Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' highlights

Extending greetings on the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program by reciting a Shloka. "Diwali is the light that ushers in joy, health and prosperity. I salute divine flame," he said.

♦ India, which is a country of festivals possesses limitless possibilities in festival tourism.

♦ He recited a Kannada poem written by Kannada poetess Sanchi Honnamma which talks about women empowerment.

♦ He also talked about the 550th Prakashotav of Guru Nanak Dev, which will be celebrated across the world on November 12.

♦ The prime minister then talked about the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31. "Over 26 lakh tourists paid a visit to the tallest statue in the world 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat in a year," that has been dedicated to Patel.

♦ He then urged the citizens to participate in 'Run for Unity' that is being organised on the occasion of 'National Unity Day' on October 31.

♦ PM Modi paid tributes to Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary on October 31

♦ Speaking about cleanliness, he praised the efforts of the Indian Army who kept the Siachen glacier clean. "The glacier is a source of rivers and clean water and running a cleanliness drive means ensuring clean water for the people residing in low-lying areas."

♦ He then appealed to the people to stay safe on the festival of Diwali.