Mann-Ki-Baat-Vol-2-English-Version

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 Authors Sharda Mohan and Shashi Mukherjee Illustrations and Cover Art Dilip Kadam Assistant Artist Ravindra Mokate Production Amar Chitra Katha Published by Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd Edition I ISBN – 978-81-19242-52-8 Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd, May 2023 © Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, May 2023 All rights reserved. This book is sold subject to the condition that the publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system (including but not limited to computers, disks, external drives, electronic or digital devices, e-readers, websites), or transmitted in any form or by any means (including but not limited to cyclostyling, photocopying, docutech or other reprographic reproductions, mechanical, recording, electronic, digital versions) without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. You can now get ACK stories as part of your classroom with ACK Learn, a unique learning platform that brings these stories to your school with a range of workshops. Find out more at www.acklearn.com or write to us at [email protected].

We have lived through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time when all of us were forced to stay indoors with our families for very long. For some of us, it was a good time during which we grew closer to our parents, our siblings and whoever lived with us. But for a lot of us, it was a difficult time. How do you live so close together day after day? Unfortunately, at this time, we realised that some of our traditions, that had earlier bound us together as a family, had been neglected through the years. Without these traditions, some families found it difficult to find joy in togetherness. One very important tradition that kept us together as a family, was storytelling. Earlier, elders in a family would spend time telling stories to children. This used to infuse the family with joy, energy and a sense of oneness. Stories bring out creativity and sensitivity. Where there is a soul, there is a story. When I was much younger, I travelled through India, visiting village after village. I always made it a point to interact with village children. I would often ask them to tell me a story. They would reply, “No Uncle, we will tell you a joke and then you tell us a joke.” I was taken aback that these children were not even aware of the joy of listening to stories! The tradition of storytelling in India goes back to ancient times. Be it stories from the Panchatantra, the Hitopadesha or Kissa Goi*. There were stories with animals and birds that imparted wisdom, and religious stories that taught values. Today, there many people who have started their own storytelling platforms. Amar Vyas and his friends started Gaathastory.in. Vaishali Vyavhare Deshpande popularises stories that tell about village folk and farmers. Vikram Sridhar of Bengaluru is a storyteller who has a special passion for telling stories of Bapu^. Srividya Veeraraghavan of Chennai and Geeta Ramanujam of Kathalaya. org, are all excellent storytellers you must find out more about. Let us join Nair Sir in his school, as he tells us more stories about storytellers and many other inspiring people, from my programme, Mann ki Baat. *Ancient Urdu storytelling art form ^Mahatma Gandhi

CON T EN T S 1 ALL ABOUT STORIES 3 2 VEERENDRA YADAV 7 3 USHA DUBEY 10 4 T. SRINIVASACHARYA 13 5 ANUDEEP AND MINUSHA 15 6 SALMAN 18 7 N. S. RAJAPPAN 20 8 C. V. RAJU 23 9 BHAGEERATHI AMMA 26 10 RAJENDRA JADHAV 28 11 GAYATHRI 30

ALL ABOUT STORIES The summer holidays were over and all the children were back at school. Hello Hi Good morning, Iqbal! Wait Shreyas! Nair Sir! Good to for me. see you. Good With Ha Ha Ha! morning, Sharada. lots of Yes, with lots Hello, boys! I’ll stories? see you all in the of stories. last period as usual. Nair Sir was a great favourite of all the children because he told them very interesting stories, all from the Prime Minister’s radio programme, Mann ki Baat. Sure enough, at the end of the day, he came striding in with a big smile, as usual. Nair Sir, what Today’s is today’s story story is about about? stories. How can that be? 3

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 Nair Sir waved them all to their seats. When they had settled down - Once, during the pandemic lockdown, our prime minister spoke to a group of storytellers from Bengaluru. They belonged to a group called the Bangalore Storytelling Society. There were Aparna In fact, Lavanya Yes, my grandfather Athreya, Shailaja Sampath, Prasad sits with has told me stories about Saumya Srinivasan, Aparna elderly people and the day India got independence. writes down their He was a small boy but he still Jaishankar and Lavanya stories for their remembers the tram rides he Prasad. Each of them a went on with his parents in professional, who had families! a passion for telling Mumbai. All the rides were free that day! stories. My grandfather I am going to That’s an excellent idea. was in the army. find out stories Let’s collect stories from He has told me from my family the elders in our families so many stories about the Indo- too. and share them here in class. Now, I will tell you China war in which he had a story that one of the storytellers told that fought. day on the Mann ki Baat programme. Yes! Yes! Let’s hear the story. 4

