Kausalya IAS Academy

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 22 DECEMBER 2021

National Mathematics Day

National Mathematics Day is celebrated on December 22 to honor mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan who was born on this date in 1887.

India celebrates National Mathematics Day on December 22 every year. The day marks the birth anniversary of famous mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. In 2012, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Declared the date as National Mathematics Day to honor the great man.
Here is some information about Ramanujan’s life and work that students can use in their Mathematics day speech and essay:

Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887 at Erode, Tamil Nadu in a Tamil Brahmin Iyengar family.

Ramanujan studied at the Government College in Kumbakonam in 1903. In college, he failed exams due to his negligence for non-mathematical subjects.

In 1912, Ramanujan started working as a clerk in the Madras Port Trust. It is in this place his genius was recognized by a colleague who was also a mathematician. The colleague referred Ramanujan to Professor GH Hardy of Trinity College, Cambridge University.

Ramanujan was a prodigious Indian mathematician who, despite having no formal training in advanced mathematical concepts, mastered trigonometry at the age of 12 and went on to make great contributions to mathematical concepts such as number theory, infinite series and continued fractions.

He was born on December 22, 1887, in Tamil Nadu’s Erode. Ramanujan had enrolled in Madras’ Pachaiyappa College at the age of 14.

Ramanujan was working at Madras Port Trust in 1912 where his prowess was recognised by some of his co-workers, one of whom referred him to professor GH Hardy of Trinity College, Cambridge University. He met Hardy in 1913, a year after which he went to Trinity College where he honed his craft under the Englishman’s tutelage.

Ramanujan joined Trinity College a few months before World War I began. In 1916, he received a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. He was elected to the London Mathematical Society in 1917.

Next year, he was elected a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society for his research on Elliptic Functions and theory of numbers.

In the same year, in October, he became the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College.

Ramanujan returned to India in 1919. A year later, he breathed his last at the age of 32.

The 2015 movie 'The Man Who Knew Infinity' was released based on Srinivasa Ramanujan’s biography. It describes the mathematician's life and journey towards establishing the famed mathematical theories.

Ramanujan’s mathematical genius was such that he discovered his own theorems and independently compiled 3900 results.

As mentioned in Ramanujan's biography 'The Man Who Knew Infinity' by Robert Knaigel, GH Hardy once went to visit Ramanujan at a hospital. Mr Hardy told him that he came in a taxi with the number '1729' which seemed to be an ordinary number. Ramanujan said that it was not. 1729, later termed the Hardy-Ramanujan Number, is the smallest number which can be expressed as the sum of two different cubes in two different ways, he said.

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 22 DECEMBER 2021

DIVYA HEGDE OF UDUPI RECEIVES UN'S AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY

At the 2021 Regional Asia-Pacific Women's Empowerment Principles Awards event on November 18th, 2021, Divya Hegde of Udupi, coastal Karnataka, received the UN Women's Award for Leadership Commitment. Her efforts to promote gender equality via climate action have been recognised. Her organisation, Baeru Environmental Services, focuses on waste management, rural women's livelihoods, and the development of a circular economy in the region.

Divya said, "gender justice is inextricably linked to climate justice and the world needs to leverage women as its most powerful ally in fighting climate change. At Baeru, we are enabling rural women's socio-economic empowerment by leveraging the power of design and technology in lingual and regional contexts. We firmly believe that our mission of environmental justice and gender equality go hand in hand."

By providing jobs and access to training programmes in waste management and product creation, Baeru enables women in the community to adopt proactive climate change actions.

They're currently operating in coastal Karnataka and the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot of worldwide significance. A fundamental aspect of their climate communications work is the use of local arts and culture practises to conduct relatable and successful workshops for women and children, and they deliver realistic and successful seminars for women and children through the medium of local arts and cultural practises.

They seek to provide a strong and relevant context that connects the severity of the climate situation to local coastal communities, as well as dispel myths about climate solutions being oppressive, unsustainable, and economically harmful for rural inhabitants.

