Mann Ki Baat: PM hails sprint icons Gurindervir, Kujur

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Sunday praised the country's new sprint icons Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur both of whom broke national records at the recent National Senior Athletics Federation Competition in Ranchi.

In his monthly radio address, Mann ki Baat, Modi said four national records were broken in four different events. "Gurindervir Singh, Vishal TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena, and Kuldeep Kumar - these friends set new records in different categories," PM said, congratulating the athletes.

PM interacted with Singh and Kujur during the programme and the two athletes spoke about their sporting journeys and experiences. "Look, the competition you've participated in is to enhance the nation's prestige, to take the country to this position in the future, and done with a positive spirit. And I believe that this sportsman spirit of yours... to play, also to challenge each other, also to strive to get ahead, and to help each other to move ahead; this is a wonderful job you've done."

Referring to a swimming club run by Saji Valasheril at Aluva, Kerala, PM said more than 15,000 people, including specially abled individuals, have learnt swimming there. Modi said Saji started the initiative after a boat tragedy a few years ago where several students had died. PM also spoke about educator Girija Amma from Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu, who runs 15 schools, including the Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai. Speaking about the summer season, PM said mangoes remain an inseparable part of Indian households and culture. He praised farmers engaged in mango cultivation and highlighted how Indian mangoes are increasingly reaching global markets. Modi also urged to take care during heatwaves.

Modi underlined the importance of environmental conservation and highlighted efforts to protect the endangered Ganga river dolphin. He called upon citizens to actively participate in preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems while highlighting country's first "Ganga dolphin rescue ambulance".