ALL ABOUT STORIES URK! King Krishnadeva Raya was annoyed. Same old vegetables! Bottle gourd, pumpkin, potato! I’m sick and tired of these. Tell the cook to make something different or I’ll have him hanged. The poor cook went running The next day at to the king’s adviser, Tenali lunchtime - Raman and told him his woes. This had His better be majesty good or…. is not happy with anything I make. He says he will have me hanged. Shush! Stop wailing and listen to me. I have a plan. Aha! Delicious! What is this Sire, it is a Then it’s decided. Eh? wonderful brinjal. It wears From today onwards, The vegetable? a royal crown and all the people in my kingdom will eat only plan is purple robes the royal brinjal. Let working! like you! it be announced. 5

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 Cartloads of brinjal were brought into the kingdom and all the other vegetables disappeared. In the palace and in every house, brinjals But, very soon - were being cooked in various ways. Here is I have made Excellent! some brinjal brinjal sambar today. raita, Sire. For tomorrow, I have brinjal bharta. for the day after, we will try out brinjal laddoo. Some Enough! Later - Heh heh! delicious No more My old What kind of a brinjal brinjal. Banish minister would the brinjal vegetables are I make if I did birya…. from my back! You did it! not know how kingdom! That plan was to please my perfect. king? 6

VEERENDRA YADAV Nair sir and his students were visiting a farm in Delhi. Why is there so much smoke here? Doesn’t It does, They are that cause but there’s burning stubble* pollution? no other way that is left in the to handle the fields after waste. harvest. Actually, there is. Come, let me tell you, and my students, a Mann ki Baat story of a farmer who found the solution. Not only that, he even managed to create wealth from farm waste. After spending over six years Look pitaji^, I Huh? in Australia, Veerendra Yadav they are burning the wonder if Stubble is as returned to his native village, stubble again. It causes the stubble useless as tea Farsh Majra, in Kaithal district so much pollution. I think could be put leaves after of Haryana. this is one of the reasons to better for ma’s respiratory the tea is I came back problems. Even my wife use. made. because of ma’s and children are finding lung problems but her condition is it difficult to breathe. not getting Indeed. better. This practice I know, and has poisoned it’s been two our air. years. You must now think of doing some work or starting a business. *The stalks and other remains of plants that are left ^Father in the ground after the grains have been harvested

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 Veerendra decided to visit the Agriculture Soon - I am Department of Kaithal and get information Hey going to on various agricultural equipment. After collect the much thought - Veerendra, stubble and do What’s gotten something I wish to Sure. The with it. buy a Straw department into you? Baler Machine* will provide so that I can you with all collect stubble the help it and sell it. can. Veerendra got financial assistance What a from the department. waste of time! The stubble is only meant to be burnt. A few weeks later - Two years later - Soon - Baba, I am Veerendra Yadav, a farmer we have from Kaithal. I sold stubble Veerendra, we were wrong wish to sell you worth 2.5 about you. We also the straw that I crores. have collected want to sell our That means stubble. Please from my paddy We are that even after help us. fields. always in Of spending on need of straw equipment and course, my to create labour, we have agro energy^. made a profit friends. We will pay of 50 lakh you well. rupees! Veerendra sold his bales **Factories that generate electric of straw to agro energy power through agricultural activities plants** and paper mills. *A Machine that compresses straw into compact bales ^Energy obtained by burning plant or animal waste

VEERENDRA YADAV Over the next few years, more farmers News of the initiative’s success joined Veerendra in his initiative. spread throughout the state. I am starting an agricultural Hello, this Son, the society that we can all be a is Sujan Singh, Deputy Director part of. Through this society, Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, we will get agricultural tools Mr Karam Chand, of Kaithal. at reduced costs from Congratulations on just called the government. appreciating the excellent your work. work. He soon started a second society and got I’m more 80 percent subsidy on equipment from the glad that the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department. problem of Less costs meant more profits. stubble burning During summer, when the stubble is ready has been solved. to be harvested, Veerendra Yadav employs Finally, the air more than 200 people to help him. feels clean. It does, indeed. your mother’s health is already improving. I am so proud of you, son. You have turned waste into wealth. While telling the story of Veerendra Yadav, the Prime Minister said that the manner in which problematic waste, like stubble, was converted into useful energy and a profitable business was exemplary. 9

