YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Yamunanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Suman Bahmani on Sunday joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers to listen to the 139th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’. The programme was heard at Booth No. 178 in Veena Nagar, Ward No. 17, where party workers gathered to listen to the Prime Minister’s address and reflect on the issues highlighted during the broadcast.

The listening programme was organised at the residence of Anurag Goswami, Shakti Kendra Pramukh, and Tulsi Goswami, a former councillor and former mandal president. Mandal president Shubham Rana, Ward Councillor Dixit Dhiman, Uma Sharma and other BJP workers were also present.

BJP Workers Gather at Veena Nagar Booth

The gathering brought together local BJP representatives and workers for the monthly broadcast, which highlights community initiatives, public participation and examples of positive work from different parts of the country. The programme was heard collectively at Booth No. 178, with the residence of Anurag Goswami and Tulsi Goswami serving as the venue.

‘Mann Ki Baat’ provides the Prime Minister with a platform to speak about initiatives, experiences and people whose work has contributed to society. Its themes often include community participation, local innovation, public welfare and efforts to address challenges at the grassroots level.

Vocal for Local and Indigenous Products in Focus

During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of ‘Vocal for Local’ and encouraged people to adopt indigenous products. He also spoke about the potential for products associated with Indian farmers and local communities to reach international markets.

The examples cited in the programme included makhana from Purnia in Bihar reaching Greece and arhar dal from Kalaburagi in Karnataka going to the Maldives. These examples illustrated how products originating in local communities can find customers beyond their immediate regions and reach overseas markets.

The emphasis on indigenous goods also drew attention to the role consumers can play in supporting local producers. Choosing Indian-made products can help sustain demand for domestic goods and bring greater recognition to products associated with particular regions. For farmers and small producers, access to wider markets can create opportunities to showcase their produce beyond traditional sales channels.

Environmental Protection and River Revival Highlighted

Environmental conservation and the protection of water resources were also among the subjects highlighted by the Prime Minister. He referred to efforts by local residents in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, to revive the Heval River.

The example underscored the significance of community participation in protecting natural resources. Rivers and other water sources are vital to local communities, and efforts to restore them can draw attention to the need for responsible water use and collective action to protect the environment.

The focus on environmental protection served as a reminder that conservation depends not only on government initiatives but also on the involvement of citizens and local groups. Maintaining cleanliness, protecting water bodies and encouraging environmentally responsible practices are areas where community participation can make a meaningful difference.

Mayor Calls for Public Participation in Nation-Building

Mayor Suman Bahmani said ‘Mann Ki Baat’ was more than a radio programme. She described it as an effective medium for connecting with citizens, recognising positive work taking place in society and encouraging public participation in nation-building.

She said the messages shared by the Prime Minister could inspire citizens to give priority to indigenous products, maintain cleanliness, protect the environment and contribute actively to activities that serve the wider public interest.

Bahmani emphasised that nation-building was not limited to the work of institutions or elected representatives. Citizens could also contribute through everyday choices and actions, including supporting local products, keeping their surroundings clean and taking part in efforts that benefit their communities.

Local Gathering Reflects Community Engagement

The programme at Veena Nagar brought together the Mayor, local party representatives and BJP workers at a neighbourhood venue. The gathering centred on listening to the Prime Minister’s address and its messages concerning indigenous products, farmers, environmental conservation and citizen participation.

The event highlighted the role of local participation in bringing people together around national issues. The examples involving Indian products reaching overseas markets and residents working to revive a river illustrated how local efforts can attract wider attention and encourage others to participate.