New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that 'Mann Ki Baat' programme has been a catalyst in igniting numerous mass movements, which became an agent of change in the country.

“Be it Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat movement, 'Har Ghar Tiranga' or 'Catch the Rain', Mann Ki Baat has enabled mass movements in the country to bring change in society and inspire people to large extent” Prime Minister Modi said, while addressing 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat on All India Radio.

The journey of Mann Ki Baat began on October 3, 2014 on the festival of Vijaya Dashami noted the PM

“Vijaya Dashami is the festival of victory of good over evil 'Mann Ki Baat' has also become a unique festival of goodness and positivity of the countrymen” he added.

Calling it a people centric programme, Modi said that “We celebrate positivity in this. We also celebrate people's participation in this. Sometimes it is hard to believe that so many months, so many years have passed since 'Mann Ki Baat' commenced”.

“Whether it is about Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, or the Swachh Bharat movement, love for Khadi or nature, whether it is the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav or Amrit Sarovar, any subject with which 'Mann Ki Baat' got associated, turned into a mass movement, and you people have made it so” Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister recounted that when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, it was natural for him to meet and interact with the common people.

“Fifty years ago, I did not leave my home just to find one day it would be difficult to contact the people of my own country and 'Mann Ki Baat' gave me a solution to this challenge, a way to connect with the common man” he said.

Congratulating the people on completing the 100th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat, he said “Mann Ki Baat is not just a programme for me, it is faith, worship and resolve. It is my offering to the citizens of India. It has become my spiritual journey”

He added that Mann Ki Baat has become a great medium to learn from the qualities of others and the programme belongs to the people and is an expression of their feelings.

He also thanked the listeners of Mann Ki Baat for their letters and messages over the years, adding that he was indeed emotional at their outpouring of love.

The Prime Minister said all the people who find mention in 'Mann Ki Baat' are Heroes who have made this programme come alive.

He lauded the people who have been planting trees on deserted hills and barren land for 40 years, and digging stepwells and ponds for water conservation since decades.

The Prime Minister praised those who have been teaching the underprivileged children for 25 to 30 years, and those who are helping in the treatment of the poor.

As Mann Ki Baat reached the milestone of 100th episode, Modi spoke to some of these Heroes to know about their journey.

During the programme, DG UNESCO Audrey Azoulay also shared her message and said “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 and I would like to take this opportunity today to talk about the importance of education."

“UNESCO is working with its member states to ensure that everyone in the world has access to quality education by 2030,” he said.

Talking about the importance of the Programme, the Prime Minister said that in strengthening the social fabric of India, 'Mann Ki Baat' is like the thread of a rosary, holding each bead together.

He said in every episode, the spirit of service and capabilities of the countrymen have inspired others.

“In this program, every countryman becomes an inspiration to other countrymen. In a way, every episode of Mann Ki Baat prepares the ground for the next episode. 'Mann Ki Baat' has always moved ahead with goodwill, the spirit of service-spirit and the sense of duty” he said.

PM Modi said, “This positivity will take the country forward in the Azadi Ka Amritkaal…, will take her to a new heights and I am happy that the beginning made by 'Mann Ki Baat' is becoming a new tradition in the country today. A tradition in which we see the spirit of everyone's effort”.