
New Delhi, May 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 134th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday. During his speech, he mentioned the inspiring efforts of Akash Gupta from Basti district.
The Prime Minister reflected on the nostalgic memories many have of rivers, ponds, and wells. He noted that some might remember swimming in ponds, playing by their banks, or the scent of the earth. Such childhood memories remain etched in our minds forever. To preserve these memories, a motivational story has emerged from Basti district in Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi shared that Akash Gupta felt disheartened by the state of the Manorama River, which he had once seen as clean and vibrant during his childhood. Over time, plastic waste had accumulated, and pollution increased. Instead of complaining, Akash decided to initiate a change. “No complaints, only new beginnings” became his mantra.
He rallied his friends, equipped only with nets, shovels, and baskets, driven by a strong resolve to make a difference. The youth ventured into the river, removing water hyacinths, plastic, and other debris. On some days, they extracted up to 50-60 kilograms of waste from the river. Gradually, that section of the Manorama River began to look clean again, drawing the attention of local residents and raising awareness about cleanliness.
Additionally, PM Modi mentioned a retired teacher from Goa, Balakrishna Aiya, who remains passionate about serving the community. He was troubled by water scarcity in the Maddy-Tolap area and took action to address it. Balakrishna played a crucial role in laying pipelines, which brought water to many households. This initiative provided significant relief to families who previously struggled daily for access to water.
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