'MANN KI BAAT' - US PRESIDENT AND INDIAN PRIME MINISTER
Here is the full transcript of the
special episode of 'Mann ki Baat': PM Shri Narendra Modi and US President Shri
Barack Obama share their thoughts on Radio.
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi:
Today, Shri Barack Obama, President
of the United States, joins us in a special programme of Mann Ki Baat. For the
last few months, I have been sharing my "Mann Ki Baat" with you. But
today, people from various parts of the country have asked questions.
But most of the questions are
connected to politics, foreign policy, economic policy. However, some questions
touch the heart. And I believe if we touch those questions today, we shall be
able to reach out to the common man in different parts of the country. And
therefore, the questions asked in press conferences, or discussed in meetings -
instead of those - if we discuss what comes from the heart, and repeat it, hum
it, we get a new energy. And therefore, in my opinion, those questions are more
important. Some people wonder, what does "Barack" mean? I was
searching for the meaning of Barack. In Swahili language, which is spoken in
parts of Africa, Barack means, one who is blessed. I believe, along with a
name, his family gave him a big gift.
African countries have lived by the
ancient idea of 'Ubuntu', which alludes to the 'oneness in humanity'. They say
- "I am, because we are". Despite the gap in centuries and borders,
there is the same spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which speak of in India.
This is the great shared heritage of humanity. This unites us. When we discuss
Mahatma Gandhi, we remember Henry Thoreau, from whom Mahatma Gandhi learnt
disobedience. When we talk about Martin Luther King or Obama, we hear from
their lips, respect for Mahatma Gandhi. These are the things that unite the
world.
Today, Barack Obama is with us. I
will first request him to share his thoughts. Then, I and Barack will both
answer the questions that have been addressed to us.
I request President Barack Obama to
say a few words.
Hon'ble Shri Barack Obama:
Namaste! Thank you Prime Minister
Modi for your kind words and for the incredible hospitality you have shown me
and my wife Michelle on this visit and let me say to the people of India how honoured
I am to be the first American President to join you for Republic Day; and I'm
told that this is also the first ever Radio address by an Indian Prime Minister
and an American President together, so we're making a lot of history in a short
time. Now to the people of India listening all across this great nation. It's
wonderful to be able to speak you directly. We just come from discussions in
which we affirmed that India and the United States are natural partners,
because we have so much in common. We are two great democracies, two innovative
economies, two diverse societies dedicated to empowering individuals. We are
linked together by millions of proud Indian Americans who still have family and
carry on traditions from India. And I want to say to the Prime Minister how
much I appreciate your strong personal commitment to strengthening the
relationship between these two countries.
People are very excited in the
United States about the energy that Prime Minister Modi is bringing to efforts
in this country to reduce extreme poverty and lift people up, to empower women,
to provide access to electricity, and clean energy and invest in
infrastructure, and the education system. And on all these issues, we want to
be partners. Because many of the efforts that I am promoting inside the United
States to make sure that the young people get the best education possible, to
make sure that the ordinary people are properly compensated for their labour,
and paid fair wages, and have job security and health care. These are the same
kinds of issues that Prime Minister Modi, I know cares so deeply about here.
And I think there's a common theme in these issues. It gives us a chance to
reaffirm what Gandhi ji reminded us, should be a central aim of our lives. And
that is, we should endeavour to seek God through service of humanity because
God is in everyone. So these shared values, these convictions, are a large part
of why I am so committed to this relationship. I believe that if the United
States and India join together on the world stage around these values, then not
only will our peoples be better off, but I think the world will be more
prosperous and more peaceful and more secure for the future. So thank you so
much Mr. Prime Minister, for giving me this opportunity to be with you here
today.
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi:
Barack
the first question comes from Raj from Mumbai His question is, the whole world
knows about your love for your daughters. How will you tell your daughters
about youre experience of India? Do you plan to do some shopping for them?
Hon'ble Shri Barack Obama:
Well first of all they very much
wanted to come. They are fascinated by India, Unfortunately each time that I
have taken a trip here, they had school and they couldn't leave school. And in
fact, Malia, my older daughter, had exams just recently. They are fascinated by
the culture, and the history of India, in part because of my influence I think,
they are deeply moved by India's movement to Independence, and the role that
Gandhi played, in not only the non-violent strategies here in India, but how
those ended up influencing the non-violent Civil Rights Movement in the United
States. So when I go back I am going to tell them that India is as magnificent
as they imagined. And I am quite sure that they are going to insist that I
bring them back the next time I visit. It may not be during my Presidency, but
afterwards they will definitely want to come and visit.
