Here are the Highlights from PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat

Prime minister Narendra Modi delivered this year's first address of his radio show titled Mann Ki Baat which debuted in 2014 today.

The address this month took place from 11.30 am today instead of the usual 11 am.

PM Modi urged the citizens to visit the National War Memorial and get rid of corruption, among other things.

"There were tears in the eyes of many countrymen and martyr families on this emotional occasion. At the ‘National War Memorial’, the names of all the bravehearts of the country who have been martyred since Independence have been inscribed. Some former soldiers of the army have written to me saying that “The ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ lit at the memorial is a symbol of the immortality of the martyrs," he said.

He further congratulated the Padma Bhushan and PM Bal Puraskar awardees. "Some veterans wrote to me that 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' (at the National War Memorial) is a great tribute to martyrs…I request you to visit the War Memorial…As part of 'Azadi KaAmrut Mahotsav' many awards such as PM Bal Puraskar, Padma awards were also announced," he said.

"Many important national awards were also given away in the country. One of them is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Baal Puraskaar. These awards are given to children who have rendered courageous and inspirational work at a young age," PM Modi added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mann Ki Baat talked about a Tamil Nadu man named Tayammal, who donated ₹1 lakh to a school, from the money he saved by selling coconut water.

PM Narendra Modi said he received as many as 75 postcards from Croatia on the occasion of ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ for 75th year of independence. He read out a postcard sent to him from an Assam girl Ridhima, studying in class 7, who said she dreams of India becoming the cleanest nation on its 100th year of independence.

Look back at our history and we will see so many individuals who have been associated with education. They have founded several institutions. We are also seeing Indians across all walks of life contribute resources so that others can get the joys of education: PM

The address comes on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, observed as Martyrs Day to honour his contribution towards the freedom of the country.

In the last edition of Mann ki Baat on December 26, PM Modi spoke on several topics including coronavirus disease and Swachh Bharat' initiative. He also spoke about Kaavi, a form of painting mostly found in Goa and coastal parts of Maharashtra, urging people to work towards preserving such ancient forms in the country.

The first episode of the programme was aired on October 3, 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)