New Delhi: In the last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a message of unity as he urged the people to participate in the Maha Kumbh with the resolve to cleanse out hate and division from the society.
The specialty of the Maha Kumbh is not only in its vastness but also its diversity, he said, adding that there is no discrimination anywhere, no one is big, no one is small.
“Such a scene of unity in diversity will not be seen anywhere else in the world. Therefore, our Kumbh is also the Maha Kumbh of unity. This time’s Maha Kumbh will also bolster the mantra of Maha Kumbh of unity. Let me tell all of you; when we participate in the Kumbh, let us bring along this resolve of unity with us. Let us also make a resolve to annihilate the feeling of division and hatred in the society. If I have to say it in a few words, then I will say… Mahakumbh Ka Sandesh, Ek Ho Poora Desh (The message of the Mahakumbh, let the whole country be united),” the PM said Sunday in his radio programme.
The Maha Kumbh commences from 13 January in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
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“For the first time, an AI chatbot will be used in the Kumbh event. All kinds of information related to Kumbh will be available in 11 Indian languages through the AI chatbot. Anyone can ask for any kind of help through this chatbot, either by typing text or by speaking in. The entire Fair area is being covered with AI-powered cameras. If someone gets separated from one’s kith and kin during the Kumbh, these cameras will help in finding them,” he added.
Modi spoke at length about the Constitution, which he said was “our guiding light, our guide”.
“On the 26th of January 2025, our Constitution is completing 75 years. It is a matter of great honour for all of us. The Constitution, handed over to us by our Constitution makers, has stood the test of time in every sense of the term. The Constitution is our guiding light, our guide. It is on account of the Constitution of India that I am here today, being able to talk to you,” he asserted.
A special website, Modi added, has also been created to connect the citizens of the country with the legacy of the Constitution.
“In this, you can read the Preamble of the Constitution and upload your video. You can read the Constitution in myriad languages; you can also ask questions pertaining to the Constitution. I urge the listeners of Mann Ki Baat, school going children, college going youth, to visit this website and become a part of it.”
Modi’s remarks come in the backdrop of the Congress taking on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its “attack” on the Constitution and B.R. Ambedkar. On its part, the ruling party has vehemently denied the charge.
Praising India’s soft power of films, PM Modi said that the WAVES summit to be held next year is an important step towards making India the hub of global content creation.
“This summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation. I feel proud informing you that the young creators of our country are also joining with full enthusiasm in the preparations for this summit. When we are moving towards a 5 trillion dollar economy, our creator economy is bringing in new energy,” he said, urging the Indian entertainment and creative industry to be a part of the Waves Summit.
The inaugural World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) is scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 February in New Delhi.
Moving on to the world of Indian cinema, the PM paid special mention to Bollywood great Raj Kapoor, legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, Telugu actor and film producer Akkineni Nageswara Rao and prominent Bengali cinema director Tapan Sinha in their birth centenary year.
“Raj Kapoor ji introduced the world to the soft power of India through films. Rafi sahab’s voice had that magic which touched every heart. His voice was amazing. Be it devotional songs or romantic songs, sad songs, he brought every emotion alive with his voice. His greatness as an artiste can be gauged from the fact that even today the young generation listens to his songs with the same passion – this is the distinct mark of timeless art,” Modi said.
“Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu has taken Telugu cinema to new heights. His films presented Indian traditions and values very well. Tapan Sinha ji’s films gave a new vision to society,” he added.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
