Dr. Arvind Kumar*
The format of Mann ki Baat is a monologue by the Prime Minister, where he shares his thoughts, experiences, and ideas on a wide range of topics. It is a unique initiative that aims to establish a direct connection between him and the citizens of India. It serves as a platform for the Prime Minister to connect with the people, understand their aspirations, and share his vision for the nation’s development. Mann ki Baat’ has influenced people to the extent that they have expressed interest in working for nation building and feel their approach towards the government has become positive. Moreover they feel optimistic about the government’s working and the country’s progress. Over the years, Mann ki Baat has become immensely popular among the citizens of India. It has emerged as a powerful medium to communicate the government’s initiatives and policies to the masses. The program has addressed several significant issues, including cleanliness, women empowerment, digital literacy, environmental conservation, and rural development. It has also served as a platform to honor and recognize the achievements of individuals who have made a positive impact on society.
On the occasion of its hundredth episode, Mann ki Baat has achieved a remarkable feat. It has become a significant part of the Indian socio-political landscape, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among the citizens. Mann ki Baat has also been successful in breaking barriers and reaching out to marginalized sections of society. It has brought attention to grassroots innovations, inspiring many individuals to contribute to the nation’s progress.
Touching on everyday issues and current challenges
It reaches a vast spectrum of a socio-economically and culturally diverse populace, inspires and energizes them not just on social, cultural, and economic issues but also on challenging problems that the world is facing today, such as the climate crisis, waste management and the energy crisis. The prime minister has motivated the youth through ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to become self-reliant and focus on skill development, and also promoted the start-up culture in the country along with a special emphasis on developing industry-related skills. He also urged the nation to recognize the specially-abled population as ‘divyang’ due to their inherent divinity and considerable achievements, showcasing their strong will towards life.
But has the program truly emphasized on social inclusion?
Is it a powerful tool for strengthening democracy and promoting citizen engagement?
Overall, “Mann Ki Baat” is a platform that has both supporters and critics. While it has been successful in promoting social initiatives and providing a platform for the highest authority to connect with citizens, it has also been criticized for its one-sided nature, limited audience reach, and lack of concrete action on the issues discussed. Additionally, the program’s format may not allow for in-depth analysis or debate on complex topics. Nevertheless, “Mann Ki Baat” remains a significant program that reflects the government’s efforts to engage with the public and promote its agenda. As with any public forum, the program needs to balance the voices and perspectives represented and ensure that it provides a platform for meaningful dialogue between the government and the people it serves.
Maneuvering the Jargon of Public Movement
All the campaigns ignited by the government while being discussed in Mann ki baat were turned into public movements. The program covers diverse subjects such as social issues, governance, environment, water, science and technology, sports, culture, and the achievements of ordinary citizens. Emphasis was laid on the programmes like Swacha Bharat Mission which gained importance and citizens were encouraged to actively participate in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and shared stories of individuals and communities who have made significant contributions to this initiative. It highlighted the role of technology in transforming India and creating a digital revolution and also discussing the importance of digital literacy, e-governance, and the benefits of digital payment systems, aiming to bridge the digital divide in the country. Mann ki Baat has addressed various issues related to women empowerment, including gender equality, education, skill development, and entrepreneurship with inspiring stories of women who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable success. The program has emphasized the significance of education and skill development for the youth. Discussions have revolved around the need for quality education, vocational training, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young Indians. The program often highlights the cultural diversity and rich heritage of India.
The Programme shared insights into various festivals, traditions, and cultural practices, promoting a sense of unity and pride among citizens. Mann ki Baat has touched upon various social issues such as caste discrimination, drug abuse, communal harmony, and the importance of unity and harmony in society. Citizens were encouraged to work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society. The importance of sports and physical fitness for the overall development of individuals and the nation was stressed upon. Encouraging citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle and participate in sporting activities. The program has also covered topics related to India’s foreign policy, diplomatic relations, and global collaborations highlighting India’s achievements and engagements on the international stage.
The most important aspect it touched was the importance of environmental conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development by urging the citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices and conserve resources for a greener future. He emphasized that water conservation social, spiritual duty of all and making water conservation through adopting traditional methods of water harvesting a mass public movement. The program has shed light on various initiatives aimed at rural development, including agricultural reforms, irrigation schemes, rural infrastructure, and financial inclusion. The Prime Minister has highlighted success stories from rural areas and emphasized the government’s commitment to uplift rural India. The social messages delivered by the PM become a mass movement in a few weeks. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Covid-19 vaccination and Har Ghar Tiranga are a few glorious examples. Recently, in the 88th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the PM highlighted the importance of water conservation and urged citizens to build Amrit Sarovars in their locality.
Way forward
Now that millions of people in the country have become aware of the tales and toils of the social change agents, it becomes incumbent to institutionalize the efforts made by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat. Dissemination of tales of social changes for the well-being of all should gain a special focus from all the stakeholders. This may require institutionalized adjustments of the Ministries of the Central government, as well as of the state administrations. India in its journey to the third-largest economy will need all hands on deck. If an ecosystem could be nurtured where independent storytellers are roped in, the objective may be achieved faster. India needs a moral anchor for its economic advancement. The Prime Minister has been most consistent with issues related to climate change. In multiple ways he has emphasized the importance of sustainability with a focus on issues such as water conservation, rain water harvesting, solar energy, tiger census, National Hydrogen Mission, LiFE initiative is noteworthy.
Mann Ki Baat has laid the transformational foundation for definitive changes in society, which can touch all walks of life, including politics. This has been demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic, that when the country was under lockdown and there was a section of the society that faced the prospects of hunger the social groups took the lead in meeting the challenges. Such social groups responded to the top priority of the day and building a society of equity and people of character who can become symbols for global recognition for perfection will require further intense investments by all the stakeholders. Mann Ki Baat is torchlight in that endeavour. From the perspective of reputation management and stakeholder engagement this is an absolute masterstroke and potentially the biggest subliminal catalyst to his success in the 2019 General Elections.
Let’s wait and watch whether it articulates into numbers again.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
