… If 125 crore citizens make a resolution, then we can achieve the target of 2.5 crore digital transactions within six months, and not wait for a year.”

– “Whenever I ask for suggestions for the theme of Mann ki Baat, suggestions for ‘Swachhata‘ (cleanliness) have always poured in.”

– “Working women across the country are going to benefit from the 26 weeks of paid leave during their pregnancy. While earlier it was 12 weeks, this significant change will be welcomed by them.”

– “June 21 is International Yoga Day. Let us think of how to introduce more people to Yoga and to promote a healthy mind and body.”

– “We are afraid to talk about it (depression) openly,” the PM said, adding that the focus of World Health Day on April 7 this year is depression. 

He also advised that “suppression of depression is not good. If depressed share your feelings with others”.

(With inputs from PTI)

(Feature image source: PTI)