On April 15, gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead while they were being taken for a medical examination. Police have now made a shocking claim that Atiq Ahmed had planned an attack on himself when he was in the custody of Uttar Pradesh police. It has been said that Atiq Ahmed had chosen his sharpshooter and close aide Guddu Muslim to execute the fake attack on himself.
On that fateful day, moments before the murder, Atiq Ahmed appeared to have nodded to someone while coming out of the police van.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Moment when Mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead while interacting with media.
News agency ANI published the video of the incident on that day. The visuals showed Ashraf coming out of the police vehicle first. The view got blocked then, and it is unclear if Ashraf looked in the direction where Atiq nodded.
Moments later, Atiq Ahmed was brought out of the van. Ashraf and a police officer helped him to get down. Before stepping out of the van, at around 20 seconds timestamp in the video, Atiq looked to his left and nodded at someone. He then slowly stepped down and walked with the police alongside his brother Ashraf.
A few seconds later, media persons asked them something about Guddu Muslim. Ashraf started to answer, saying, “Main baat yeh hai ki Guddu ne”. Before he could finish the sentence, Atiq was shot in the head. Ashraf looked in the direction where Atiq fell, and he was shot too. Multiple shots were fired, and both gangster brothers died on the spot.
Notably, in 2002, while in police custody, Atiq Ahmed plotted to have himself attacked while being taken to a district court for a hearing. At that time, a crude bomb was thrown at him, and Atiq Ahmed sustained minor injuries to his head and arm. Later, it turned out that Ahmed himself planned the attack.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan has made a controversial statement by saying that the more the bodies of women are covered the better it is.” He made the comments when he recently appeared on journalist Rajat Sharma’s show Aap Ki Adalat. He made the comment while replying about a rumour rule on the attire of women in his sets.
Recently, a claim about Salman Khan’s alleged rule on the sets of his film sets surfaced online. According to the said rule, actresses-heroines should wear ‘decent’ clothes on the sets and their neckline should not be visible.
In this context, Rajat Sharma accused Salman Khan of having double standards as he often takes off his shirt in his films. He also asked if such rules apply to him also or if is it just for actresses only. To this, Salman Khan said that the bodies of women are precious, it is better when they are covered.
“Sir there is no double standard in this, I think the bodies of women are way more precious, so the more they are covered, the better it is. (Auraton ki jo bodies hain wo jitni dhaki hui hongi mujhe lagta hai utna better hai),” Salman Khan said.
Notably, actress Shweta Tiwari’s daughter Palak Tiwari who made her Bollywood debut with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, in a recent interview said that “not many people know this, but when I was assisting him on the sets of “Antim”, Salman sir had a rule on his movie sets that women on his set should not have a low neckline, all the girls should be covered, like good proper girls.” She added that Salman Khan was old-fashioned and believed in protecting young women from improper advances and lecherous people.
In the interview with talk show host Siddharth Kannan, she said that he told her, ‘My girls should always be protected. She can wear whatever she likes, but if around people she doesn’t know, it’s best to cover up. Girls should be safe, always.’ It is notable that Palak Tiwari worked as an assistant director on Antim: The Final Truth starring Salman Khan.
Salman was questioned by host Rajat Sharma on his shirtless appearance in the popular song O O Jane Jana. Notably, Salman Khan appeared in the song showing off a bare upper body while wearing denim.
Responding to his shirtless appearance in the song, Salman said, “I was in swimming trunks in that song, also it was a different time. In today’s times, the environment is quite different, today it’s not about women, it’s about how the men look at women, you know, your sisters, mothers, wives, I don’t like it, I don’t want them to go through these things. (Aajkal mahaul thoda sa alag hai, ye ladkiyon ka chakkar nahi hai, ye ladkon ka chakkar hai, jis hisab se ladke ladkiyon ko dekhte hain, you know, aapki behane, maa, biwiyon ko… wo mujhe acha nahin lagta),” Khan said.
