Modi lauds Odisha tea-seller who is educating 70 slum children
A tea-seller in Odisha, DP Rao, was lauded by PM Narendra Modi on his 44th Mann Ki Baat today for being "an inspiration to our society and the whole country." Rao has spent 50% of his earnings to ensure education, food and health for 70 slum-children. During Modi's visit to Cuttack yesterday, he posed with Rao; the photo has been 'loved' 4,600-times on Twitter.
Rao is the only earning member in his family: Reports
Rao, a tea-vendor since 50 years, has opened a school named 'Asha Ashvaasan,' Modi said, which caters to slum children. He has hired teachers to provide free primary education to the children. Expenses come entirely from his tea business. Reports say he's the only earning one in his four-member family. Modi congratulated him "for providing a new direction to the lives of those children."
Modi in Cuttack with Rao and his students
'Youths should not forget traditional games'
Modi talked about the importance of traditional sports. He expressed delight over the response to his Fit-India campaign, calling it "heartwarming" that Virat Kohli had challenged him, but added it was worrying that traditional games like 'kho-kho' and 'gulli-danda' were "fading away." "...It'll be the loss of the spirit of childhood," he said. Schools, neighborhoods and youth congregations should take initiative to promote these.
The theme this time was 'Beat Plastic Pollution'
The theme today was 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' Modi spoke about adverse effects of plastic, urging people to shun harmful materials. "Let us make sure that we don't use polythene, lower grade plastic as plastic pollution adversely impacts nature, wildlife and even our health," he urged. India will host international World Environment Day celebrations on June 5.
