Booth Nos. 259 and 260 in the Dhekiajuli ward were particularly noticeable as party workers and locals gathered with the ward’s commissioner, Tapan Das, to watch the 125th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat. The atmosphere was one of unity and excitement. The fact that participants referred to their booths as “the strongest” demonstrated their pleasure in grassroots collective engagement. By uniting the community, the live broadcast transformed the occasion into a celebration of patriotism.
Prime Minister Modi gave particular attention to India’s athletic prowess during the show. He brought attention to the recent Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Dal Lake in Srinagar, which drew over 800 competitors, with women competing on an almost equal footing with males. Rising talents like Mohsin Ali from Srinagar, who won a gold medal and expressed his Olympic goal, and Rashmita Sahu from Odisha, who won 41 medals as a canoeist, were praised by him. Additionally, the Prime Minister discussed the emergence of a “Mini Brazil” in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, where young tribal football players have garnered international notice.
In a proud moment for India’s sports community, Dietmar Beiersdorfer, a German football coach, has even offered to teach Shahdol’s team in Germany. In addition to listening to the Prime Minister’s remarks, the residents of Dhekiajuli used Monday’s listening session to reaffirm their dedication to the advancement of their country. The occasion evolved into a community celebration when local solidarity and national pride met politics and patriotism.