Page 24 - Mann Ki Baat - English
P. 24
A Decade of Social Change, Public
Awareness, and Citizen Engagement
parents to celebrate and
showcase their daughters, to
the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,
direct engagement with citizens,
particularly the youth, has
made these movements not
just government-led initiatives
but people-driven efforts for
societal scale change. Another
poignant example is the call
to surrender gas subsidies for
Shashi Shekhar Vempati wealthier households, which led
Former CEO Prasar Bharati & to millions of middle- and lower-
Author of the book ‘Collective middle-class families voluntarily
Spirit Concrete Action – Mann ki
giving up their subsidies to
Baat and its Influence on India’
support those in need. This act
of selflessness, encouraged by
'Mann ki Baat', is a testament to
how the broadcast has catalysed
positive civic behaviour and
fostered a collective spirit of
Over the past ten years, social responsibility.
'Mann ki Baat' has emerged as By bringing lesser-known
a unique platform for driving but vital issues into the national
social change, fostering public spotlight and by highlighting
awareness, and enhancing the work of grassroots
citizen participation. From champions—whether they
empowering grassroots voices are individuals building check
to creating a shared sense of dams in rural areas, organising
national purpose, 'Mann ki Baat' energy conservation rallies, or
is the most consequential Prime weaving khadi as part of local
Ministerial intervention in the entrepreneurial efforts, 'Mann
history of independent India ki Baat' has given visibility
without a precedent. to unsung heroes. These
From its inception, 'Mann ki personal stories have not only
Baat' has been instrumental in inspired listeners but have also
igniting grassroots movements underlined the importance
and promoting societal change. of individual contributions to
From the ‘Selfie with Daughter’ nation-building.
campaign, which encouraged Drawing on examples from
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