Divya further said, "we work closely with women to enhance their awareness of climate action issues, as they are the primary decision-makers concerning the lifestyle choices of their family unit. By helping them harness technology and encouraging micro-entrepreneurship to streamline waste management, we have been able to generate gainful and meaningful employment for women, thus enabling financial independence."

The United Nations Leadership Commitment Award honours those who have played a key role in establishing strong pledges to promote gender equality in the workplace, marketplace, and/or community.

This prize is a joint UN Women and UN Global Compact project aimed at encouraging women to fully engage in all aspects of economic life.

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 20 DECEMBER 2021

President Kovind embarks on 3-day visit to Bangladesh to attend 50th Victory Day celebrations

The visit, which will conclude on 17 December, will include meets with Bangladesh president Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen

"Beginning Wednesday, President Kovind will be on a state visit to Bangladesh. The visit will be from 15-17 December. This visit is in context of 50th Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka at which Bangladesh president Abdul Hamid has invited President Kovind to represent India as a guest of honour," Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday during a press briefing. This is the first visit of President Kovind to Bangladesh since the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Bangladesh inviting our President to be the guest of honour on this occasion to join to commemorate this event at which he is the only foreign dignitary who will be represented. At the same time, our president going out for the first time since the COVID pandemic is also very significant," Shringla said.

Emphasising that the visit of the President provides an opportunity to renew India's bonds with Dhaka, Shringla said that the relations are based on a shared geographical space, heritage, history and shared experience of New Delhi's support to Bangladesh during its war of liberation.

"It is also an occasion to take note of the width, depth, vitality and dynamism of the contemporary ties," Shringla added.

Schedule

Kovind will visit the National Martyrs' Memorial on Wednesday morning and pay homage to those who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence of 1971. The president will also visit the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
Kovind will hold a delegation-level meeting with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Bangladeshi foreign minister will also call on him.
The Bangladeshi president will hold a banquet in honour of Kovind on Wednesday.
Kovind will attend the Victory Day parade, which will include a 122-member tri-services contingent from the Indian armed forces, as the guest of honour.
During his visit, President Kovind will also interact with 'Mukti Jodhas' of Bangladesh and Indian veterans.
Bilateral ties

Emphasising the close ties between the two countries, Shringla said Bangladesh has been the largest recipient of India-made vaccine doses.

So far, India has exported 2 crore and 18 lakh vaccines to Bangladesh. Out of these, 33 lakh were gifted, 1.5 crore were commercial exports and 35 lakh were given through the COVAX facility, Shringla said.

"The relationship is an extraordinary one, it is a close relationship with our multi-faceted ties. The ties are at a high point," Shringla said. He added, "The visit of our president provides opportunity to renew our bonds based on... shared heritage, shared history and the shared experience of our support for Bangladesh during its liberation war. It is also an occasion to take note of the depth, breadth, vitality and dynamism of contemporary ties."

Around 93,000 Pakistani troops had surrendered before the joint forces of the Indian Army and the "Mukti Bahini" on December 16, 1971, that paved way for the birth of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Bangladesh in March to join the celebrations of the golden jubilee of its independence, the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic ties.

President Kovind embarks on 3-day visit to Bangladesh to attend 50th Victory Day celebrations New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday embarked on a three-day State visit to Bangladesh to participate in the 50th Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka.

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 18 DECEMBER 2021

International Migrants Day
On 4 December 2000, the General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day (A/RES/55/93(link is external)). On that day, in 1990, the Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (A/RES/45/158(link is external)).

Migration is a global phenomenon driven by many forces. These start with aspirations for dignity, safety and peace. The decision to leave home is always extreme, and, too often, the beginning of a dangerous, sometimes fatal journey.

UNESCO is acting to advance the migration-related commitments of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This starts with education, by promoting access to quality education for Syrian refugees, by facilitating recognition of education diplomas and qualifications.

