PM Modi lauds Kashmiri Kani Shawl artisans
New Delhi, July 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday highlighted the efforts made by Kashmiri Kani Shawl artisans to popularise traditional handloom products.
In his 112th 'Mann Ki Baat' address, his second after coming to power the third time in a row, PM Modi highlighted the efforts of the Kashmiri Kani Shawl artisans in popularising the traditional handloom products.
“Be it Jammu and Kashmir's Kani Shawls, the Sambalpuri saree of Odisha, Maheshwari saree of MP, Maharashtra’s Paithani or block prints of Vidharbha, be it Himachal's Bhuttico shawls and woollen clothes, work of handloom artisans is popularised in every corner of the country,” he said.
The PM stressed the increased significance of the handloom industry across the country and lauded the efforts made by private companies and startups in promoting the sector.
Sharing a story about the transformation of over 250 women from Rohtak district in Haryana, he said, “Colours of prosperity have filled the lives of more than 250 women in the Rohtak district of Haryana. These women, associated with the Handloom industry earlier, used to run small shops and do minor work to make ends meet, but everyone has a desire to move forward, so they decide to join Unnati Self Help Groups (SHGs).”
Hailing the SHGs for their efforts, PM Modi said, “By joining this group, they got training in block printing and dyeing. These women, who spread the magic of colours on the clothes, are earning lakhs of rupees today. Bed covers, sarees and dupattas made by them have high demand in the market."
As National Handloom Day approaches on August 7, he said that the participation of private companies and startups in increasingly promoting sustainable fashion and handloom products through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other innovative methods.
“Startups like Kosha AI, Handloom India, D-Junk, Novatex, and Brahmaputra Fables are actively working to make these products more popular. You too, can upload your local products on social media with the name hashtag #MyProductMyPride. This small effort of yours will change the lives of many people,” the PM said.
He also spoke about the growing popularity of Khadi, a fabric closely associated with the country's independence movement.
PM Modi announced that the turnover of the Khadi Village Industry had crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore for the first time, with a remarkable 400 percent increase in sales.
Noting the surge in demand for Khadi and handloom products, he said, “This rising sale of Khadi and handloom is also creating a large number of new employment opportunities. Mostly women are associated with this industry, so they are the ones who are benefiting the most. I urge you once more… You must have many types of clothes, and if you have not bought Khadi clothes till now, start this year."
The PM urged everyone to embrace Khadi and handloom products, particularly during August, which symbolises Independence and revolution.
He encouraged those who have not yet bought Khadi to start this year supporting local artisans and celebrating India's rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse in India, PM Modi emphasised the government's proactive measures to combat this growing menace.
Acknowledging the widespread concern among families about the potential for their loved ones to fall victim to drugs, he said, “My dear countrymen, in 'Mann Ki Baat,' I have often discussed with you the challenge of the drug menace. Every family is worried that their child might get caught in the grip of drugs."
Highlighting the government's initiatives, the PM discussed the establishment of specialised Manas centres designed to address and mitigate the challenges posed by substance abuse.
In a significant move, the government recently introduced the first-ever national toll-free narcotics helpline, MANAS (Madak Padarth Nisedh Asuchna Kendra), aimed at providing crucial support and information.
“To help such people, the government has opened a special centre named - 'Manas'. This is a very big step in the fight against drug abuse. A few days ago, the Helpline and Portal of 'Manas' was launched. The government has issued a toll-free number 1933,” PM Modi said.
Mentioning the working of the MANAS helpline numbers, he said that it serves as a vital source for anyone who wants "necessary advice or information related to rehabilitation."
Additionally, it offers a platform for reporting drug-related issues to the Narcotics Control Bureau, ensuring all shared information remains "confidential."
The PM called upon the entire nation—families, individuals, and institutions dedicated to eradicating drug abuse—to fully utilise the MANAS helpline.
He stressed the importance of collective effort in “making India a drug-free society,” urging everyone to take advantage of the resources available through this initiative.
PM Modi lauded tiger conservation programmes run by various state governments and said India constitutes 70 percent of the world's tiger population.
"My dear countrymen, Tiger Day will be celebrated all over the world tomorrow. In India, Tigers have been an integral part of our culture," he said. "We all have grown up listening to stories of incidents related to tigers. In the villages around forests, everyone knows how to live in harmony with the tiger. In our country, there are many villages where there is no conflict between humans and tigers. But where such a situation arises, unprecedented efforts are being made for the protection of tigers there as well."
The PM said that one such effort of public participation was the 'Kulhadi Band Panchayat' campaign, which began in Ranthambore of Rajasthan, where the local communities have taken an oath to not go into the forests with axes and not cut the trees.
“Due to this one decision, the forests here are becoming green once again, and a better environment is being created for the tigers,” he said.
PM Modi also highlighted the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra, where local communities, including the Gond and Mana tribes, have embraced eco-tourism by reducing their dependence on the forest to help preserve the habitat for tigers.
Sharing the inspiring story of the 'Chenchu' tribe in Andhra Pradesh's Nallamalai hills, who serve as Tiger Trackers, he said, "As Tiger Trackers, they have gathered every bit of information on the movement of wild animals in the forest. Along with that, they also keep monitoring illegal activities in the area."
