Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and talked about the International Yoga Day and other issues of national interest.

Talking about the success of the recently concluded Yoga Day, the Prime Minister said it has ushered a “wellness revolution”.

PM Modi began his 45th address congratulating the Afghanistan team which played a Test match against India earlier this month and lauded the Indian team for their sportsman spirit.

Here are the highlights from PM Modi’s address:

India-Afghanistan Test match

– Few days back a historic event took place in Bengaluru, yes I am talking about the India-Afghanistan Test match. We should be proud they played their first match against India. Rashid Khan is an asset to the world of cricket, he was very good in IPL also.

– The winning Indian cricket team showed sportsmanship in asking the Afghanistan team to pose together for photographs, sports is an excellent route to unite society and to showcase skills of our youth.

– I congratulate both the teams. I am sure that in future as well we will play with the same sportsman spirit and grow together.

International Yoga day

–  On June 21, on the occasion of fourth Yoga Day, the entire world came together. People from across the world practiced yoga with immense enthusiasm and energy. From European Parliament in Brussels to UN headquarters in New York to Japanese naval ships people participated in various yoga events. In Saudi Arabia, a yoga event was organized and I was told that a number of asanas were demonstrated by women.

– It was a matter of great pride for Indians to witness our armed forces perform yoga on land, sea and sky – in submarines; on the snowy mountainous terrain of Siachen and even in mid-air, some 15 thousand feet above the earth.

– Yoga works in breaking barriers, it helps in unifying people. Thousands of enthusiastic people put aside their differences of caste, religion, region, race and gender to make this event a grand success.

– The concept of ‘Vasudev Kutumbukam’, proposed by the rishis, munis and sants of our country, has been realized by this event.

– Today, yoga is taking the shape of a “Wellness Revolution”. I am hopeful that this campaign will grow further and large number of people will come together to embrace it.

Death anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee

– On June 23, it was the death anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He is known for his contributions in several fields, especially education, administration and parliamentary affairs.

– A very few people would know that he was the youngest vice-chancellor of Calcutta University. In 1937, Mookerjee invited Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore to deliver an address in Bengali at the convocation ceremony. This was the first instance when under the British rule someone had addressed the convocation in Bengali.

Doctors’ day

-We give the status of God to mothers, as mothers give birth. But doctors give rebirth. The role of doctors is not limited to giving medicines. They are like our friends. They not only cure, but heal. Indian doctors have made their mark internationally, with their skills and capabilities. Our doctors are known for solving complex medical problems. I, on the behalf of the entire nation, wish a happy Doctor’s Day, which is on July 1.

GST

– GST is about to complete one year. “One Nation, One Tax” was the dream of the citizens of this country. It has become a reality today. If anyone deserves a credit for “One Nation One Tax reform, it is the states.”

– GST is the victory and festival of honesty. Earlier, complaints used to come regarding inspector-raj in the matters related to taxes. Now information technology has replaced inspectors. From return to refund, everything happens through information and technology. GST has ended check posts, which has expedited transportation of goods. It is not only saving the time, but is also providing profit to the logistics sector.