He further said, ‘when you make a decent picture, everyone goes to see it with their family. The attempt is to not give them the opportunity to look at our heroines, our women, in that way when we make a film.’
On a question regarding what the actor wants to teach people, Khan responded, “I want to make sure that when we make a film, we do not want to give anyone an opportunity to see our actresses, women with such intentions.”
On Saturday, an FIR was registered against Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh over his alleged ‘Ravana’ remarks against Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at a rally two days ago. It was lodged on a complaint filed by former Congress MLA Surendra Singh Jadawat.
“I have filed a police complaint tonight against Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for using such derogatory language against the chief minister of Rajasthan. He tried to outrage religious feelings while addressing a BJP rally,” he informed.
The FIR was filed under sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, etc.), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), 500 (defamation) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the Indian Penal Code.
The FIR alleged that on April 27, the BJP held a meeting in a public space where the BJP lawmaker served as the keynote speaker and delivered a speech intended to ‘incite’ people. He provoked animosity and circulated lies against Ashok Gehlot, the ‘popular’ chief minister. He insulted the latter by calling him the ‘Ravana of politics’ in an effort to jeopardise his reputation, as per the complaint.
In response to the jab, the CM yesterday claimed that the Union Minister’s associates were imprisoned in connection with the scam and that he would probably also wind himself behind bars. The Congress leader also demanded his removal from the Union cabinet from the centre. “If I am Ravan, you become Ram and return the investors’ money,” he proclaimed.
While addressing Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahaakrosh rally in Chittorgarh on April 27, Gajendra Shekhawat likened the Congress stalwart to ‘Ravana’ (the demon king in Ramayana) while urging people to throw the incumbent state government out in the upcoming assembly elections.
“If you want to end (the rule of) Ashok Gehlot, this Ravana of politics in Rajasthan, raise your hands and resolve to establish Ram Rajya in the state,” he stated.
Both Ashok Gehlot and Gajendra Shekhawat have been at loggerheads over the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society scam. The former has publicly charged the latter with being involved in the scam.
The veteran BJP member sued the Congress CM for defamation in a Delhi court for associating him with the scandal, which the Rajasthan Police are currently looking into. According to the authorities, the Sanjivani Credit Cooperative Society in Rajasthan is accused of embezzling thousands of people’s wages.
His arrest in relation to the scandal had recently been postponed by the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court. Yesterday, the high court also took on record the clarification by the state government on calling him a perpetrator in the case.
On Sunday (April 30) morning, at least 11 people died after inhaling poisonous gas on Sua Road near Eastman Chowk in the Giaspura locality in Ludhiana city of Punjab.
The deceased were identified as Aryan, Sourav, Varsha, Chullu, Abhay, Neetu Devi, Navnesh Kumar and Kalpesh. The identity of other victims is yet to be ascertained. As per reports, officials have so far not been able to detect the type of gas or the source of the leak that caused the incident.
The area, thickly populated with residential and industrial buildings, has now been cordoned off by the local administration and NDRF personnel.
#WATCH | Punjab: Nine dead, 11 hospitalised in an incident of gas leak in Giaspura area of Ludhiana. Visuals from the spot as local administration and medical team reach the spot.
In a tweet, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “The incident of gas leak from a factory in Giaspura area of Ludhiana is very sad…Police, government, and NDRF teams are present at the spot…All possible help is being provided… Other details soon.”
While speaking about the incident, Ludhiana Police Commissioner Mandeep Singh Sidhu said, “We have used drones to check if someone was lying unconscious on terraces or rooftops but no one else was found yet. Everyone who became unconscious has been evacuated.”
Former wrestler and Olympian Yogeshwar Dutt has now spoken out about the allegations of sexual harassment levelled at the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Dutt, who was part of the 6-member Standing Committee that initially probed the accusations, said that police can’t take any action if there is no complaint. He also said that the wrestlers should have raised the matter earlier. He remarked, “Police only act when there is a complaint. They will not do things out of their own accord. Wrestlers must have done this 3 months ago. I have said this before.”
