PM Narendra Modi all praise for foiling rhino poaching

Assam etched on 'Mann Ki Baat'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described the rich tapestry of life and nature in Assam while depicting its lush green tea, wildlife including one-horned rhinoceros, dreams of the weavers. Assam, especially its success story to fight out poachers, seems to have etched on the PM's 85th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' today.

He said, "My dear countrymen, when there is a sincere effort, work is done with a noble intention, results also follow. A great example of this has emerged from Assam. As soon as the name of Assam is taken, the thought of tea plantations and many national parks come to mind. Along with this, the picture of one-horned rhinoceros also emerges in our minds. You all know that the one-horned rhinoceros has always been a part of Assamese culture. The song of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika ji (Kazirongar siro seuj poribesh…) resonates in every ear.

"Friends, the meaning of this song is very relevant. The song says, the lush green surroundings of Kaziranga, the abode of elephants and tigers, the Earth watches one-horned rhinoceros and listens to the melodious chirping of birds. The images of the rhinoceros are also seen in the Moonga and Eri dresses woven on the world-famous handlooms of Assam. The rhinoceros, which has such great glory in the culture of Assam, also had to face difficulties. In 2013, 37 and 2014, 32 rhinos were killed by poachers. To tackle this challenge, a huge campaign against the poaching of rhinoceros was launched in the last seven years with the special efforts of the Assam government. On the 22nd of September last year, on the occasion of World Rhino Day, more than 2,400 horns seized from smugglers were burnt. This was a stern message to the poachers. The result of such efforts is that now there is a steady decrease in the hunting of rhinos in Assam. Where 37 rhinos were killed in 2013, 2 killings in 2020 and only 1 in 2021 have come to the fore. I appreciate the resolve of the people of Assam to save the rhinoceros."

PM Modi said that about 60 per cent of youths in the age group of 15 to 18 years are vaccinated. The Prime Minister also said that within 20 days, one crore people have taken the precaution dose as well.

"It is also a matter of pride that till now about four-and-a-half-crore children have been administered the dose of Corona Vaccine," he said.

"This means that about 60 per cent of youth in the age group of 15 to 18 years have got their vaccines within three to four weeks. This will not only protect our youth but will also help them to continue with their studies. Another good thing is that within 20 days, one crore people have taken the precaution dose as well," the Prime Minister said.

He mentioned that now the cases of corona infection have also started decreasing and this is a very positive sign. "People should be safe, the pace of economic activities of the country should be maintained - this is the wish of every countryman," he said.

Sunday's 'Mann Ki Baat' is the first episode of 2022 and Prime Minister remembered Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary. "Today is also the death anniversary of our revered Bapu Mahatma Gandhi ji. The 30th of January reminds us of the teachings of Bapu," he said.

Talking about the just concluded Republic Day celebrations, Modi said, "The display of the nation's valour and strength, which we witnessed on Rajpath in Delhi filled everyone with pride and enthusiasm. One change you must have noticed is that now the Republic Day functions will start from January 23, i.e. the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and will continue till January 30, i.e. Gandhiji's death anniversary."

He also talked about the digital sculpture of Subhas Chandra Bose installed at India Gate. "We can never forget the way the country welcomed this, the wave of joy that arose from every corner of the country; the kind of feelings expressed by every countryman," he said.

The Prime Minister also talked about the 'Swachhta Abhiyan', 'Vocal for Local' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. "We should not forget the 'Swachhta Abhiyan', we should accelerate the campaign against single-use plastic, 'Vocal for Local' mantra is our responsibility, we have to work wholeheartedly for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. With the efforts of all of us, the country will reach new heights of development," he said. (PIB)

Also Read:  Kevin Pietersen Appreciates PM Modi As Rhino Poaching In Assam Drops

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