Mann Ki Baat Has Gone Beyond Politics, Connects People with PM: VP Dhankhar

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th Jan. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed students from North-East India participating in the Rashtriya Ekatmata Yatra 2025 and winners of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Quiz Competition (Season 4), emphasizing the program’s profound influence on governance, youth engagement, and nationalism.

Speaking at the event, Dhankhar lauded Mann Ki Baat as a platform that has transcended politics, becoming a direct link between the people and the Prime Minister. “The ground impact of Mann Ki Baat is amazing. It is a learning experience for youth, politicians, bureaucrats, and entrepreneurs alike,” he said. He urged students to revisit past episodes, stating that the program fosters a sense of nationalism and instills the principle of keeping the nation first.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s historic third consecutive term, he remarked, “Mann Ki Baat has rekindled forgotten heroes, inspiring citizens to appreciate India’s rich heritage.” He also called on youth leaders, including ABVP’s National Organising Secretary Ashish Chauhan, to further promote national integration and unity.

Addressing the significance of the North-East, the Vice President praised the region’s cultural wealth and tourism potential, stating that the Act East Policy has transformed connectivity and economic growth. “Prime Minister Modi’s vision has elevated ‘Look East’ to ‘Act East.’ With enhanced air, digital, and rail connectivity, the region is now a global tourism hub,” he noted.

He urged citizens to explore the North-East, highlighting a surge in tourism, with over 1.25 crore visitors annually. Drawing comparisons with Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation, he emphasized India’s rising global stature, stating, “India is changing, and the world is recognizing our power.”

The Vice President also called for greater youth participation in democracy, urging them to study historical events like the 1975 Emergency to understand constitutional values. “Our nationalism should be unwavering. No gain justifies compromising national interest,” he asserted.

Concluding his address, Dhankhar quoted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, underscoring resilience and unity: “निज हाथों में हँसते-हँसते, आग लगाकर जलना होगा, कदम मिलाकर चलना होगा।” (With our own hands, smiling, we must set the fire and march forward together).