“The government had made two committees but they cannot rule anyone innocent or guilty, they can’t punish anyone. Only the court can do that… Committees are designed to listen to the grievances of both sides and forward the findings,” he emphasised.
#WATCH | Yogeshwar Dutt, Olympic medallist wrestler & a member of the committee that probed the allegations of sexual harassment of wrestlers says, "…Police will take action only when you report it to them. They won't do it if one sits at home. Wrestlers should have done it 3… pic.twitter.com/oYTjEemkI5
Yogeshwar Dutt also extended his support to Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha, who also serves as the President of the Indian Olympic Association. The latter had earlier courted controversy for suggesting that the protests by the wrestlers amounted to indiscipline and that they were damaging the nation’s reputation.
PT Usha had said, “Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is having a committee for sexual harassment, instead of going to the streets they (protesting wrestlers) could have come to us earlier but they didn’t come to IOA. It isn’t good for Sports not only for wrestlers, they should also have some discipline”
While speaking about the ongoing controversy, Dutt emphasised, “Police report has now been lodged…I don’t know what will be the next move of the wrestlers. They will do what they deem fit. Now, the next course of action has to be taken by the police and the Board.”
“Wrestlers wanted FIR to be registered. It has now been done. They should now focus on their practice,” he added. Earlier, on Friday (April 28), the Delhi police registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
As per reports, the FIRs were lodged at the Connaught Place police station on the complaint of two female wrestlers (one of whom is said to be a minor). Meanwhile, the WFI chief has rubbished allegations of sexual harassment levelled at him by professional wrestlers.
“You should consider the agitation right from the beginning. At that time they demanded that the WFI president should resign. After that, they brought up the issue of sexual harassment. After that, they demanded that the government should conduct an inquiry. The government formed two committees,” he had said.
“The inquiry was completed. They did not wait for the report of the probe by the committees and started a sit-in protest on some other issue. Then they reached the Supreme Court. If they will be satisfied just with my resignation, I will send it to you, and show the resignation to them,” he added.
“Even if I resign, they will say that he is not favouring anybody by resigning, as anyways his term was already over. You tell them to start their practice and stop this protest, I send my resignation to you. If you are asking me to resign, I can resign, but not as a criminal,” Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said in his defence.
On Sunday (April 30), the official Twitter page of the Ministry of Defense kicked up a controversy after it posted artwork which seemingly depicted Goddess Kali in an objectionable manner.
“Work of art,” it said in a tweet. The ‘Defense of Ukraine’ handle also posted an illustration of the Hindu deity, wherein Goddess Kali was shown having an ‘upskirt moment’ similar to Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe.
Social media users were aghast at the fact that the official handle of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry chose to mock Hindu religious beliefs without any provocation. The artwork bore an uncanny resemblance to the Hindu deity in terms of the blue skin colour, wreath of skulls and the typical ‘tongue struck out’ pose.
Screengrab of the Defense of Ukraine
“Shame on you for making such cartoons and insulting our faith! Utterly disgusting attempt,” tweeted one user.
Shame on you for making such cartoons and insulting our faith! Utterly disgusting attempt
“I am absolutely appalled to see the Ukrainian defence handle mocking Maa Kali, a revered Hindu goddess. This is a gross display of insensitivity and ignorance. I urge them to take down the offensive content and issue an apology. Respect for all religions and beliefs is paramount,” wrote one Sudhanshu Singh.
I am absolutely appalled to see the Ukrainian defence handle mocking Maa Kali, a revered Hindu goddess. This is a gross display of insensitivity and ignorance. I urge them to take down the offensive content and issue an apology. Respect for all religions and beliefs is paramount.…
One Rohit Kaushik remarked, “Utterly shameful that an arm of the national government is indulging in such insensitive activities. You will lose whatever little credibility you have. Utterly shameful conduct.”
Utterly shameful that an arm of the national government is indulging in such insensitive activities. You will lose whatever little credibility you have. Utterly shameful conduct..@DefenceU
— Rohit Kaushik (यूरेशिया वाले) ?? (@Rohit_kaushik2) April 30, 2023
Another user called upon Twitter support to intervene for mocking religious sentiments. “Officially this must be condemned and strict action taken against this person/institution,” he said.