Through our International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, we promote a welcoming approach towards migrants at the local level. We are bolstering the capacities of journalists to address negative narratives and bring the stories of migrants to the fore. UNESCO is deeply engaged with UN partners through the Global Migration Group(link is external), to shape a global compact for safer, orderly and regular migration.

The 2030 Agenda promises to leave no one behind -- this must include every migrant. Protecting their rights and dignity means responding to humanitarian needs and advancing sustainable development. Fundamentally, this is about defending our common humanity through solidarity in action.

Each year on December 18, the United Nations, through the UN-related agency International Organization for Migration (IOM), uses International Migrants Day to highlight the contributions made by the roughly 272 million migrants, including more than 41 million internally displaced persons,[2] and the challenges they face.[3]

Reasons for the Day

Celebrations of the 2017 International Migrants Day in Usera, a neighborhood of Madrid, Spain
In 1997, Filipino and other Asian migrant organizations began celebrating and promoting 18 December as the International Day of Solidarity with Migrants. This date was chosen because it was on 18 December 1990 that the UN adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Building on this initiative, 18 December with support from Migrant Rights International and the Steering Committee for the Global Campaign for Ratification of the International Convention on Migrants' Rights and many other organizations – began late 1999 campaigning online for the official UN designation of an International Migrant's Day, which was finally proclaimed on 4 December 2000.

The United Nations proclamation of the International Migrants Day is an important step, offering a rallying point for all those concerned with the protection of migrants. The UN invited all UN member states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to observe this day by disseminating information on human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, sharing experiences, and undertaking action to ensure the protection of migrants.

International Migrants Day is seen as an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by millions of migrants to the economies of their host and home countries promotes respect for their basic human rights.

Global actions to celebrate International Migrants Day
Making migrants' voices heard is the common thread throughout International Migrants Day events. Since 2016, International Migrants Day has also served as the platform for the gala final event of IOM's three-week-long Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) which in 2019 featured more than 620 screenings of migration-themed movies and panel discussions about IMD2019's theme of Social Cohesion in 107 countries around the world.

This global event, supported by events organized by IOM's nearly 500 country offices and sub-offices as well as governmental, international and domestic civil society partners examines a wide range of migration themes, Social Cohesion, Dignity, Exploitation, Solidarity to advocate for migration guided by the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 18 DECEMBER 2021

Bhutan confers highest civilian award on PM Modi

he Government of Bhutan has conferred Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the country's highest civilian honour, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo.

rime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the highest civilian honour of Bhutan, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo, the Bhutanese government said in a statement.

"Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji’s Narendra Modi name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo," a tweet from Prime Minister of Bhutan read.

Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji’s name for the highest civilian decoration, Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo.

— PM Bhutan () December 17, 2021
In a Facebook post, the PMO Bhutan said, "HM highlighted all the unconditional friendship and support Modiji extended over the years and particularly during pandemic. Much deserving! Congratulations from the people of Bhutan. In all interactions, seen Your Excellency as a great, spiritual human being. Looking forward to celebrating the honour in person."

Bhutan on Friday conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, its highest civilian honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was announced on the occasion of the 114th national day of Bhutan.

“Overjoyed to hear His Majesty pronounce Your Excellency Modiji's name for the highest civilian decoration, Order of the Druk Gyalpo,” said Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tshering.

This is Mr. Modi’s 10th international award given by various governments.

In response, Mr. Modi said, “Thank you Lyonchhen ! I am deeply touched by this warm gesture, and express my grateful thanks to His Majesty the King of Bhutan.”

Birth of Wangchuk dynasty
Every year, on December 17, Bhutan marks the national day in memory of the birth of the Wangchuk dynasty in 1907. On that day, Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuk was coronated as the king of Bhutan and the reign of the Wangchuk dynasty has continued ever since.

“I admire Bhutan for its unique model of sustainable development and admire Bhutan for its unique model of sustainable development and the deeply spiritual way of life. Successive Druk Gyalpos - Their Majesties the Kings - have given a unique identity to the Kingdom, and nurtured the special bond of neighbourly friendship that our nations share,” said Mr. Modi.

