Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who received a "rousing" welcome on his return from a week-long visit to the United States which saw his participation in the 'Howdy, Modi!' event along with US President Donald Trump and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on Sunday addressed a 'Mann ki Baat' in which he touched upon a variety of topics ranging from the ban on e-cigarettes, to Lata Mangeshkar's 90th birthday.
Modi, speaking in support of the decision to ban e-cigarettes, said that there was "very little" awareness about the harmfull effects of e-cigarettes even though the hazards of tobacco and nicotine were well known. He said that the fact that addiction to tobacco is "extremely harmful" and is difficult to get out of is known.
Extending greetings to to the nation for the ongoing festive season — Mahalaya kicked in on 28 September, Navratra begins today (29 September) — Modi pitched for "equality" in the ability to celebrate. Saying that some homes were illuminated and had plenty while other homes were deprived of festivities due to financial constraints, Modi said, "On one hand, when we experience the ‘Delivery In’ of sweets, and gifts, let us think for a moment on the process of ‘Delivery Out’. At least in our homes, items that are in excess and thus, not required anymore, could be allocated for ‘Delivery Out'."
File image of Narendra Modi. AFP
"There is very little awareness among people about e-cigarettes. They are completely unaware of its danger and for this reason, sometimes e-cigarettes find their way into homes out of curiosity," he added, also reiterating that people who consume tobacco are vulnerable to diseases like cancer, diabetes, blood pressure.
The prime minister started his radio address on Sunday with wishing renowned playback singer Lata Mangeshkar on the occasion of her birthday on Saturday. On Saturday, celebrities, politicians, and well-wishers greeted Mangeshkar for her "timeless" songs.
Modi also paid tribute to Mangeshkar saying, "There will be hardly anyone who does not show utmost regard for Lata Mangeshkarji. She is older than most of us and has been witness to different eras in the country. We address her as 'didi'. She turns 90 today."
He then played a recording of a telephone conversation he had with Mangeshkar before he left for the US. Thanking Modi for his wishes, Mangeshkar said, "The picture of India has changed ever since you have taken charge, it makes me happy."
He also spoke to runner Ripudaman Belvi who is at the helm of a pan-India cleanup drive and anti-plastic campaign and advocated greater awareness and environment consciousness in the run-up to Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary on 2 October.
Congratulating Christians in the country for the sainthood to be conferred on Sister Mariam Thresia of Kerala, Modi said, "It is a matter of pride for every Indian that on 13 October, His Holiness Pope Francis will declare Sister Mariam Thresia (founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family) a saint. I pay my tributes to Sister Thresia."
With inputs from agencies
from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/2oit1gg
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