@TwitterSupport@DrSJaishankar , kindly take notice. This handle is mocking our deity. Officially this must be condemned and strict action taken against this person/intitution
Popular Twitter user ‘Levina’ wrote, “Absolutely Hinduphobic‼️ @MEAIndia I hope India takes action against Ukrainian Defence’s post. This is the most preposterous post I have ever seen posted by a Govt agency.”
Absolutely HlNDUPHOBlC‼️ @MEAIndia I hope India takes action against Ukrainian Defence’s post. This is the most preposterous post I have ever seen posted by a Govt agency. ?
Ukraine Defense Ministry has since deleted the offensive tweet.
In June last year, Opindia had compiled a total of 21 instances when celebrities, politicians, journalists, and brands mocked Hindu Gods and traditions and managed to get away with it.
On April 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the 100th time on Mann Ki Baat. The 100th episode was broadcasted globally, including at the United Nationals Headquarters in New York.
The first episode of Mann Ki Baat was streamed on October 3, 2014, the day Hindus celebrated Vijaydashmi. Mann Ki Baat has become a symbol of positivity among the people of India. We celebrate positivity and people’s participation.
"एक ऐसा पर्व जो हर महीने आता है, जिसका इंतजार हम सभी को होता है |
हम इसमें positivity को celebrate करते हैं |
हम इसमें people’s participation को भी celebrate करते हैं |"
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
Beti Bachao, Beti Padao, Khadi movement, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Swatchch Bharat and other programs became people’s movements via Mann Ki Baat. “I did not leave my house decades ago to stay disconnected from the people of India. Mann Ki Baat allowed me to connect with everyone. It has brought me closer to the people of India,” the PM said.
He pointed out that Mann Ki Baat became a source of learning from others. He talked about Lakshman Rao Ji Inamdar, who always said that we should learn from the qualities of others.
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
He connected with Sunil Jaglan, who started the ‘selfie with daughter’ campaign. Jaglan, who hailed from Haryana, was the inspiration behind the campaign. Speaking to Jaglan, he said, “Everyone remembers ‘Selfie With Daughter’.” Jaglan thanked PM Modi for taking forward the campaign and called the movement the ‘fourth battle of Panipat’.
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
PM Modi connected to other heroes from across the country who were mentioned in previous episodes of Mann Ki Baat. He talked to Manzoor from Kashmir Valley, who manufactures wooden slates. After his project was mentioned in Mann Ki Baat, the demand increased, and Manzoor now employs over 200 people. Another expansion is in a process that will employ another 200-250 people. He mentioned that the tree used to make slates used to be sold for Rs 2,000, but now, as the demand has increased, its price has increased to Rs 3,000.
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
Speaking to Bijay Shanti, who has expanded her business of lotus stem fibre after a mention in Mann Ki Baat episode. She now employs 30 people and plans to expand and employ 100 people. She is also planning to export lotus stem fibre.
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
PM Modi then talked about how the toy industry, local dog breeds, Har Ghar Tiranga and other projects got a voice in the Mann Ki Baat program.
He talked to Pradeep Sanghwan, who started Heal Himayala project. The project was mentioned in 2020. He said his campaign could collect 5-ton garbage every day. He thanked PM Modi for the mention, as he was struggling to get people to join the campaign earlier.
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
UNESCO DG Audrey Azoulay also congratulated PM Modi for the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat. She asked about India’s efforts in the field of Education and Cultural Preservation.
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
PM Modi said, “Whether it is about education or culture, whether it is about its conservation or promotion, this has been an ancient tradition of India. The work that the country is doing in this direction today is really commendable.” He mentioned efforts made by the government, including National Education Policy and Technology Integration in the field of Education in Indian schools and colleges.
