PM Modi talks about Kargil war, Olympics in Mann Ki Baat

On the 79th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon people to pay tributes to soldiers who made the nation proud in 1999, a day ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday.

“It is only natural to be filled with emotions in respect for the one who raises the Tricolour for the country. This feeling of patriotism unites us all,” PM Modi said. “Tomorrow, i.e. July 26 is also Kargil Vijay Diwas. The Kargil war is a symbol of the valour and discipline of our armed forces, which has been seen by the whole world. This time this glorious day will also be celebrated in the middle of ‘Amrit Mahotsav’. That’s why it becomes even more special. I would like you to read the thrilling story of Kargil and salute the heroes of Kargil,” he added during his monthly radio programme.

PM Modi also urged the country to support the athletes at Tokyo Olympics and to gear up to celebrate India’s 74th Independence Day next month. He said that every Indian felt proud seeing the contingent at Tokyo Olympics and asked people to cheer and support Team India. “To support our Olympics team on social media, the ‘Victory Punch Campaign’ has already begun. You also share your victory punch along with your team and cheer for India,” he said.

Referring to August 15, PM Modi said this year’s Independence Day is special since India is entering the 75th year of its Independence. He said that a website called Rashtragaan.in has been created, and urged people across the nation to send a recording of singing the national anthem of India.

He also said that Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav is not about the government but about the sentiments of 1.30 billion Indians. Amrut Mahotsav is a series of events to be organised by the Centre to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.

“It is our great fortune that we are witnessing 75 years of the freedom for which the country waited for centuries. You will remember, to celebrate 75 years of Independence, Amrit Mahotsav started from Sabarmati Ashram of Bapu on March 12,” he said.

“Bapu’s Dandi Yatra was also revived on this day, since then, from Jammu and Kashmir to Puducherry, from Gujarat to the northeast, programmes related to Amrit Mahotsav are being celebrated across the country,” he added.

The Prime Minister said several programmes related to Amrit Mahotsav are also being organised continuously by the government and social organisations. One such event which is going to be held this time on August 15 will be an effort related to the national anthem, he said.

The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on 26 July 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.