Diversity is India’s pride: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said diversity is the pride of India and the key to development.

In his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi recalled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose birth anniversary falls on October 31, and said he made a huge contribution to India’s unity.

“He had a dream for a united India, and he succeeded in doing that geographically,” said Modi.

The Prime Minister, however, added that the ‘mantra’ of unity should “constantly be a part of our thought, behaviour and expressions”.

“India is a diverse country, and this diversity is the pride of India ... peace, harmony and unity ... these are the key to development,” he said.

A day ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit’s commencement, the Prime Minister said India “has played a big role in capacity building in Africa” and “both share several similarities”.

“India and Africa have deep relations. Their population is as much as we have ... together we are one-third of the world’s population,” Modi said talking about the summit in his monthly radio programme “Mann Ki Baat” on Sunday.

“Long time ago, even the landmass was one,” he said. “India and Africa have many similarities and so many people of Indian-origin have been staying in Africa.” The Prime Minister said India has “played a big role in capacity building and human resource development in Africa”, and several African leaders have studied in India.

The India-Africa Summit is due to be held in the national capital from October 26 to 29.

Asserting that organ donation is an important issue, the Prime Minister praised Tamil Nadu for its leading endeavours in this regard while praising the other states for their initiatives towards the cause.

“Some girls from Kerala asked me to talk about organ donation. Organ donation is an important issue. The need for kidneys, heart and livers is high but less number of transplants happen,” he said while addressing the nation.

The 13th edition of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ faced hurdles after the Congress called for a ban on the Prime Minister’s programme.

“Every month the Prime Minister does his Mann Ki Baat, but he remains a mute spectator to other important issues. Prime Minister Modi is losing his credibility in the country and the people are not ready to hear his programme anymore. When his voice comes on the radio, people switch off their radios,” Congress leader Rashid Alvi said.