"National Education Policy हो या क्षेत्रीय भाषा में पढ़ाई का विकल्प हो, Education में Technology Integration हो, आपको ऐसे अनेक प्रयास देखने को मिलेंगे |"
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) April 30, 2023
Mann Ki Baat’s journey
The Mann Ki Baat programme, which started on October 3, 2014, has become a vital pillar of the government’s citizen-outreach programme addressing multiple social groups such as women, youth, and farmers and has spurred community action. Apart from 22 Indian languages and 29 dialects, Mann Ki Baat is broadcast in 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, Indonesian, Tibetan, Burmese, Baluchi, Arabic, Pashtu, Persian, Dari and Swahili. Mann Ki Baat is being broadcast by more than 500 All India Radio broadcast centres.
Studies have shown that over 100 crore people have connected to Mann Ki Baat at least once. It speaks directly to people, celebrates grassroots-level changemakers and achievements, and has influenced people towards positive actions.
The BJP planned massive outreach to make the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat a memorable occasion. The party organised facilities in every assembly constituency of the country for people to listen to the programme.
Days after mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed was shot dead by three assailants in Prayagraj, police have made a shocking claim that Atiq Ahmed had planned an attack on himself when he was in the custody of Uttar Pradesh police. It has been said that Atiq Ahmed had chosen his sharpshooter and close aide Guddu Muslim to execute the fake attack on himself.
As per a report in Aaj Tak, police have said that Atiq conspired to get himself attacked as he wanted to avoid an encounter with the police and also make sure that no one else also dares to attack him, because a media coverage of the attack would force the police to increase his security. Moreover, Guddu Muslim had contact with several Purvanchal criminals as well.
According to the police, it was planned as part of the conspiracy that Atiq Ahmed would be attacked when he was being taken from Sabarmati Jail to Prayagraj. The authorities also revealed that Ahmed had planned to escape the attack unscathed and that the plot called for bombs to be hurled all around him. According to the authorities, the primary goal of the assault was to enhance Atiq Ahmed’s government-provided security.
Double-cross in a planned attack?
Following these revelations, the police are probing if the three shooters Arun, Lavlesh, and Sunny who gunned down Aitq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed on April 15 were called by Atiq’s gang, and if it was an attack or a contractual murder. The police suspect that some gang hired the shooters to kill Atiq Ahmed taking advantage of his own plan to get himself attacked. Although the shooters have been repeatedly saying that they carried out the attack on their own and did not receive instructions from anyone else, the police suspect a double-cross.
Atiq had already done it before, plotting a fake attack on himself
It is worth mentioning that in 2002, while in police custody, Atiq Ahmed plotted to have himself attacked while being taken to a district court for a hearing. At that time, a crude bomb was thrown at him, and Atiq Ahmed sustained minor injuries to his head and arm. Later, it turned out that Ahmed himself planned the attack.
Notably, a video of minutes before Ahmed’s killing had gone viral on social media. Then, as seen in the video, Atiq gestured and shook his head before getting out of the car. It is being speculated that Atiq signalled someone, however, no confirmation about the same has been made by the police.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Moment when Mafia-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed were shot dead while interacting with media.
Police investigating call records of Atiq Ahmed’s killers
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has tracked down 4 mobile phone numbers during its inquiry into the shooters who killed Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf. These include Lavlesh Tiwari’s and the other shooter Arun Maurya’s cell phone numbers. The SIT also obtained the call detail records for these numbers. Police are currently determining through CDR who and how frequently the shooters spoke prior to carrying out the murder.
On April 29, a screenshot allegedly from the Olympics started making rounds on social media platforms. It was claimed that the Olympics had kept aside a few medals for the protesting wrestlers so they could take them home without competing.
Tweet claiming Olympics keep aside medals for protesting wrestlers to take home without competing. Source: WA
The screenshot read, “We have been closely monitoring the protests by wrestlers in India, and it has been conveyed to us that they want a direct entry in the Olympic games without playing at national level and medical clearance. Hence, the international Olympic committee has decided to keep a few gold medals reserved for the Phogat sisters, which they can take home without playing any game at the Olympics.”