And I will definitely do some
shopping for them. Although I can't go to the stores myself, so I have to have
my team do the shopping for me. And I'll get some advice from Michelle, because
she probably has a better sense of what they would like.
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi:
Barack said he will come with his
daughters. I extend an invitation to you. Whether you come as President, or
thereafter, India looks forward to welcoming you and your daughters.
Sanika Diwan from Pune, Maharashtra
has asked me a question. She asks me, whether I have sought assistance from
President Obama for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Mission
Sanika you have asked a good
question. There is a lot of worry because of the sex ratio in India. For every
1000 boys, the number of girls is less. And the main reason for this is that,
there is a defect in our attitudes towards boys and girls.
Whether or not I seek help from
President Obama, his life is in itself an inspiration. The way he has brought
up his two daughters, the way he is proud of his two daughters.
In our country too, I meet many
families who have only daughters. And they bring up their daughters with such
pride, give them such respect, that is the biggest inspiration. I believe that
inspiration is our strength. And in response to your question, I would like to
say, to save the girl child, to educate the girl child, this is our social
duty, cultural duty, and humanitarian responsibility. We should honour it.
Barack, there is a question for
you. The second question for President Obama comes through e-mail: Dr. Kamlesh
Upadhyay, a Doctor based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat - Your wife is doing extensive
work on tackling modern health challenges like obesity and diabetes. These are
increasingly being faced in India as well. Would you and the First Lady like to
return to India to work on these issues after your Presidency, just like Bill
and Melinda Gates?
Hon'ble Shri Barack Obama:
Well, we very much look forward to
partnering with organizations, and the government and non-governmental
organizations here in India, around broader Public Health issues including the
issue of obesity. I am very proud of the work that Michelle has done on this
issue. We're seeing a world-wide epidemic of obesity, in many cases starting at
a very young age. And a part of it has to do with increase in processed foods,
not naturally prepared. Part of it is a lack of activity for too many children.
And once they are on this path, it can lead to a life time of health
challenges. This is an issue that we would like to work on internationally,
including here in India. And it is a part of a broader set of issues around
global health that we need to address. The Prime Minister and I have discussed,
for example, how we can do a better job in dealing with issues like pandemic.
And making sure that we have good alert systems so that if a disease like
Ebola, or a deadly flu virus, or Polio appears, it is detected quickly and then
treated quickly so that it doesn't spread. The public health infrastructure
around the world needs to be improved. I think the Prime Minister is doing a
great job in focusing on these issues here in India. And India has a lot to
teach many other countries who may not be advancing as rapidly in improving
this public health sector. But it has an impact on everything, because if
children are sick they can't concentrate in school and they fall behind. It has
a huge economic impact on the countries involved and so we think that there is
a lot of progress to be made here and I am very excited about the possibilities
of considering this work even after I leave office.
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi:
Mr. Arjun asks me a question. An
interesting question. He says he has seen an old photo of me as a tourist
outside the White House. He asks me what touched me when I went there last
September.
It is true that when I first went
to America, I was not lucky enough to visit the White House. There is an iron
fence far from the White House. We stood outside the fence and took a
photograph. White House is visible in the background. Now that I have become
Prime Minister, that photo too has become popular. But at that time, I had
never thought that sometime in my life, I would get a chance to visit the White
House. But when I visited the White House, one thing touched my heart. I can
never forget that. Barack gave me a book, a book that he had located after
considerable effort. That book had become famous in 1894. Swami Vivekananda,
the inspiration of my life, had gone to Chicago to participate in the World
Religions Conference. And this book was a compilation of the speeches delivered
at the World Religions Conference. That touched my heart. And not just this. He
turned the pages of the book, and showed me what was written there. He had gone
through the entire book! And he told me with pride, I come from the Chicago
where Swami Vivekananda had come. These words touched my heart a lot. And I
will treasure this throughout my life. So once, standing far from the White
House and taking a photo, and then, to visit the White House, and to receive a
book on someone whom I respect. You can imagine, how it would have touched my
heart.
Barack there is a question for you.
Himani from Ludhiana, Punjab. Question is for you ......:
Hon'ble Shri Barack Obama:
Well the question is "Did you
both imagine you would reach the positions that you've reached today?"