USHA DUBEY It was a hot day in Delhi. Ugh…coming to I know! school on a day like Online classes this is terrible. were so much better! When we Online classes must have been fine for you, but had online hundreds of children suffered! in the last period classes, you grumbled today, I’ll tell you about ‘Kitabonwali didi’. about that Hurray, a too! Mann ki baat story! When a lockdown was announced during Her concerns were echoed by her students as well. the COVID-19 pandemic, Usha Dubey, a school teacher from Singrauli, Madhya How Pradesh, was worried. are your classes going, Online Mahima? classes? Our children do not I am trying to have the devices pay attention but or internet needed online classes are to attend these difficult to follow, classes. How miss. Everyone is staying home, so I will they study? get distracted as well. 10

USHA DUBEY usha’s discussions with her student, Mahima Singh, led to a brilliant idea. Mahima, if the What children can’t go do you to school, let’s mean, take the school miss? to them. Using her scooter, Usha set up a this is mobile library for her students. a great idea! Usha and Mahima travelled from village to village, setting up the library and teaching students. Thank you for bringing me this textbook, didi! Have you Yes! It was Mahima Yes, understood how taught in our didi, have I good food gets digested online class solved this job! in our digestive last week but I correctly? missed most of tract? it because the internet was not working properly. 11

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 Usha’s efforts earned her the name ‘Kitabonwali Didi’* among the people. Look, kitabonwali didi is coming. Go, get your books and meet her. Once the lockdown was lifted and schools reopened, Usha introduced a hygiene and safety campaign at her school. Students, let’s start a soap bank. Every teacher and student can donate soaps and sanitisers to the school on their birthday. Her campaign encouraged the school’s students and staff to stay safe and promote healthy habits. Usha’s story has inspired many When the prime minister praised usha for across the country and made her selfless efforts on his radio show - her a social media sensation. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for mentioning my work. I was just doing my duty as a teacher and a citizen. Actor Konkona Sensharma narrated ^A salute to courage her story in Saahas ko Salam^, a video thanking frontline workers for their efforts during the pandemic. *’The sister with books’ in Hindi 12

T. SRINIVASACHARYA  It was the computer period. Select yes, all the sir. rows, then you can see the total at the end. I don’t think There’s no T. Srinivasacharya was a Sanskrit scholar and my brain is the chief priest of a Vishnu temple in Mylapore, wired for such thing, Sujit. If Chennai. One day - computers. you put your heart into something, nothing is difficult to learn. During Swami*, I can storytime today, I’ll tell hardly remember you about Srinivasacharya, the mantras^ and One of a priest, who learnt to the rituals. How my books on use the computer at will I become a pooja** rituals the age of 80. may help him. good priest? Wow! Srinivasacharya had written some books on temple practices. Here. This Thank One day - I am is my book, you, Swami! Swami, the humbled. I will Sri Padmatantra I’m sure this write and publish Prayogam^^. It will help government has more books on explains all announced that two temple-related the rituals. me. of your books on topics. temple rituals will be circulated to all aspiring priests and temples in Tamil Nadu.  it was indeed helpful. Before long, **worship Srinivasacharya’s books became very ^^a book on day-to-day temple rituals popular with the temple students. *A title of respect for a religious leader or teacher  ^sacred words or phrases

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 Soon, Srinivasacharya started his own printing But Srinivasacharya continued to press called ‘Raghava Simham’, to publish his write his books by hand. One day - books. But - Appa*, we I have been Thatha^, I wish We are receiving reading about why don’t I could. But can teach bulk orders for these new computer- you use a I don’t know your Sanskrit controlled printing computer how to use you! books from machines that are to write all around the excellent for one. world! But we printing. We must books? need to upgrade try one out. our printing machines for better quality. In 2000, Raghava Simham Press revamped its printing process to adapt to the digital era. At the age of 80, Srinivasacharya became the proud owner of a computer. Here’s the That’s language option. great. With a Once you change this, little practice, I you can write books think I can write in any language you my books with want, including Tamil ease.  and Sanskrit. Some years later - Thanks to you, my thatha, you are children, for teaching me 92 years old and to use a computer. I'm going strong. you are glad I could learn. a master of ancient script and modern technology. As the prime minister said in ‘Mann ki baat’, age and circumstances do not matter. If you are curious, the chain of learning continues. *Father in Tamil ^Grandfather in Tamil 14

