PM Narendra Modi announced recently his government’s decision to rename Chandigarh airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh. The decision has been taken just days before the iconic freedom fighter’s birth anniversary, which falls on September 28. On renaming the Chandigarh airport, Modi said, “It had been in waiting for a long time. let us take inspiration from our freedom fighters… this is our tribute to them.”
NEW DELHI – PM Narendra Modi announced recently his government’s decision to rename Chandigarh airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh. The decision has been taken just days before the iconic freedom fighter’s birth anniversary, which falls on September 28.
On renaming the Chandigarh airport, Modi said, “It had been in waiting for a long time. let us take inspiration from our freedom fighters… this is our tribute to them.”
In his monthly radio address ‘Mann ki Baat’ where he talked on a range of issues, Modi also paid tributes to BJP ideologue Deendayal Upadhyay, who propagated “integral humanism” and “antyodaya” (welfare of the weakest) – two major guiding forces of the current regime. He also said the return of cheetahs is a matter of pride for 130 crore Indians and showcases the country’s love for nature.
The PM said a task force will monitor the cheetahs and on the basis of that, it will be decided when people can get an opportuunity to see them. He said a competition will be organised in which people can suggest the branding of the campaign that’s being run on cheetahs and even naming the predators can be considered.
In his address, Modi said people have another reason to celebrate September 28. “I will say only two words. These two words are – surgical strike! Hasn’t the Josh risen,” he said.
Sunday’s Mann ki Baat coincided with the 106th birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyay. Remembering him as a brilliant humanist, thinker and great son of the country, the PM said he put forward the idea of ‘ekatma manavdarshan’ (integral humanism) and ‘antyodaya’ which was completely Indian. Modi said integral humanism is such an idea, which in the realm of ideology gives freedom from conflict and prejudice.
The government has maintained that most of its flagship programmes, including Swachh Bharat, PM Awas Yojna, Jan Dhan bank accounts, PM Garib Kalyan Yojna and Ann Yojnas are driven by Upadhyay’s teachings of antyodaya.
The PM also urged people to be “Vocal for Local” during the festive season by buying items from local artisans, craftsmen and traders. Appealing to people ahead of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary on October 2, Modi said this campaign should be intenisfied. “Khadi, handloom, handicrafts…, you must buy local goods. After all, the true joy of this festival is also when everyone becomes a part of it. Therefore, people associated with the work of local products have to be supported,” he said.
