Modi urges the public to combat obesity
NEW DELHI, Feb 23:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the nation today to honor and celebrate the resilient spirit of women. To commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, he announced that he would hand over his various social media accounts to women achievers from diverse fields.
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During his monthly “Mann Ki Baat” radio address, Modi emphasized that these accomplished women would share insights about their experiences and contributions on his social media platforms. “Let us celebrate and respect the indomitable spirit of women,” he stated, commending the increasing involvement of women across various sectors. In a similar initiative on March 8, 2020, Modi had previously transferred his accounts to seven eminent women.
With millions of followers on platforms like X, YouTube, and Instagram, Modi is among the most-followed global political figures. He also reiterated his call for action against the rising obesity rates, asserting the need for India to prioritize fitness and health. Highlighting research, he noted that one in eight individuals suffers from obesity, with numbers doubling in recent years, and alarmingly increasing fourfold among children.
Modi encouraged people to reduce their oil intake by 10% and proposed a ripple effect by challenging ten others to do the same. He played audio clips from notable personalities, including Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, to motivate the public to adopt healthier lifestyles.
In addition, he invited citizens to participate in “one day as a scientist” on National Science Day, February 28, by visiting research laboratories or planetariums. Speaking about artificial intelligence (AI), he noted that India is establishing a strong identity in this sector, referencing his recent participation in an AI conference in Paris, where India’s advancements were acknowledged globally.
Modi also urged students facing board exams to remain joyful and stress-free, praising the new format of “Pariksha Pe Charcha.” He drew attention to the current Champions Trophy, linking the excitement in cricket to a significant milestone in India’s space endeavors. He celebrated the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) recent launch of its 100th rocket, marking a testament to India’s commitment to advancements in space science.
Noting the continuous growth of India’s space missions, including successful missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, he remarked on the increasing participation of women in the field of space science. “Today, the space sector has become a preferred choice for our youth,” he said.
With March 8 being International Women’s Day, Modi emphasized it as a perfect opportunity to honor “Nari Shakti” (women power). He highlighted the contributions of Hansa Mehta, who recognized the roles women have played in India’s history, from the creation of the national flag to their sacrifices for the country.
In this year’s Women’s Day initiative, Modi expressed his plan to allocate his social media channels to inspiring women who have excelled in various domains. “On this day, they will share their stories and experiences with the nation. The platform may belong to me, but the spotlight will be on their narratives of challenges and triumphs,” he mentioned, inviting others to engage through a special forum on the Namo app.
Modi also brought attention to India’s unique wildlife, asking if the audience knew the similarities among the Asiatic lion, hangul, pygmy hog, and lion-tailed macaque—all native to India. He asserted the country’s vibrant flora and fauna, deeply rooted in Indian culture and history.
Speaking of wildlife conservation, he praised tribal communities for their efforts and noted the success of the Soliga tribe in maintaining harmony between humans and wildlife in Karnataka’s BRT Tiger Reserve. Similarly, he acknowledged the contributions of local communities in Gujarat towards protecting the Asiatic lion population.
Emphasizing India’s diverse ecosystems, Modi highlighted the growing populations of tigers, leopards, Asiatic lions, and rhinoceroses, asserting the significance of wildlife conservation across the nation. He commended Anuradha Rao, known for her dedication to animal welfare in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and encouraged the audience to support wildlife protection efforts as World Wildlife Day approaches.
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