ANUDEEP AND MINUSHA The classrooms don’t Both the We tried look clean today. Even cleaning ladies cleaning our are unwell, sir. They classroom But the corridors haven’t been coming the school is so looked dirty. for the last two big. how can we clean the entire days. school? Well, if you all In November 2020, in Byndoor, Karnataka, Anudeep come together Hegde and Minusha Kanchan got married in the and do a little presence of a few close family members. every day, cleaning the entire school Stay happy is possible. Let forever! me tell you about Anudeep and Minusha This is who cleaned up an a beautiful entire beach. Even ceremony our Prime minister found their story despite Covid-19. inspiring. Soon after - With nowhere to go, the couple decided to spend I was thinking their evenings at the nearby Someshwar beach. we would go to I like it Yes. Lakshadweep for here. With the sun our honeymoon. and sand, the I wanted to lockdown isn’t go to Himachal. But with Covid so bad. everywhere, travelling is risky. 15

But then - Do you MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 see all this Yes. Once I garbage? stopped admiring the sunset, I realised that the beach is full of litter. garbage On This is the What Sadly, from the top of that, beach where I has no one has drains that flows the visitors have spent my become bothered into the river and litter it even of it? to keep it then into the sea, childhood. gets flushed out more. clean. on the beach. That night - The next morning - Minusha, do you I will …and remember the ‘Clean start from I will take Kundapura Project’* the left… the right. that I was part of? I was thinking of cleaning That’s a up Someshwar beach, superb idea. all by ourselves. I am with you. *A citizen-led clean-up drive started by a group of friends in Kundapura, Karnataka. Now, many volunteers dedicate their Sundays to this project.

A few days later - ANUDEEP AND MISUSHA Not bad. We have Looks like we indeed. But have cleaned up I wish more a large portion people would of the beach. join us. Soon - I am Hassan. We are I know I am here to join you a way! Manjunath. on this clean-up drive. That’s wonderful! Anudeep posted about their Soon, more and more people volunteered to join them. initiative on social media. Together, they cleaned up 80 percent of A few days later - the beach and collected around 800 kgs If a small of trash. clean-up drive like see how It’s this could get such Of beautiful the beginning attention, we could do course! Our beach looks. to breathe so much more! How about job doesn’t organising movie nights? We stop here. In again. could screen documentaries fact, it has about marine life for our just begun. local fishermen to raise more awareness about cleanliness. Anudeep and Minusha continue their good work. Their motto is, ‘Together we can make a difference’. 17

Sir, my uncle, who SALMAN lost his leg in an accident, just got an artificial leg. Yes, Sujit. It looks amazing, just like It can take a while to get a robot’s leg, But he is finding it tough to used to it. walk with it. I have heard That’s true, Parul. Salman was born in a village called Hamirpur of an athlete People with physical in Uttar Pradesh. When he was very young - who won challenges have Salman has competitions achieved great success a very high in different fields. our fever and he with an is constantly artificial story today is about salman who, despite crying. limb. being unable to walk, Let’s take became a successful him to the hospital. entrepreneur. Soon - Oh, how will Though Salman’s legs became weaker over Salman has been he survive in the years, he grew up strong-willed. When this world? he completed his 12th standard exams - affected by polio. His legs have become I want to support weak. The muscles may myself now, Ma. I will get weaker over time, start applying for a affecting his ability government job. to walk. 18

SALMAN No matter how hard he tried, he could not get work. One day - If no one wants to employ me, I will start my own company. Over the next few years, Salman The company became well known. One day - learnt to manufacture slippers and I am not getting a job detergents. with the help of a loan, he started a company called Target. anywhere because I lost one arm in an accident. Can Come, I will show you how to you employ me? Let’s see what make slippers. you can do here. people like you and me deserve to get equal opportunity to find work and do well. Over the next two years, Salman Salman’s story was related by the employed many others with physical Prime Minister on Mann ki Baat. challenges. Salman bhai, it was You are an We now have wonderful hearing inspiration for 30 people with the Prime Minister us. We are all disabilities working with us. I hope to give talk about your very proud work to many more courage. of you. such people some Thank day. you! 19

N. S. RAJAPPAN Nair sir and his students were taking part in a clean-up drive. we are This street going to need is so dirty. I a giant or a genie to make don’t think we will ever be able to it clean. clean it. With so many of 69-year-old Rajappan had been struck by polio us, cleaning anything when he was five years old. Every morning, he should be possible. would make his way to Vembanad lake*, where Before we begin, let he would rent a boat. me tell you the story of a man who cleaned Hello up an entire lake by there, Rajappan. himself, despite being Another day of plastic hunting, paralysed in both legs. eh? You are early today. That sounds Yes, the impossible. plastic fish are tell us quite slippery, more, you know. That’s sir. why I must leave early. *a famous lake in Kerala, and a popular destination for tourists

