New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' program, extended his greetings as the country starts its vibrant month of multiple festivals. The Prime Minister highlighted how such festivals underline the country's unity in diversity Extending his greetings for the upcoming festivals, the PM added, "These festivals happen at different parts of the country, but these show how unity is woven in the diversity of India, we must keep strengthening this feeling of unity." "Today is the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of the month of Chaitra, today marks the beginning of Chaitra Navratri, also beginning Indian New Year, Vikram Samvat is starting. I have many of your letters in front of me, some of which are from Bihar,some from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat , people have sent their mann ki baat in various ways. I wish to read some of the messages," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister read the multiple letters in various languages addressed to him wishing him on the occasion of Ugadi, Sansar Padwa, Gudi Padwa, Hindu New year among other festivals. "You must have understood that these messages are in different languages, but do you know the reason for it? That is what I want to talk to you about. Today and in the next few days new year is starting in different states across the country, so people have sent me wishes in different languages," he added. Ugadi is being celebrated today in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana. Gudi Padwa is being celebrated in Maharashtra. PM Modi also highlighted how Baisakhi Bihu will be celebrated in Assam, Poila Baisakh in Bengal, Navrekha in Jammu and Kashmir. "Also, from April 13-15, there will be grand celebrations in different parts of the country, there is excitement for that. The festival of Eid is also coming, this whole month is filled with festivals," he added. Speaking about his interactions with students during Pariksha pe Charcha, PM Modi continued, "I talk with students in Pariksha pe charcha during exams, and now exams are finished, and schools have started preparations for the new session, and summer vacations are also coming, which students really look forward to." Remembering his childhood days, PM said that while he used to indulge in fun and mischief during summer holidays with his friends, he also made sure that also did something constructive. "I remember my childhood days, when my friends and I used to indulge in some mischief or the other, but at the same time we used to do something constructive and also learn. The days in summer are long, children have a lot to do, this is the time to adopt a new hobby and hone your skills," he said. Highlighting how there are multiple science, technology, drama, art programs which are being organised by various institutions of the country, he encouraged students to enrol in them and share their experiences. "Childern don't have any dearth of platforms where they can learn, some organisation might be having a technology camp where children canlearn about making apps as well as open source software. Speech and drama schools can be useful for children too. Apart from this you will also have many places during these holidays to join volunteer activity," PM said during Mann ki Baat. Urging students to share their experiences with the hashtag #MyHolidays, he added, "Summer days are long and children have a lot to do during the time. This is the time to inculcate a new hobby as well as hone your skills. You also have the opportunity to join volunteer activities and service endeavours during these holidays. If any organization, school or social institution or science centre is organising such summer activities, do share it with #MyHolidays." The Prime Minister also announced the launch of a calendar, "MY-Bharat" designed for students to make their summer vacations productive.