And it is interesting, Mr. Prime
Minister, your talking about the first time you visited White House and being
outside that iron fence. The same is true for me. When I first went to the
White House, I stood outside that same fence, and looked in, and I certainly
did not imagine that I would ever be visiting there, much less living there.
You know, I think both of us have been blessed with an extraordinary opportunity,
coming from relatively humble beginnings. And when I think about what's best in
America and what's best in India, the notion that a tea seller or somebody
who's born to a single mother like me, could end up leading our countries, is
an extraordinary example of the opportunities that exist within our countries.
Now I think, a part of what motivates both you and I, is the belief that there
are millions of children out there who have the same potential but may not have
the same education, may not be getting exposed to opportunities in the same
way, and so a part of our job, a part of government's job is that young people
who have talent, and who have drive and are willing to work for, are able to
succeed. And that's why we are emphasizing school, higher education. Making
sure that children are healthy and making sure those opportunities are
available to children of all backgrounds, girls and boys, people of all
religious faiths and of all races in the United States is so important. Because
you never know who might be the next Prime Minister of India, or who might be
the next President of United States. They might not always look the part right
off the bat. And they might just surprise you if you give them the chance.
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi:
Thank you Barack
Himani from Ludhiana has also asked
me this question - did I ever imagine I would reach this high office?
No. I never imagined it. Because,
as Barack said, I come from a very ordinary family. But for a long time, I have
been telling everyone, never dream of becoming something. If you wish to dream,
dream of doing something. When we do something, we get satisfaction, and also
get inspiration to do something new. If we only dream of becoming something,
and cannot fulfil the dream, then we only get disappointed. And therefore, I
never dreamt of becoming something. Even today, I have no dream of becoming
something. But I do dream of doing something. Serving Mother India, serving 125
crore Indians, there can be no greater dream than this. That is what I have to
do. I am thankful to Himani.
There is a question for Barack from
Omprakash. Omprakash is studying Sanskrit at JNU. He belongs to Jhunjunu,
Rajasthan. Om Prakash is convener of special centre for Sanskrit Studies in
JNU.
Hon'ble Shri Barack Obama:
Well this is a very interesting
question. His question is, the youth of the new generation is a global citizen.
He is not limited by time or boundaries. In such a situation what should be the
approach by our leadership, governments as well as societies at large.
I think this is a very important
question. When I look at this generation that is coming up, they are exposed to
the world in ways that you and I could hardly imagine. They have the world at
their fingertips, literally. They can, using their mobile phone, get
information and images from all around the world and that's extraordinarily
powerful. And what that means, I think is that, governments and leaders cannot
simply try to govern, or rule, by a top-down strategy. But rather have to reach
out to people in an inclusive way, and an open way, and a transparent way. And
engage in a dialogue with citizens, about the direction of their country. And
one of the great things about India and the United States is that we are both
open societies. And we have confidence and faith that when citizens have
information, and there is a vigorous debate, that over time even though
sometimes democracy is frustrating, the best decisions and the most stable
societies emerge and the most prosperous societies emerge. And new ideas are
constantly being exchanged. And technology today I think facilitates that, not
just within countries, but across countries. And so, I have much greater faith
in India and the United States, countries that are open information societies,
in being able to succeed and thrive in this New Information Age; than closed
societies that try to control the information that citizens receive. Because
ultimately that's no longer possible. Information will flow inevitably, one way
or the other, and we want to make sure we are fostering a healthy debate and a
good conversation between all peoples.
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi:
Omprakash wants me too, to answer
the question that has been asked to Barack.
Barack has given a very good
answer. It is inspiring. I will only say, that once upon a time, there were
people inspired primarily by the Communist ideology. They gave a call: Workers
of the world, Unite. This slogan lasted for several decades. I believe, looking
at the strength and reach of today's youth, I would say, Youth, Unite the
world. I believe they have the strength and they can do it.
The next question is from CA
Pikashoo Mutha from Mumbai, and he asks me, which American leader has inspired
you
When I was young, I used to see
Kennedy's pictures in Indian newspapers. His personality was very impressive.
But your question is, who has inspired me. I liked reading as a child. And I
got an opportunity to read the biography of Benjamin Franklin. He lived in the
eighteenth century. And he was not an American President. But his biography is
so inspiring - how a person can intelligently try to change his life.
If we feel excessively sleepy, how
can we reduce that?
If we feel like eating too much,
how can we work towards eating less?
If people get upset with you that
cannot meet them, because of the pressure of work, then how to solve this
problem?
He has addressed such issues in his
biography. And I tell everyone, we should read Benjamin Franklin's biography.
