PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio address 14 December 2014

New Delhi, December 14, 2014

Modi links drug money and terror

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday spoke against drug abuse and said the money used to buy drugs could be funding terrorist activities.

“Sometimes I want to ask the youth who indulge in drugs that maybe you experience a different world when you take drugs. But have you ever asked where the money you buy your drugs with goes?” he said in his monthly radio address ‘Man Ki Baat’.

“Have you thought … what if this money reaches terrorists and they buy arms using them? And using them, they kill our soldiers?

“Have your ever thought that maybe the bullet that has hit a soldier was bought from some percentage of the money you paid to buy your drugs?” Modi said, urging the youth to reject drugs.

“Have the courage to say ‘no’ (to drugs) and reject drugs. Tell your friends the same.”

The prime minister said that drug abuse brings “darkness, destruction and devastation” and suggested measures, including a special helpline and a social media campaign, to tackle the menace.

“I had said the last time that I was worried about the youth of the country. I am worried as some sons and daughters get stuck with drugs and the entire family is torn apart.

“It can destroy very good families. Drugs is something that can shatter anyone. “This is a psycho-social medical problem and cannot be solved only through medical means,” he said.

The prime minister said many people had come out of this habit and urged celebrities and people connected with public life to create awareness.

“We can try and have a movement #DrugFreeIndia.”

Modi urged parents to study the changes happening in their children and try to save them.

The prime minister said he shared his thoughts on drug abuse with police officers at a recent conference and asked them deliberate on the issue and think of a solution.

“I also suggested that we should start a toll-free helpline so that parents from across the country … can share their problems.”

Meeting CMs was sheer joy: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said meeting chief ministers of various states here was “a moment of sheer joy”.

“I met the chief ministers and there was a retreat. No pens, papers, no officials. Only the chief ministers and the prime minister sat as friends and talked about issues,” Modi said in his monthly radio address.

He said they discussed issues related to development and national growth. The prime minister chaired a meeting of chief ministers last week.

Yoga Day is India’s pride: Modi

The UN decision to declare June 21 as the International Day of Yoga “is a matter of great pride for India”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday.

“The world came together on the issue. (A total of) 177 nations were co-sponsors (of the UN resolution)” he said in his monthly radio address.

Modi thanked all the countries for supporting the UN decision. “It is our responsibility to ensure that the right spirit of yoga is conveyed to everyone.”

Modi enthused after meeting blind cricketers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he got “energy” after meeting India’s World Cup winning blind cricket team.

“Met the Indian team that won the Blind Cricket World Cup. Saw their enthusiasm. It was great. I got energy after meeting them,” he said in his “Man ki Baat” radio address.

The team won the 4th ODI World Cup for the blind in South Africa this month.

Modi said the players had not only brought laurels to India but inspired many disabled people through their feat.