Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative has made India self-reliant in defence, space, electronics, and several other crucial areas of social development.
In his first public function after assuming office, the Vice-President underlined that a strong nation is built not only on power but also on character and unity.
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At the event, Radhakrishnan released the fourth and fifth volumes of selected speeches of PM Modi, covering the periods from June 2022–May 2023 and June 2023–May 2024. The compilations, titled ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,’ have been published by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “The spirit of Rashtra Pratham — India First — guides our development journey. It is heartening to see this spirit resonate in the heart of every citizen of India.”
The Vice-President highlighted that quality education in the mother tongue, clean drinking water, sanitation, accessible healthcare, poverty eradication, clean energy, and climate action are powerful drivers of positive change for 1.4 billion Indians.
He further noted that developmental measures undertaken in the past 11 years have enabled more than 25 crore people to rise out of poverty and lead lives of dignity. “When a toilet is built in a household, it gives dignity to the ‘Man’ — the mind of the household,” he added.
Congratulating the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and its Publications Division team for the release, he said the two volumes serve as keys to understanding the Prime Minister’s contributions, vision, and dreams for the nation.
Radhakrishnan described PM Modi as “a living inspiration for millions across the country and abroad, who motivates people through his own conduct to give their very best; who has grown from being a representative of the common man to a true people’s leader; whose determination has shown us how the impossible can be made possible — Namumkin ko Mumkin karna, Asambhav ko Sambhav karna.”
Highlighting the contents of the books—which include 76 speeches and 12 ‘Mann Ki Baat’ addresses for 2022–23, and 82 speeches and 9 ‘Mann Ki Baat’ addresses for 2023–24, compiled into 11 thematic sections each—the Vice-President said they reflect the Prime Minister’s clarity of thought, forward-looking vision, and commitment to inclusive governance.
He expressed confidence that these volumes will help readers understand the strength and aspirations of a ‘New India’ and inspire them to remain committed to their duties during this Amrit Kaal, leading to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Railways, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw said that PM Modi’s selfless service in politics has brought transformative changes to people’s lives.
He observed that the Prime Minister has made politics a medium to serve the people and has distinguished himself with an inclusive approach to governance.
Vaishnaw added that the Prime Minister’s leadership is an inspiration, as he consistently places society, service, and the nation above self. He further said the new compilation will serve as a valuable resource for research scholars to understand the Prime Minister’s transformative approach over the years.
Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, in his address, described Prime Minister Modi as one of the world’s finest communicators, noting that he takes great care in naming each scheme to connect meaningfully with the people.