Even today, it inspires me. And Benjamin Franklin had a multi-dimensional
personality. He was a politician, he was a political scientist, he was a social
worker, he was a diplomat. And he came from an ordinary family. He could not
even complete his education. But till today, his thoughts have an impact on
American life. I find his life truly inspiring. And I tell you too, if you read
his biography, you will find ways to transform your life too. And he has talked
about simple things. So I feel you will be inspired as much as I have been.
There is a question for Barack,
from Monika Bhatia.
Hon'ble Shri Barack Obama:
Well the question is "As
leaders of two major economies, what inspires you and makes you smile at the
end of a bad day at work?"
And that is a very good question. I
say sometimes, that the only problems that come to my desk are the ones that
nobody else solves. If they were easy questions, then somebody else would have
solved them before they reached me. So there are days when it's tough and
frustrating. And that's true in Foreign Affairs. That is true in Domestic
Affairs. But I tell you what inspires me, and I don't know Mr. Prime Minister
if you share this view - almost every day I meet somebody who tells me,
"You made a difference in my life."
So they'll say, "The
Health-Care law that you passed, saved my child who didn't have health
insurance." And they were able to get an examination from a Physician, and
they caught an early tumour, and now he is doing fine.
Or they will say "You helped
me save my home during the economic crisis."
Or they'll say, "I couldn't
afford college, and the program you set up has allowed me to go to the
university."
And sometimes they are thanking you
for things that you did four or five years ago. Sometimes they are thanking you
for things you don't even remember, or you're not thinking about that day. But
it is a reminder of what you said earlier, which is, if you focus on getting
things done as opposed to just occupying an office or maintaining power, then
the satisfaction that you get is unmatched. And the good thing about service is
that anybody can do it. If you are helping somebody else, the satisfaction that
you can get from that, I think, exceeds anything else that you can do. And
that's usually what makes me inspired to do more, and helps get through the
challenges and difficulties that we all have. Because obviously we are not the
only people with bad days at work. I think everybody knows what it is like to
have a bad day at work. You just have to keep on working through it. Eventually
you make a difference.
Hon'ble Shri Narendra Modi:
Indeed Barack has spoken words from
the heart (Mann Ki Baat). Whatever position we may hold, we are human too.
Simple things can inspire us. I also wish to narrate an experience. For many
years, I was like an ascetic. I got food at other people's homes. Whoever
invited me, used to feed me as well. Once a family invited me over for a meal,
repeatedly. I would not go, because I felt they are too poor, and if I go to
eat at their place, I will become a burden on them. But eventually, I had to
bow to their request and love. And I went to eat a meal at their home. It was a
small hut, where we sat down to eat. They offered me roti made of bajra
(millet), and mik. Their young child was looking at the milk. I felt, the child
has never even seen milk. So I gave that small bowl of milk to the child. And
he drank it within seconds. His family members were angry with him. And I felt
that perhaps that child has never had any milk, apart from his mother's milk. And
maybe, they had bought milk so that I could have a good meal. This incident
inspired me a lot. A poor person living in a hut could think so much about my
well-being. So I should devote my life to their service. So these are the
things that serve as inspiration. And Barack has also spoken about what can
touch the heart.
I am thankful to Barack, he has
given so much time. And I am thankful to my countrymen for listening to Mann Ki
Baat. I know radio reaches every home and every lane of India. And this Mann Ki
Baat, this special Mann Ki Baat will echo forever.
I have an idea. I share it with
you. There should be an e-book made of the talk between Barack and me today. I
hope the organizers of Mann Ki Baat will release this e-book. And to you all,
who have listened to Mann Ki Baat, I also say, do participate in this. And the best
hundred thoughts that emerge out of this, will also be added to this e-book.
And I want you to write to us on Twitter, on Facebook, or online, using the
hashtag #YesWeCan.
Eliminate Poverty - Yes We Can
Quality Healthcare to All -
Youth empowered with Education -
Jobs for All -
End to Terrorism -
Global Peace and Progress -
I want you to send your thoughts,
experiences and feelings after listening to Mann Ki Baat. From them, we will
select the best hundred, and we will add them to the book containing the talk
that Barack and I have had. And I believe, this will truly become, the Mann Ki
Baat of us all.
Once again, a big thank you to
Barack. And to all of you. Barack's visit to India on this pious occasion of
26th January, is a matter of pride for me and for the country.
Thank you very much
Post a Comment