Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that if people are able to see a United India now, it was entirely on account of the sagacity, sensibility, and strategic skills of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Sharing his thoughts in the 49th edition of Mann Ki Baat  today, Mr Modi said, the nation will pay tribute to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary on 31st of this month and the world’s tallest scyscraping statue, the statue of unity, will be dedicated as a true tribute to Sardar Patel.

The Prime Minister also urged people to participate in the largest possible numbers in the run for unity to be organized on that day. He said, every Indian will now be proud to see the world’s tallest statue on the Indian soil. Mr Modi said, Sardar Patel, a true son of the soil will adorn the skies too.

The Prime Minister said, Indian Sports are witnessing an upswing with each passing day and India is setting new records not just in the field of sports but also in hitherto uncharted areas.   He said, elements like spirit, strength, skill, stamina are extremely important in the world of sports and if the youth of a country possess these qualities, that country will progress not only in areas such as Economy and Science and Technology but also bring laurels home in the field of sports.

Mentioning about his meetings with medalists of Para Asian Games, Mr Modi said, their grit and determination and their resolve to overcome all odds in the path of success is indeed inspiring for all countrymen. Lauding performance of country’s youth  in the Summer Youth Olympics 2018, the Prime Minister said, every young sportsperson’s passion and dedication is the hallmark of New India.

Mr Modi said, India had successfully organized FIFA Under- 17 World Cup last year and this year Hockey World Cup 2018 is being organized at Bhubaneswar. He said, each Indian who plays any game or has interest in any game, has a definite interest in Hockey. He said, India has a golden history in Hockey and it has produced many great hockey players like maestro Major Dhyan Chand. Mr Modi said, it is a good chance for the sport lovers to witness closely contested matches at the World Cup. He urged people to visit Bhubaneswar and cheer up the Indian team and also encourage other teams. He added that Odisha has a dignified historical background and has a very rich cultural tradition and it is a chance for the sports lovers to see Odisha.

He said, people can visit the world famous holy places like the Sun Temple of Konark, Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri and Chilka Lake along with enjoying the games there. He conveyed his best wishes to the Men’s Hockey Team for this tournament and assured them that 125 crore Indians are supporting them.

Mr Modi also conveyed his good wishes to all the teams from around the world coming to participate in the tournament.

The Prime Minister said, ‘Service is Supreme’ has been India’s tradition since centuries and people can feel the fragrance of this tradition in each and every sector today. He said, in the new era, the new generation is coming forward in a new way with a fresh vigour and spirit to fulfill their new dream. Mentioning about ‘Self 4 Society’ portal which has been launched with a view to motivate employees of IT companies for social activities and providing them with opportunities to perform in this field, Mr Modi said,  their dedication and vigour can make each Indian feel proud. He said, a transformation from the individual to the community is imbibed in it and a pure feeling of dedication and resolve is the driving force. He said, the spirit of  ‘We not I’ will surely inspire people.

The Prime Minister said, today the whole world and specially the western countries are discussing about environment protection and are trying to find new ways to adopt a balanced life style. He said, for its solution people only have to look inwards, into the glorious past and the rich traditions and have to understand the lifestyle of the tribal communities. He said, to live in consonance and close coordination with the nature has been an integral part of the tribal communities. He said, the tribal community believes in very peaceful and harmonious co-existence but, if somebody tries to harm and cause damage to their natural resources, they do not shy away from fighting for their rights. Mr Modi said, the foremost freedom fighters were the brave people from the tribal communities.

Speaking about Gurbachan Singh a farmer from Punjab who during marriage of his son, told the bride’s father to promise that they will not burn stubble in their fields, the Prime Minister said, the condition the farmer placed reflects the true strength of the society. He said, in a village of Punjab Kallar Majra, the farmers are mixing the stubble with the soil by ploughing their fields rather than burning and adopting technology for the process. He said, the farmers are making their best efforts to keep the environment clean and pollution free and they are carrying forward the Indian tradition of a healthy life style as a true successor. He said, a small constructive step, plays a vital role in creating a positive environment.

Mr Modi said, wherever there will be a talk of world peace, India’s name and contribution will be written in golden letters.  Indian soldiers fought bravely and played a very big role and made the supreme sacrifice during World War one. He said  hundred years ago on November 11th, the world war one came to an end.

Prime minister  said, there is a need to work unitedly to address issues such as terrorism, climate change, economic development to social justice through universal cooperation and co-ordination.

The Prime Minister congratulated Sikkim for winning the prestigious Future Policy Gold Award, 2018 for encouraging the sustainable food system. He said, North east region has made grand progress in organic farming.
Mr Modi also conveyed best wishes for Dhanteras, Deepawali, Bhaiya Dooj and Chhatth.