On Oct 2, run & collect trash: Modi urges Indians

While addressing his Mann Ki Baat radio program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on "plogging" the 2 km walk on October 2, which includes jogging and collecting trash. As well as other different programs including e-cigarette ban, tourism, festivities, Run for Unity program which will be taking place on October 31 and his conversation with the veteran singer Lata Mangeskar ji on her birthday.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for organizing a unique practice called "plogging", which includes jogging and collecting trash, while addressing his popular radio program 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The Union Sports Ministry will be organizing the 2 km walk on October 2, after PM Modi was visibly impressed with the idea, he invited the people across the country to take part in "plogging".

Ahead of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, interlinking of Swachh Bharat and Fit India was a smart move of Modi government's pet project.

Ripu Daman's concept of "plogging" who joined Mann Ki Baat to elaborate the concept to make "litter-free India". "Youngsters get attracted to things that are 'cool'. Hence, I came up with this idea," said Daman.

He also gave a three-point solution to make India litter-free by putting trash in the dustbin, pick up litter from the road and finally take the trash to home in case of unavailability of the dustbin.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his strong stand against single-use plastic and invited Indians to be a part of the movement against it on Gandhi Jayanti.

Meanwhile, speaking elaborately on the ban on e-cigarettes, PM Modi said there's a wrong narrative which is being spread that it is not harmful. To the contrary, he said, it is very harmful.

Keeping in mind the Modi government's Fit India project, he also stressed on the importance of staying away from addiction. With the government's recent move of e-cigarettes ban in India.

Pandering to the Christian community, Modi said: "It is a matter of pride for every Indian that on this 13th October, His Holiness Pope Francis will declare Sister Mariam Thresia (founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family) a saint. I pay my tributes to Sister Thresia.

"Thresia, who hailed from Thrissur district in Kerala, was an Indian Syro-Malabar Catholic professed religious and the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family," he said.

While addressing the Mann Ki Baat program, PM Modi conveyed warm wishes for the upcoming festival, urging all to celebrate "Narishakti" this festive season.

"India has jumped from 65th to 34th position on global travel and tourism index. He invited Indians to travel more and within India to different parts of the country during the festive vacation.

Do travel to at least 15 different places across India," Modi urged.

He ended his radio address by reminding about the impending 'Run for Unity' on October 31 on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary.

But, what has been the icing of this version of "Mann Ki Baat" was a conversation with eminent artist Lata Mangeshkar. She turned 90 on Friday and Modi wished the veteran singer during a conversation with her.