Bhutan was the first country that Mr. Modi visited upon taking charge as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014. He visited capital Thimphu again in July 2019, following re-election that year

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 17TH DECEMBER 2021

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Launches SAHAY Scheme In Maoist-Hit Districts

The Hemant Soren-led Government took an appreciable step on December 15 to promote sports among youths of the worst Maoist-hit districts in Jharkhand. During the launch of Sports Action towards Harnessing Aspiration of Youths (SAHAY), the Government aims to promote sports hence dissuading youths from joining the ranks of rebels.

"In the first place, around 72,000 young talents from rebel-hit districts will be scouted and nurtured to shine in the sporting arena. We will soon establish sports nurseries in Maoist-affected areas so that the youth of these areas can excel in sports and the sound of bullets gets replaced by the laughter of sports and tourists," Said Soren while launching the scheme in Chaibasa of West Singhbhum, as per The Telegraph Online.

he setting up of skill university aims to bring qualitative improvement in the development of higher and technical education and provide opportunities in the field of skill development and entrepreneurship. Points To Ponder Over Jharkhand has set an example by introducing the SAHAY Scheme; not only is Jharkhand affected by rebels, but the North-eastern States and States like Jammu and Kashmir are having the same dilemma and youths who belong to these states needs to be nurtured through schemes like SAHAY.

It is very important for them to get indulged in activities that make them live a better and healthy life not only physically but also mentally. It is the responsibility of the State to provide them opportunities and make them an asset rather than a liability to society.

We can blame people for doing nothing for the community. Instead, all the authorities can do is analyze the loopholes and create such conditions for the youths that they push themselves to do things that give them better opportunities and raise their standard of living.

Jharkhand Sahay Yojana 2021 has been launched by the state government to promote sportspersons in extremist-hit areas (Naxal affected areas). Under the Sports Action Towards Harnessing Aspirations of Youth (Sahay) scheme Phase 1, around 72,000 youths between 14 to 19 years belonging to maoists affected regions will get an opportunity to show their skills in the field of sports. The state govt. has already asked officials from Sports Department to identify potential talents under 19 years of age. In this article, we will tell you about the complete details of the Jharkhand Sahay Yojna.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched Jharkhand Sahay Yojana on 15 December 2021 from the West Singhbhum district. In Sahay Scheme, talented youths from rebel hit areas like Chaibasa, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Khunti, Gumla and Simdega can show their skills in various sports upto panchayat, ward, block and district level. Youths will get an opportunity to show their skills in other sports including hockey, football, volleyball, athletics. The Sahay Yojna will be operated by the Sports Department.

In order to instill a culture of sports and identify talent in the state, CM Hemant Soren had earlier given directions to sports department officials to work on a special sports scheme named Sahay for youth from Naxalite-affected areas. Officials were asked to work extensively to connect youth below the age of 19 with the Jharkhand Sahay Scheme. Under Sahay Yojana, potential sports talent will be identified from the panchayat level and taken to the block level and district level where they will be prepared for national and international sports events.

The primary objective of Jharkhand Sahay Yojana is to motivate the youth of LWE affected areas towards a positive life by giving them an identity through sports. In the competitions organized under Sahay scheme, winners and runners-up at district and state level will also be honoured by giving incentives.

CM Hemant Soren Speech on Sahay Scheme Launch
Speaking on the launch event of Jharkhand Sahay Yojana, CM said “Since years some areas of Jharkhand have been affected by Naxalism, but attempts were made to make it frightening by other people, who do not know about the tribal, indigenous, language, culture and tradition here as a result they are not recovering from the picture that they have created.” CM said “the present government is trying to change this picture and is trying create an atmosphere of smile in the remote forests of Jharkhand.”

