Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on 12 years of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday. He called the show a journey of inspiration and a pilgrimage to celebrate the extraordinary work of common people. He thanked listeners for the "warmth and affection" shown throughout this long journey.

PM Modi thanked listeners for "warmth and affection" they have shown throughout this journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reflected on the 12 years of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', calling it a journey equivalent to that of a "pilgrimage" and a way of hailing the "extraordinary work" done by the countrymen across various sectors.

He also thanked the listeners for the "warmth and affection" they have shown throughout this journey.

The first episode of PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' event was aired on October 3, 2014, coinciding with the festival of Vijayadashami. It was broadcast across All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan networks.

"For me, Mann Ki Baat has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work, courage, commitment, dedication and spirit of service of the common man of our country," he said.

"Our country has had a tradition of pilgrimages for centuries. For me, 'Mann Ki Baat' is not less than a pilgrimage to closely understand the efforts of people of the country and to pay tributes to their contributions. People who live for society and country are themselves like places of pilgrimage," the Prime Minister added.

Over these 12 years, he said that many such people from every corner of the nation have come forward whose "extraordinary work" goes unnoticed by society; however, through 'Mann Ki Baat', he said that these "inspiring stories" are presented before the nation.

"Through this programme, I, in a way, pay homage to the power of the people of our country. It gives me an opportunity to connect with every family across the nation. I receive hundreds of such messages in which people tell me that after listening to 'Mann Ki Baat', they feel as though I am sitting among them like a family member and speaking to them," he said.

"The warmth and affection of all you listeners is truly an invaluable asset for me," he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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PM Narendra Modi, Mann Ki Baat, Monthly Radio Programme