137th Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi highlights history website, backs drug-free youth campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, highlighted a website that allows users to find out which rulers governed different parts of Bharat in a particular year.

Modi said users can visit the website and select any year to easily find out who ruled which part of Bharat at that time. He said he found the initiative interesting and noted that it was created by Mumbai's Krishna Sheshadri.

Modi also pointed out the website's simple name — http://www.bharatrajya.com.


He said Sheshadri's effort would not only benefit students of history but also help people learn the subject in an interesting manner.

Modi also highlighted the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' campaign, saying it is gaining momentum across the country.

"Its goal is clear: drug-free youth, drug-free India," Modi said, appealing to citizens to join hands to build a drug-free India and a stronger future for the youth.

The drug-free India campaign is being pursued through the government's 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan', a flagship initiative launched on August 15, 2020, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. The campaign focuses on awareness generation, community participation, treatment, rehabilitation, aftercare and social reintegration.

During the broadcast, Modi also highlighted examples of cleanliness and public participation during this year's Amarnath Yatra.

He said thousands of sanitation workers served day and night on difficult routes during the pilgrimage. Over 400 metric tons of waste was collected and processed, while pilgrims also actively participated in the cleanliness efforts.

According to Modi, more than 16,000 people took the cleanliness pledge, while over 10,000 received the 'Responsible Yatri' Certificate.

Modi also spoke about the PM SVANidhi Scheme, highlighting its role in helping women street vendors expand their businesses and increase their incomes.

"Nearly 46 percent of the beneficiaries of the 'PM SVANidhi Scheme' are women. That means around 35 lakh women across the country are connecting with this scheme to advance their businesses," he said.

Modi said millions of women are gaining new strength through the scheme and that this aspect of women's empowerment does not receive as much discussion as it should.

Launched in June 2020, PM SVANidhi was formulated to help street vendors overcome financial constraints and restart businesses affected during the Covid pandemic. The scheme, initially launched until December 31, 2024, has been extended until March 31, 2030.

Modi is currently on a state visit to Uzbekistan. The Mann Ki Baat broadcast is usually recorded a few days in advance and aired on the last Sunday of every month.