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 16TH DECEMBER 2021

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hands over DRDO developed
products to Armed Forces

Shri Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that DRDO would be
successful in developing futuristic warfare technologies

Five DRDO developed products handed over to the Armed forces and other security agencies
Six Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements executed with seven public and private sector companies

Shri Rajnath Singh handedover five Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed products to the Armed forces and other security agencies at an event held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi on December 14, 2021, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations and iconic week of Ministry of Defence.

He also handed over six Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements to seven public and private sector companies. Earlier DRDO organised a Seminar on “Preparing For The Future” where Vice Chiefs of the Armed Forces and DRDO Scientists shared their views.

Speaking on the occasion, the Raksha Mantri said, such seminars help in meeting of the minds and evolving a common strategy to face enemy threats.

Shri Rajnath Singh said, “When we talk about integration and jointness, it is not limited to initiatives taken by government alone. Its success has to be achieved by meeting of minds of our defence forces.

It is an effort to jointly enhance our capabilities to face the challenges posed by our adversaries.” “The integration we talk about, is not limited to our the forces but also it means synergy among every concerned organisation in the country,” he added.

He added that there has been a big change over the last few years in the approach of DRDO whereby it was not only working on technologies to mitigate current threats but also on first-of-its-kind technologies to face the future challenges.

On the objective of making India a strong platform of defence manufacturing base and net defence exporter, Raksha Mantri said DRDO has played a significant role in this endeavour. “Its path passes through collaboration among DRDO, the Armed Forces, Private industry, start-ups and academia.

The ToT with private players which took place today indicate that we are ready to make a strong defence industrial base in the country that will cater not only the domestic defence requirements but also will fulfill needs of friendly countries by defence item exports.”

Paying tribute to late Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat and others who lost their lives in an air crash recently, the Raksha Mantri said that the process of integration and modernisation of Tri-Services that was initiated with creation of post of CDS and Department of Military Affairs will move on seamlessly and will be priority of the government to achieve the target as soon as possible.

Emphasizing the role of technology in warfare, Shri Rajnath Singh said our aim should be to make India a leader in the defence technology and identified development of Hypersonic cruise missile as one such advanced technology for which all should work together.

Citing the scientific prowess of DRDO in developing Mission Shakthi, Raksha Mantri said DRDO is working on smart materials, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning based systems, Swarm drones, Asymmetric warfare etc.

Shri Rajnath Singh said the Government is working in a concerted manner to realize the objective of Make in India and Make for the World by bringing in several policy reforms such as increasing FDI in Defence sector through automatic route to 74%, Corporatisation of OFB, creation of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, formulation of Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020, bringing out positive lists of defence items for domestic manufacturing etc. He added that these policies aim to make our Armed Forces strong by strengthening domestic defence industry.

Products handed over to the Armed Forces & Ministry of Home Affairs are Anti-Drone system, Modular Bridge, Smart Anti Airfield Weapon, Chaff Variants and the Light Weight Fire Fighting Suit. The counter drone systems, developed by DRDO for detection, deterrence and destruction of incoming drones was handed over to the CISC by the Raksha Mantri.

He also handed over the Modular Bridge to the Chief of Army Staff General M M Naravane. Modular bridge developed by R&DE (Engineers) is a single span, mechanically launched assault bridge of military load class MLC-70, and can be launched in different spans.

The Raksha Mantri handed over Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW), an air launched, long-range, stand-off, air-to-surface Smart Bomb, to the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

The variants of Advanced Chaff were handed over to the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar. Structural fire-fighting suit developed by DRDO’s Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), Delhi was handed over to Shri V S K Kaumudi, Special Secretary, MHA.

The LAToT documents of seven DRDO developed systems were handed over during the event for the systems/technologies namely Coastal Surveillance Radar, Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) & Chemical Agent Monitor (CAM), Unit Maintenance Vehicle, Unit Repair Vehicle, Fused Silica based Ceramic Core technology and the Fire Suppressing Gel.

Secretary, DDR&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy; Vice Chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Staff, other senior civil and military officials of Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs were also present on the occasion.