The PM also mentioned a similar initiative undertaken in Uttar Pradesh -- the 'Baagh Mitr Karykram' in Pilibhit. Under this programme, locals are trained as 'Tiger Friends,' who ensure that there is no conflict between tigers and humans, fostering peaceful coexistence.
Expressing pride in India's tiger conservation achievements, he said that the country was home to 70 percent of the world's tiger population.
PM Modi attributed this success to various conservation efforts, including the establishment of numerous Tiger Sanctuaries.
He also spoke about the increase in forest cover in India, crediting community efforts for this achievement.
Talking about the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the PM mentioned a recent event, during which over 2,00,000 saplings were planted in a single day in Indore.
He asked everyone to participate in this initiative by planting a tree in their mother's name and sharing a selfie on social media, thus doing "something special for both your mother and Mother Earth."
PM Modi urged the citizens to cheer for the athletes who have gone to Paris to represent the country in the Olympics and also extended his best wishes to them.
"Right now, the entire world is engrossed with the Paris Olympics. The Olympics provide our athletes with the opportunity to hoist the Tricolour on the global stage and to do something remarkable for the country. You too, encourage our athletes and Cheer for Bharat!" he said.
The PM also interacted with the participants of the International Mathematics Olympiad.
"A few days ago an Olympics has also taken place in the field of Maths -- International Mathematics Olympiad. In this Olympiad, the students of India have performed very well. Our team has given its best performance and won four gold medals and one silver medal. Youth from more than 100 countries participated in the International Mathematics Olympiad and our team was in the top five in the overall tally. The names of these students who have brought laurels to the country are -- Aditya Ventaka Ganesh from Pune, Siddharth Chopra also from Pune, Arjun Gupta from Delhi, Kanav Talwar from Greater Noida, Rushil Mathur from Mumbai and Ananda Bhaduri from Guwahati," he said.
PM Modi had specially invited these young winners to participate in the Mann Ki Baat episode.
He asked the students about their experiences and to share those with the country.
The PM called upon all Indians to participate in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan' in celebration of Independence Day.
Emphasising the importance of this initiative, he said, "My dear countrymen, the day of August 15 is not far away. And now another campaign has been added to the 15th of August, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan.’”
Reflecting on the widespread enthusiasm for the campaign in recent years, PM Modi said, “For the last few years, everyone's fervour for the 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan' remains high in the entire country. Be it the poor, the rich, small households, or big households, everyone feels proud waving the tricolour.”
He highlighted the growing trend of taking selfies with the national flag and sharing them on social media.
“There is also a craze for taking selfies with the tricolour and posting them on social media. You must have noticed that when the tricolour flutters atop each house of the colony or society, within no time, the tricolour starts appearing on other houses as well. That is, 'Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan' -- has become a unique festival in upholding the glory of the tricolour,” the PM said.
He also mentioned various kinds of innovations related to the campaign, including products displaying the tricolour in homes, offices and cars, and how people distribute the 'tricolour' to their friends and neighbours, thereby highlighting the "enthusiasm".
Encouraging participation, PM Modi urged citizens to upload selfies with the tricolour on 'harghartiranga.com'.
He also invited people to send their suggestions for the upcoming Independence Day address via the MyGov or NaMo App, saying, "Every year before the 15th of August, you send me a lot of your suggestions. You must send me your suggestions this year as well. I will try to cover as many suggestions as possible in the 15th August address."
The PM gave a message of unity and anticipation for future achievements, saying, "My dear countrymen, it was very nice to connect with you in this episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'... Many festivals are also on their way in the near future. Best wishes to you for all the festivals. Enjoy the festivals with your family. Keep up the energy to do something new for the country. Thank you very much. Namaskar."
He expressed happiness that Charaideo Maidam of Assam had been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and urged the people to include it in their travel plans in the future.
PM Modi presented the history and the importance of the heritage.
He said, "Today I want to share a topic that will make every Indian proud but before talking about it, I want to ask you a question. Have you heard the name of Charaideo Moidam? If you haven't heard it, now you will hear this name again and again and will tell others with great enthusiasm."
Charaideo Moidam of Assam has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This will be the 43rd site in India and the first site in the northeast.
"This question must be coming to your mind what is Chairaideo Moidam and why is it so special? Chairaideo means a shining city on the hills. This was the first capital of the Ahom Dynasty. People of the Ahom dynasty kept the bodies of their ancestors and their valuables in the Moidam. Moidam is a hillock-like structure which is covered with soil on top and has one or more rooms below. This is a symbol of respect for the kings and dignitaries of the Ahom Empire. This way of showing respect to one's ancestors is very unique," the PM said. "Community worship was also performed at this place. Other information about the Ahom empire will surprise you more. Starting from the 13th century, the empire lasted till the beginning of the 19th century. It is a big achievement for an empire to continue for such a long time. Perhaps the principles and beliefs of the Ahom Empire were so strong that they kept this dynasty alive for many years."
He said that he remembers that on March 9 this year, he had the privilege of unveiling the tallest statue of the great Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan, a symbol of courage and bravery in Assam.
“During this programme, I had a different experience while following the spiritual tradition of the Ahom community. It is a big thing for me to get the privilege of paying respect to the ancestors of the Ahom community at Lachit Moidam," the Prime Minister mentioned in his monthly radio talk show,” PM Modi said. "Now Charaideo Moidam becoming a World Heritage site will mean that more tourists will come here. You too should definitely include this site in your travel plans in the future."
