The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi hosts a radio program every month called Mann Ki Baat. Since the radio program was started it has gone on to complete more than 15 episodes and has touched on a wide variety of topics. This radio program is also worth mentioning as it on January 27, 2015 had the President of United States Barack Obama as a participant too. The president of the United States had arrived in India to be a part of the country republic day celebrations as the chief guest. The next episode of the radio program is expected to be aired in the month of July. It has proved to be very popular as it provides a platform for the people of India to discuss issues with their prime minister. As citizens of the country can offer their suggestions and views on prominent topics on this show, it also serves as a breeding ground for new ideas and theories.
The prime minister tries to address the country every month through Mann Ki Baat. The radio medium was chosen for the program as the radio has a far greater reach in India then satellite dishes and television sets. It was estimated that over 90% of the Indian population has access to a radio, which is significantly more than any other communication system like television and the internet. Also radios are still very popular in rural areas and in some places radios are the only contact that the people have with the outside world. Mann Ki Baat program is listened by a lot of people and it even has emerged as a major source of revenue for the All India radio. The date on which Mann Ki Baat will be aired is announced beforehand, so that people make themselves ready to interact with their Prime Minister. The radio program is eagerly awaited by the common public and a majority of the population tunes in to listen to the show.
The radio program was started way back on the 3rd of October 2014. It has since then touched in complex and important issues like drug abuse, examination stress and black money. Mann Ki Baat program is eagerly awaited by a sizeable chunk of the population who wait eagerly to be addressed by their prime minister. People are encouraged to call and leave messages regarding the show and their comments on how to make it more efficient. Some selected letters and phone calls have also found their place on the show. Apart from being telecast on the radio in the entire country, the program is also aired on Doordarshan and its affiliate channels. Several Mann Ki Baat addresses has been made by the prime minister, which were aired on 3rd October, 2nd November 14th December in 2014; 27th January, 22nd February 22nd March, 31st May, 28th June, 26th July, 30th August, 20th September, 25th October, 29th November, 27th December in 2015; and 31st January, 28th February, 27th March, 24th April, 22nd May, 26th June in 2016. The next episode will be aired in July 2016.
The prime minister always chooses to speak on the current and relevant topics in his monthly address to the nation. In the past he has talked about soil health, land acquisition, terrorism, scholarships, job opportunities in the Indian government sector, crop insurance, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s positive effects on health, and India’s armed troops. In the recently concluded the episode he warned tax evaders of consequences while reminiscing about the days when India was under an emergency. Previously Modi has talked about new laws, major developments and ideas on Mann Ki Baat. Public participation in the show is high and already thousands of messages and calls have been sent by the public to the channel.
Mann Ki Baat has gained popularity and praise from the entire nation. Many people disagree with his policymaking and politics, but the program has successfully delivered Mr. Modi’s thoughts to the nation and has created positive waves across the nation.
