Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed anguish over devastation caused by floods, landslides triggered by incessant rains across the country. He expressed pain over loss of lives and infrastructure during the natural calamity.
"In this Monsoon season, natural disasters are testing the country. In the last few weeks we have witnessed massive havoc caused by floods and landslides. Homes torn apart, fields submerged, entire families destroyed. The relentless surge of water swept away bridges-roads got washed away, and people's lives were in danger. These incidents have saddened every Indian. The pain of the families who lost their loved ones is shared by all of us," PM Modi said.
PM Modi hails rescue efforts
PM Modi hailed the efforts of NDRF, SDRF and security forces during the rescue operation amid mayhem during landslides and cloudbursts. He also appreciated the efforts of local people and social workers for their efforts in the times of crisis.
"Wherever there was a crisis, our NDRF-SDRF personnel and other security forces worked day and night to save people. The soldiers also took the help of technology. Efforts were made to speed up relief work with the help of thermal cameras, live detectors, sniffer dogs and drone surveillance. During this, relief material was delivered by helicopters and the injured were airlifted. Armed Forces came forward to help in times of disaster. Local people, social workers, doctors, administration - everyone made every possible effort in this hour of crisis. I heartily thank every such citizen who prioritized humanity in these difficult times," he said.
PM Modi praises Pulwama day-night cricket match, Khelo India Water Sports Festival in J-K
While speaking of monsoon fury and devastation, PM Modi highlighted two major achievements of Jammu and Kashmir, which many people failed to notice. PM Modi said Pulwama witnessed its first ever day-night cricket match, which attracted many people. The second major accomplishment for J-K, which PM Modi hailed, was 'Khelo India Water Sports Festival' at Dal Lake in Srinagar.
"Amidst this devastation caused by floods and rains, J&K has also achieved two very special achievements. Not many people noticed these. But you will be happy to know about those achievements. A record number of people gathered in a stadium in Pulwama. Pulwama's first day-night cricket match was played here. Earlier this was impossible but now my country is changing. This match is a part of the 'Royal Premier League' in which different teams of J&K are participating," he said.
PM Modi stated that the event saw participation from over 800 athletes, with an equal number of women and men. He said that this festival has significantly boosted the popularity of water sports in Jammu and Kashmir.
"The second event that caught attention was the country's first 'Khelo India Water Sports Festival' and that too held at Dal Lake in Srinagar. Truly , what a special place to host a Festival like this. Its objective is to make water sports more popular in J&K. More than 800 athletes from all over India participated in it. Women athletes were not far behind, their participation was nearly equal to men. I would like to congratulate all the participants. Special congratulations to Madhya Pradesh, that won the maximum number of medals, followed by Haryana and Odisha," he said.
PM Modi also interacted with two participants of Khelo India Water Sports Festival– Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha and Moshin Ali of Srinagar– during Mann Ki Baat episode. Both players shared their experiences with PM Modi.
Pratibha Setu Portal for UPSC aspirants
Prime Minister Modi stated that the government has launched the 'Pratibha Setu' portal to support UPSC aspirants who couldn't make it to the final list. The portal features the profiles of these candidates, allowing private companies to connect with them for potential employment opportunities.
"UPSC conducts the Civil Services exam, one of the toughest exams in the country. There are thousands of such candidates who are very capable but are unable to reach the final list by a small margin. These candidates have to prepare afresh for other exams that cost both their time and money. That is why, now a digital platform has now been created for such sincere students - Pratibha Setu Portal. 'Pratibha Setu' stores the data of those candidates who cleared all the stages of various exams of UPSC, but their name did not appear in the final merit list...Private companies can obtain information on these promising students and employ them," he said.
PM Modi remembers Sardar Patel's role ahead of Hyderabad Liberation Day
Ahead of Hyderabad Liberation Day in September, PM Modi recalled how Sardar Patel convinced the government to launch ‘Operation Polo’ for the liberation of Hyderabad from Nizam’s rule and amalgamated it with India after the Independence.
"Next month, in September, we will also celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day. This is the same month when we will remember the courage of all those heroes who took part in ‘Operation Polo’. When India attained independence in August 1947, Hyderabad was in a different situation. The atrocities of Nizam and Razakars were increasing day by day...Finally, Sardar Patel convinced the government to launch 'Operation Polo'. In record time, our forces liberated Hyderabad from the dictatorship of Nizam and made it a part of India," he said.
