“Mann Ki Baat” @100: Indian Americans across US celebrate PM Modi’s signature monthly broadcast

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Indian Americans on Sunday celebrated 100 episodes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship radio program, “Mann Ki Baat”.

In his recorded address celebrating the centenary episode of the program, PM Modi said that the platform had provided him with a solution to “connect with the common man.”

The Indian Embassy noted in a Twitter post, “#MannKiBaat100 From Atlantic to the Pacific, Indian Diaspora and friends tuned in across the #USA to be part of #MannKiBaat@100 This monthly tradition has enthused millions to contribute in India’s developmental journey #AmritKaal”

India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, tweeted, “Delighted to join EAM @DrSJaishankar , CG @randhir_jk, the enthusiastic (flags of India and US) community @FIANYNJCTNE and elected representatives from Tri -State region in listening to #MannKiBaat100 by PM @narendramodi early this morning,”

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar tuned in to the program live with the diaspora in New Jersey at 1.30 am (local time) on Sunday, hailing it as a platform that has “an emotional connect” between PM Modi and the people of India.

“10 years ago, if he had mentioned that at 2.10 at night everyone would be assembling at some place and the foreign minister of India would be with you, listening to the Prime Minister of India, none of you would have believed me,” Jaishankar told members of the diaspora.

“You have to understand that PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has an enormous impact not because the medium is 100 years old, somewhere there is an emotional connect between PM Modi and the people of India,” Jaishankar noted. The EAM was here after concluding his official visit to Guyana, Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

Also participating in the event and jointly listening to Prime Minister Modi were Ambassador Sandhu, and the Consul General of India in New York, Randhir Jaiswal, top Indian diplomats, Indian-American lawmakers like New York Senator Kevin Thomas and Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, Mayor Sam Joshi of Edison, NJ, high-profile community leaders from Federation of Indian Associations NYNJCTNE.

The New Jersey State Assembly passed a resolution introduced by State Rep. Raj Mukherji, recognizing India’s EAM, as well as Mann Ki Baat.

New York State legislature, introduced resolutions congratulation Mann Ki Baat, at the initiative of State Sen.  Thomas and Assemblywoman Rajkumar.

PM Modi’s address was also broadcast live at the Indian Embassy in Washington and all five consulates across the United States tuned in to listen including the Silicon Valley.

Indian Consul General in San Francisco TV Nagendra Prasad on Sunday tweeted: “In #Siliconvalley, hundreds gathered to listen to Hon’ble @narendramodi #MannKiBaatAt10 late night @FalconXUS hall. Thanks to @DiyaTV @tvasianetwork @yoindiatv @IndiaPost_News and others for joining to cover the event. @CGISFO @AkashvaniAIR @MIB_India @MEAIndia”

The 30-minute program was also broadcast at the United Nations headquarters in New York, again in the wee hours.

Indian Permanent Mission to UN on Sunday tweeted: “A singular connect! Special moments from the Trusteeship Council at UN Headquarters, New York, where #MannKiAtBaat100 went LIVE, leaving all inspired and motivated.”

BJP workers settled in the US also gathered in different venues that were set up for people to listen to the prime minister’s broadcast.

A local radio station Intense FM based in the DC Metro area also played Mann ki Baat’s 100th episode later in the day.

PM Modi on Sunday also interacted with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay in the 100th episode of his monthly radio broadcast.

The Director-General of UNESCO not only wished the countrymen for the wonderful journey of the 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ but also asked questions on education and cultural preservation in India.

“I have received another special message from Audrey Azoulay, DG, UNESCO regarding ‘Mann Ki Baat’. She has wished all the countrymen for this wonderful journey of 100th episode,” PM Modi said during his 100th Mann Ki Baat address.

Audrey Azoulay is a French civil servant and politician, only the second woman to lead the organization, speaking to PM Modi during his radio broadcast, said, “Dear Prime Minister, on behalf of UNESCO, I thank you for this opportunity to be part of the hundredth episode of the Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast. UNESCO and India have a long common history. We have very strong partnerships together in all areas of our mandate education, science, culture and information.”