A book titled, 'Mann Ki Baat - A Social Revolution on Radio' was released by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi today. The book is a compendium encompassing 50 editions of the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on All India Radio.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Jaitley said, very few political leaders have the ability and power to communicate directly with people in a simple manner. He said, the Prime Minister recognised the power of radio as an effective tool to communicate with the masses. Mr Jaitley said, father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi used to communicate in very simple language with people and his Salt Satyagrah had an electrifying effect. He also said, wherever former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled, he used to carry a small transistor along to listen to Radio News.
The Finance Minister also asserted that in today's age, when television channels set the agenda of news, true reporting can be found in AIR's news bulletins. Describing social media as a powerful tool, Mr Jaitley also pointed out that news is being disseminated without proper verification of facts. He cited the example of Indian Air Force attack on terror training camps on Pakistan's Balakot area and said some 'compulsive contrarians' did not check the facts thinking the targeted area is in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati spoke about revival of radio through Mann Ki Baat. He said the programme has put radio in the mainstream consciousness of people. Mr Vempati added Mann Ki Baat is also carried live on Youtube and several other platforms creating a digital footprint.
Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash said Mann Ki Baat is a critical instrument towards social transformation. He said he has not seen a Prime Minister who connected with the people in the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi has. He lauded Mr Modi for promoting the Indian dream through Mann Ki Baat.