The screenshot, however, was a fake. OpIndia checked the timeline of the Olympics’ Twitter handle and did not find any such tweet.
The origin of the sarcastic tweet
The origin of the sarcastic tweet is the statement that the protesting wrestlers have made. Notably, the wrestlers who are protesting claiming the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh sexually harassed the athletes. In several statements during the protests, they demanded direct entry to the Olympics without competing for the nationals. Ideally, athletes who compete at the national level should get a chance to show their potential on the international platform.
Thank you Vinesh Phogat for exposing yourself..
The protest was never against Brij Bhushan and sexual harassment. It was all about running the federation on their terms and getting direct entry to the Olympics without playing nationals. pic.twitter.com/24tuol6drP
The issue between the federation and athletes has been boiling up for a long time as these international players want direct entry into the Olympics and other international competitions, without competing in the nationals which is being opposed. In a recent statement, Vignesh Phogat said a separate federation for wrestlers in Haryana has been created and none of the protesting wrestlers would compete in nationals. She claimed they are ready to compete at the Olympics directly.
The protests against WFI President
On April 28 the Delhi police told the Supreme Court that it is ready to file an FIR against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, amid a second round of protests by several wrestlers demanding action against him alleging sexual harassment. Wrestlers, including Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, are protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh alleging sexual harassment and intimidation. After the hearing in the Supreme Court, the wrestlers demanded that the WFI president be put in jail and the protest will continue until this happens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ made brought about a “behavioural change” among people with the kind of exchanges with the listeners during the show, Dr Amit Kapoor, Chairman, Institute for Competitiveness, said on Saturday.
Kapoor said that the Prime Minister made conversations with the people on the issues which mattered to the citizens. Kapoor was speaking on the report on the impact of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ by Institute for Competitiveness (IFC), Axis My India and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“It made a very huge sense for us to understand the impact it creates, we found unique things as we went along. We saw behavioural change in people with the kind of conversations that PM Modi made with the people. About 100 crore people heard these conversations. These conversations discussed topics that mattered to citizens,” he said while speaking to ANI.
‘Axis My India’ was the knowledge partner, the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) the research partner of the report and the research was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Pradeep Gupta, founder and CMD of ‘Axis My India’ which was the knowledge partner in the research, said that the issues impacting the people due to PM Modi’s interaction varied from place to place.
“It was a different kind of study in itself as we had to know what kind of changes Mann Ki Baat made in the lives of the people. Different issues had impact on different places. For example, in Madhya Pradesh’s village of Betul, people were initially not ready to get themselves vaccinated. But when PM Modi interacted with them directly about it. The villagers had their own concept of why they were not taking the vaccines. But within a few days of the Prime Minister’s interaction, every villager got vaccinated and benefitted,” Gupta told ANI.
He said that the upcoming 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat which will be aired at 11 am today will create more awareness among people.
“The 100th episode will create more awareness among people. Listening is one thing, being impacted is another, and the third thing is change. I think more people would start making the change when they listen to the episodes of Mann Ki Baat,” he said.
Speaking to ANI, Archana Vyas, Deputy Director, Policy, Communications & Behavioural Insights, at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said with Axis My India and IFC as partners, they looked back at all the episodes of Mann Ki Baat.
“A thorough analysis was done about the themes that have been highlighted by the Prime Minister and there was tracing back of people to see if it did really generate any impact,” she said.
Vyas said Mann ki Baat has reached to both urban and rural populations.
“There are two or three things which have stood out in the research. One, it is a unique platform which has reached out to both rural and urban populations effectively. The use of traditional as well as digital platforms has been unique and transformational. Nearly 100 crore people have actually watched at least one of the episodes of Mann Ki Baat. It is a case study,” she said.
“Second – it has spurred community action. We have seen through the case studies that communities have taken action on the clarion call of the Prime Minister. This community action can be sustainable because of community adoption,” she added.
The programme started on October 3, 2014, months after Narendra Modi took over the Prime Minister’s Office in May.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
