Corruption eats country like termite: PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that "corruption hollows the country like a termite" and the countrymen should together work to get rid of it.

Addressing the 85th edition of Mann Ki Baat, the PM said he has received one crore postcards from children from different parts of the country and abroad. He said the postcards reflect how broad the vision of our new generation for the future of the country is.

Talking about one such postcard from Navya Verma of Prayagraj, UP, the PM said her dream for 2047 is of an India where everyone has a dignified life, where farmers are prosperous and there is no corruption.

"Navya, your dream for the country is very commendable. The country is also moving rapidly in this direction. You talked about a corruption free India. Corruption hollows the country like a termite. Why wait for 2047 to get rid of it? All of us countrymen, today's youth have to do this work together, as soon as possible and for this it is very important that we give priority to our duties," the PM said.

He further said, "where duty is felt.. duty is paramount, corruption cannot even think of entering there."

The PM also chose a postcard written by Ibrahim from Chennai.

"Ibrahim wants to see India as a major power in the field of defence in 2047. He wants that India should have its own research base on the Moon, and that India should start the work of settling the human population on Mars," he said adding "Ibrahim, nothing is impossible for a country that has youth like you."

Giving the example of many Padma awardees, the PM asked people to know about them and learn from their lives.

"There are many names among the recipients of Padma awards, about whom very few people know. These are the unsung heroes of our country, who have done extraordinary deeds in ordinary circumstances... You must try to know about them. We will get to learn a lot from them in life," he said.

Talking about Thounaojam Niranjoy Singh, a 24 year old youth in Manipur, who has made a record of 109 push-ups in a minute, the PM also inspired people to make physical fitness part of their lives.

"Breaking the record is nothing new for Niranjoy Singh, earlier also, he had held the record for most Knuckle push-ups with one hand in a minute. I am sure you will be inspired by Niranjoy Singh and make physical fitness a part of your life," he said.

The PM expressed happiness over the way India is dealing with the new wave of corona virus.

"India is fighting new wave of corona with great success... Now the cases of corona infection have also started decreasing. This is a very positive sign," he said.

"It is also a matter of pride that till now about four and a half crore children have been administered the dose of Corona Vaccine. This means that about 60% of youth in the age group of 15 to 18 years have got their vaccines within three to four weeks," he said adding that "within 20 days, one crore people have taken the precaution dose as well."

The PM said "the trust of our countrymen on the indigenous vaccine is our great strength."

"People should be safe, the pace of economic activities of the country should be maintained," he added.

The PM began the 85th edition of the monthly radio broadcast with paying respects to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. (UNI)