'Mann Ki Baat' century event held at Sendra, Raj Bhavan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur/Imphal, April 30 2023: A special programme on the historic 100th episode of the monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', through which Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation, was held at Sendra Tourist Home in Loktak Lake with participation of Union minister of environment and climate change Bhupinder Yadav, chief minister N Biren and others, on Sunday.

Apart from similar celebration programmes held at different parts of the state, Raj Bhavan honoured award winners in connection with the event.

The Sendra event was also attended Union minister of state for external affairs and education Dr RK Ranjan, forest minister Th Biswajit, PHE minister L Susindro, former union minister and Padmashri awardee Th Chaoba Singh, Moirang MLA Th Shanti Singh, Thanga MLA T Robindro Singh, Churachandpur MLA LM Khaute, LDA chairman M Asnikumar and LDA project director L Bhagaton.

Responding to queries on the sidelines of the programme, Bhupinder Yadav said that as the state government is the sole owner of reserved and protected forest areas in the state any issue in connection with the reserved and protected forest area should be solved by the state government.

As ownership of forest land lies with the state government it is the responsibility of the state to protect the forest areas, the union minister said.

The statement assumes significance as it has come in the backdrop of the violent protests that rocked Churachandpur town a couple of days back over survey of forest land conducted by the state government and eviction drives to protect reserved forests.

On being asked if protection of forest areas was a state subject or Centre's, he pointed out that it is the Constitutional responsibility of the state government to do so.

The Union Forest minister said, "The ownership of forest land is always with the state.

According to the Forest Act 1927, after Independence the forest was a subject of the state but after amendment in 1976, it was included in the concurrent list, under the Centre and the state.

But as far as ownership is concerned, it lies with the state government.

To protect the Reserved Forest and Protected Forest and keep it safe, it is the responsibility of the state government, it is a Constitutional responsibility.

Accordingly, the state government has to protect the forest".

Reacting to the state government's forest land survey and eviction drive, Bhupender said, "The government is performing its duties as per rules, regulations, law and the Constitution, so whatever Constitutional responsibility has been entrusted on the Manipur, government, it is working as per these aspects.

The Manipur government is performing its duty With full efficiency to safeguard the environment and the forests".

Terming the Churachandpur incident as unfortunate, the union minister, however, expressed contentment over the state government's ability to put the situation under control and solve the problem.

Union minister Bhupender also expressed happiness over the success of "War on Drugs" campaign and the responsibility taken by the government to replace the poppy plantation areas with alternative food and cash crops.

He also assured of extend ing all necessary assistance in promoting tourism and integrated management of Loktak Lake.

Chief minister N Biren said that the 'Mann ki Baat' is a programme where the Prime Minister expresses the opinions and desires of the public.

He also appealed to all to cooperate in making a new Manipur, a new India.

On the other-hand, a special screening of the 100th episode of Prime Minister's 'Mann Ki Baat' was organised by Prasar Bharati and other media units under the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting at the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, on Sunday.

Governor Anusuiya Uikey led the gathering in listening to the 100th episode of the 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast through All India Radio and Doordarshan.

In the 100th episode, PM Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with entrepreneur, named, Bijyashanti of Thanga Tongbram Leikai and congratulated her for the innovative idea and contribution to sustained economy.

Bijyashanti was among the audience of the special screening event.

In his conversation with Bijyashanti, Modi said that her success in exporting the lotus fibre clothes to other countries has turned Vocal for Local, to Local for Global.

This unique eco-friendly idea of hers was discussed in 'Mann Ki Baat', and her work became more popular, he added.

"The strength of our Nari Shakti and commitment to furthering the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' can take India to new heights.

You will feel happy to know about strong determination of Bijyashanti from Manipur," the PM said.

During her live conversation with PM Modi, the young entrepreneur revealed that she is now working with 30 women and targeting to expand her workforce up to 100 women this year.

She said that her work gained popularity after featuring in an earlier episode of Mann Ki Baat and she had started to query for bulk order from USA, which she wants to deliver this year.

She also conveyed that she wants her product to reach all over the world.

Upon hearing her success and ambition, PM Modi congratulated her and wished her best of luck.

After listening to 'Mann Ki Baat', Governor Anusuiya Uikey said that the PM shared his vision for the country through this programme and seeks active participation of citizens in the nation building process.

The primary objective of the programme is to create a direct connect between the PM and the citizens.

The speciality of this programme is that villagers, farmers, labourers, women working in the fields can listen to it through AIR while doing their work.

The Governor continued that in these 100 episodes aired regularly, the PM discussed issues related to every section of society including religion, culture, art, politics, festivals, celebrations, problems, corona, disaster, treatment of patients, architecture, etc., from time to time.

"Mann Ki Baat is not just a radio programme, it is a mirror of the overall development of India and an expression of public participation," she said.

The Governor further mentioned that through this programme, people have been motivated to get vaccinated against Covid-19, due to which vaccination campaigns have been completed in the country.

On one hand, the PM has given courage to the people of the country during the time of natural calamity and also encouraged soldiers, sportspersons and children at the time of their examinations.

Through this programme, Narendra Modi has made people aware and active not only on social, cultural and economic issues but also on global problems like climate change, waste management, energy crisis, cleanliness and health problems.

In this programme, the PM has been talking to the people on the telephone as well, which strengthens the faith of the people in democracy and governance.

So far, the PM has mentioned SOO individuals and 250 organisations, out of which 105 people have been specially invited to participate in the conference, she added.

Uikey thanked Prasar Bharati for organising the event and also thanked the ten people from the state who have been mentioned in PM's Mann Ki Baat programmes so far, including Tababi Devi from Mayang Imphal Kokchai Awang Leikai; TS Ringphami Young and Avungshee Shimrey Augustina of Dungrei Hunpung, Ukhrul; Th Niranjoy Singh of Narankonjin, Mamang Leikai; Lourembam Bino Devi of Singjamei Mathak Thokchom Leikai; Martina Devi of Phoijing Chingning, Nambol; Saikhom Surchandra Singh of Brahmapur Bheigyabati Leikai, Tensubam Leirak and Bijyashanti of Thanga Tongbram Leikai.

The Governor also opened a photo exhibition on PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' at Raj Bhavan which was organised by Central Bureau of Communications, Imphal.

Padma Shri awardee Kakchingtabam Shanathoi Sharma; PIB, Imphal director Engam Pame; AIR & DDK, Imphal director (Engineer ing) N Nandakumar; DDK (News) assistant director Dr A Ibomcha Sharma; AIR, Imphal (News) assistant director Gin Gangte; deputy commissioner, Imphal West Th Kirankumar; officers from AIR and DDK, Imphal, Padma awardees, film and sports personalities also attended the programme.

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