New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the role played by the media in popularising “campaigns for New India” like Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Yoga and fitness etc. “The media has played a very encouraging role in popularising Yoga, fitness and Beti Bachao. Beti Padhao. These are subjects beyond the domain of politics and political parties. They are about making a better nation in the coming years,” the PM said. The Prime Minister addressed the gathering as he inaugurated the year long celebrations of the centenary year of Mathrubhumi – the Malayalam daily via video conferencing. Elaborating on the positive impact of the media on the campaigns of New India, the PM said that every media house took up the Swachcha Bharat Mission with great sincerity. The Prime Minister suggested media can amplify the efforts of highlighting “lesser known events” of the freedom struggle and unsung freedom fighters and places associated with the struggle. He said that newspapers can be a great way to give platform for upcoming writers from non-media background and promote regional languages in areas where they are not spoken. The PM said that India defied the initial speculation of inability to handle the pandemic. For two years, 80 crore people got access to free ration. 180 crore doses of vaccines have been administered, he informed. “Powered by India’s talented youth, our nation is moving towards Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance. At the core of this principle is to make India an economic powerhouse that caters to domestic and global needs,” he said. The PM said that in just the past four years, the number of UPI transactions have increased over 70 times, rupees 110 Lakh crore are being spent on a National Infrastructure Pipeline. PM Gatishakti is going to make infrastructure creation and governance more seamless, he informed. “We are actively working to ensure every village of India has high-speed internet connectivity. The guiding principle of our efforts is to ensure the future generations lead a better lifestyle than the present ones,” the Prime Minister said. UNI ASU ACL1327
