NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday marked 12 years of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, describing it as a “pilgrimage” that has allowed him to understand the efforts of people across the country and recognise their contributions.Addressing the 139th episode of the programme, PM Modi recalled that Mann Ki Baat began on the occasion of Vijayadashami 12 years ago and has continued uninterrupted since then. He thanked listeners for being fellow travellers and guides throughout the journey.“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,” the Prime Minister said.

Drawing a parallel with India's longstanding tradition of pilgrimages, PM Modi said the programme had given him an opportunity to understand people's efforts closely and pay tribute to their contributions.“Our country has had a tradition of pilgrimages for centuries. For me, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is not less than a pilgrimage, a journey to closely understand the efforts of people of the country and to pay tribute to their contributions,” he said.

PM Modi calls for cleanliness ahead of Diwali, Chhath

With Diwali and Chhath approaching, the Prime Minister urged people to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and at places where they live.“The sacred festivals of Diwali and Chhath are just a few days away. Cleanliness campaigns are being run from place to place. It's important that we keep those places clean where we live,” PM Modi said.He also highlighted India's longstanding tradition of respecting nature, saying that keeping the surroundings clean and protecting water sources were responsibilities passed down by previous generations.

PM Modi highlights river revival efforts in Uttarakhand

During the address, PM Modi cited efforts by residents of Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand to revive the Heval river, describing the initiative as an example of collective responsibility towards nature.“We have a longstanding tradition of respecting nature. Our ancestors taught us that keeping our surroundings clean and caring for water sources is our own responsibility,” he said.Referring to the local initiative, PM Modi said people had come together to revive the river, underscoring the importance of community participation in protecting natural resources.