#MannKiBaat: Modi talks sports, Jallianwala-Bagh and doctors' contributions, among others
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi addressed his 45th Mann Ki Baat today, touching various topics including the 'sportsman spirit' of the Indian cricket team, GST, the significance of doctors, the importance of Yoga, and contributions of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, among others.
On the last episode, he had talked about traditional games, plastic pollution, and an Odisha tea-seller who's raising slum kids.
Here's more about today's address.
GST
'Credit for implementation of One-Nation-One-Tax goes to states'
Reminding about the upcoming first-year anniversary of GST, Modi said the new tax system is the "victory and festival of honesty."
Replacement of human hands by automated systems has reduced corruption and helped save time, he said.
The PM added it is a prime example of "cooperative federalism," adding it could only be implemented "because all the states took the decision to support it in national interest."
Personalities
Modi honors Dr Syama Mookerjee, Guru Nanak Dev, Kabir Das
Modi lauded Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, whose death anniversary was yesterday, especially for his work in three sectors - education, administration and parliamentary affairs.
He also paid tribute to Guru Nanav Dev, whom he acknowledged for ending caste-based discrimination, and Sant Kabir Das, whose 'dohas' focused on "equality, peace and brotherhood."
"These ideals...are still inspiring," the PM said.
Doctors/soldiers
Contribution of doctors and soldiers hailed
Modi hailed doctors and soldiers for their contribution. "We give the status of God to mothers, as mothers give birth. But doctors give rebirth. They not only cure, but heal," he said, wishing them for Doctors' Day on July 1.
Modi also praised jawans who performed yoga on land, air and water on International Yoga Day (June 21). Some even did so inside submarines.
Quote
On 100th anniversary year, PM recalls horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Recalling the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Modi said, "Who can forget that unarmed, innocent people were killed by misusing power? We must remember the lessons the incident has taught us, that violence and cruelty cannot solve any problem. Non-violence, peace and sacrifice win in the end."
Sports
Modi lauds Afghanistan, Indian cricket teams for "sportsman spirit"
Modi praised the Afghanistan team who recently played India in Bengaluru, its first international match.
He shared an incident, recalling how the Indian team, while receiving the trophy, invited their Afghanistan counterparts to pose for photographs.
"Sports is a great medium for the integration of society."
Modi's full address is available on the PMO's website, YouTube channel, and on All India Rado and Doordarshan.