PM spoke about rivers,cleanliness and Covid safety in 'Mann ki Baat'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extolled the virtues of river conservation and greeted the nation on World Rivers Day on Sunday. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio, the Prime Minister said World Rivers Day is in sync with traditions that the people of the nation have been following for centuries. He highlighted that rivers do not drink their own water but give away selflessly to others. He drove home the point that rivers are not just mere physical entities but akin to a life giving Mother.
In the very banks of these rivers, numerous festivals, occasions and functions are held by people. With the advent of the month of Magh, people perform Kalpvaas on the banks of river Ganga or other rivers for an entire month. Modi said people used to remember the different names of rivers while taking bath in earlier times. He said it was a way to instill values among people. The Prime Minister said it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that rivers do not get polluted. He said scriptures distinctly disapprove of polluting rivers, a fact which is reflected in Indian traditions as well.  Modi also gave the example of Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat which had dried up in the last few decades. He said that the river has now been rejuvenated following the linking of river Narmada and river Sabarmati. The Prime Minister praised all the people who have dedicated themselves to rejuvenation of rivers. He also said that River Festivals must be held at least once a year on the banks of the rivers.

The Prime Minister expressed delight that even in villages, the common person is now capable of digital transactions through fin-tech UPI. He said it is a matter of pride that 355 crore UPI transactions took place in the month of August this year. He added that today, on average digital payments of more than two lakh crore rupees are taking place through UPI. He said the economy of the country is thereby acquiring cleanliness and transparency, and now everyone knows the importance of fin-tech. He urged people to abide by Covid-safety rules during the festive season.