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 16TH DECEMBER 2021

Assam Governor releases book Principles and Practice of Oncology.

A book on Principles and Practice of Oncology Edited by Dr Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), was released by Governor of Assam Prof. Jagdish Mukhi at the Raj Bhawan, Guwahati on Tuesday.

Dr. Rajendra A Badwe, Director of Tata Memorial Center in Mumbai was present as the Distinguished Guest in the book release ceremony.

Governor Prof. Mukhi, releasing the book, said, “There have been significant changes in the paradigm of cancer diagnosis and treatment in the world.

Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute being one of the oldest cancer centre's has immensely contributed for prevention, early detection, treatment and palliation of cancer in the North Eastern Region.

This book is a new addition in the academics of cancer, and this book will immensely help oncologists and postgraduate students of the country in their practice and learning.”

According to Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of BBCI, this book is probably the most extensive book on oncology published from India. The book has 1019 pages of text.

This book has been authored by 76 faculties of BBCI and 30 authors from reputed cancer centre's of India and abroad.

The first edition of the book covers topics like basic science in oncology, various aspects in the diagnosis, and recent developments in management of patients with cancer in the Indian context..

Also, the book dwelt on palliative care and oncology nursing.
It is hoped that publication of this book, which is first of its kind in North East India will pave the way for more such publication by young and senior faculties in medical sciences of the region, further stated Dr. Kataki.

Dr Badwe appreciated the effort of BBCI for bringing out the book, which will be highly relevant in the oncology practice in the country.

The book release ceremony was attended by Dr. Arvind Krishnamurthy, Professor and Head of Surgical Oncology, Adyar Cancer Institute and Dr. Rakesh Jalali, Medical Director, Apollo Proton Cancer Center, both from Chennai, and Dr. Lalit Kumar, Head of National Cancer Institute and Professor of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi.

Among others, M Hoque, Chancellor of University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Prof. G D Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee, President of Sri Sankardeva Nethralaya, and Dr. B C Goswami, Director of State Cancer Institute also attended the book release ceremony at the Raj Bhawan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS AS ON 15 DECEMBER 2021

Maa Umiya Dham Development Project
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi spoke today at the foundation stone laying of Maa Umiya Dham Development Project involving Umiya Mata Dham temple and temple premises in Gujarat, via video conferencing today.

The Prime Minister said that the project is a perfect example of the notion of ‘SabkaPrayas’ as this auspicious project will be fulfilled with the efforts of all. He emphasized that the devotees should participate in the enterprise with a sense of spiritual purpose as well as a purpose of social service as serving the people is the biggest worship.

The Prime Minister asked the gathering to include element of skill development in all the aspects of the organization. “In our older times, the family set up used to have the structure so as to pass on the skill as a legacy to the next generation. Now the social fabric has changed a lot, so we will have to do this by setting up mechanism required for the same”, he said.

Shri Modi recalled his Visit to Unjha during the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. During that visit he had stressed that steep fall in the female birth rate is a stigma.

He thanked the people for accepting the challenge and gradually a situation is emerging where number of Girls has almost become equivalent to the Boys. Similarly, he recalled the blessings of Maa Umiya and the devotees’ participation in dealing with the water situation in the region. He thanked them for adopting Drip Irrigation system in a big way.

The Prime Minister said if Maa Umiya is the spiritual guide, our land is our life. He expressed satisfaction about adoption of Soil Health Card in the region. He asked the people to switch to the organic farming in the North Gujarat region.

Organic farming can also be termed as Zero Budget Farming. “Alright, if you do not find my request suitable, I would suggest an alternative.

If you have a farm land of 2 Acres, try doing the organic farming at least in 1 acre and for the rest of 1 acre, do it as usual. Try the same for another year. In case if you find it beneficial, then you can switch to Organic Farming for entire 2 acres. This will save the cost and shall result in a rejuvenation of our land”, he requested.

He invited them to participate in the programme on Organic farming on 16th December. He requested them to adopt new crop patterns and crops.