As Rajappan started rowing - N. S. RAJAPPAN Plastic fish? Can I see them too, Rajappan? Sure! Hop in. Soon - See, these are my catch of the day! Come on, Oh, so plastic. Let’s get these are the plastic you out of here. fish? A few hours later - at noon, they took a break to have lunch. The lake …my legs don’t How long It has been looks so clean support me? Rowing have you been over five years, now. You are so a boat is easy for me, brave to do this so I decided to put it doing this? but I have no even though… to good use. While I Isn’t it hard complaints. The lake even though… can keep the plastic out of the waters, I work? is my home, and the satisfaction also get to earn of seeing it clean from it. makes it all worth it. he is so selfless. 21

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 After many hours of cleaning, Rajappan moored his boat by the shore. What I will sort the will you do plastic and make sure it doesn’t end up now? back in the water. Do you want to join me? Sure. Soon after - Rajappan sir, Absolutely, can I join you in son. We can make collecting plastic a real difference tomorrow and the together. day after? Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Sir, we want to gift Rajappan in mann ki baat and praised his you this new motor tireless efforts to protect the waters boat and a wheelchair from plastic pollution. Soon after - to appreciate the work you’re doing for our Rajappan, We have a community. surprise for you. With his new motorboat, Rajappan continues his efforts to clean not only Vembanad Lake but also the other waterways in the surrounding areas. 22

Look at what C.V. RAJU I’ve got. It’s a slingshot that my My plastic slingshot I don’t agree. father had when was even bigger. But it didn’t I think plastic he was young! even last a week. Maybe ones are wooden toys are better better. than plastic ones. Nair sir chimed in - A house in Etikoppaka Village* echoed traditional wooden toys last with the sound of laughter and the whirring of a spinning top. a lot longer and use natural dyes instead of synthetic colours, Faster! which can be harmful. Faster! In our story period, I’ll tell you about C.V. Raju, who revived the traditional art of making Etikoppaka toys. He was even praised by our Prime Minister on Mann ki Baat. The boy was C.V. Raju and this was no ordinary top. It held a 500-year-old legacy. Etikoppaka Village was famous for its unique wooden toys - Etikoppaka Bommalu. The toys had rounded corners that were safe for children and painted in bright colours that gleamed in the sun. In homes across South India, they were synonymous with childhood. *located in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 But when Raju went off to college and returned, things had changed - Why are the They’re cheaper to kids playing with make. The artisans are leaving for the city to plastic toys? find other jobs. That bright-eyed boy within Raju, who had grown up surrounded by Etikoppaka toys, protested this. It spurred him to do something. He set up a cooperative society for artisans called ‘Padmavati Associates’. This ancient craft is the heart of our village. Are we going to let it die out? They had to compete As production swelled, But celebrations were short-lived. with mass-produced Raju took the toys to The shipment was soon sent back. flimsy copies but Raju trade fairs and expos and his artisans rose across the country. It says they to the challenge. found traces I export of lead in the Ankudu wood unique goods for is soft enough to be the international paint. chiselled into shapes market. I’d like That’s the It’s time to without breaking to place a large problem with go back to the easily. these modern traditional Then we’ll order. synthetic dyes. ways. work with the Our big Forest Department break is to source more here! Ankudu wood. 24

C. V. RAJU These are made from In 1988, Raju approached the Crafts Council of India. flowers, fruits, leaves Together, they worked on creating organic dyes. and other natural sources. They’re After more experimentation, the completely dyes were mixed with a glossy lacquer to preserve the paint. safe. This time, when the toys were sent abroad, He also realised that they passed all quality checks and received this was an opportunity praise. to diversify their goal. The world can We did Our toys finally see the it! shouldn’t just be beauty of Etikoppaka Hooray! decorative. The kids should get to learn Bommalu. something from them. Raju’s resurrection of this Now, there are different kinds of Etikoppaka craft was also a resurrection of toys that teach children about numbers, livelihood for its talented artisans. colours, the natural world and much more. In 2002, Raju was presented with a National Grassroots Innovation Award by When Raju was selected for a Padma the then President, dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Shri^ in 2023, he was humble - This is a great honour for our craft. We have plans to set up an interpretation centre that talks about the history and process of Etikoppaka Bommalu. Thanks to his efforts, Etikoppaka ^the fourth highest toys also received a GI tag* in 2017. civilian award in India *A geographical indication (gi) tag denotes products that possess qualities or a reputation that come from their place of making.

BHAGEERATHI AMMA I have some good news. Are you I will soon be completing still studying, my exams in plant biology. sir? How’s that So, when we go on our possible? nature walks, I will be able to teach you about the plants and trees. I didn’t know grown-up teachers could study too! Of course, That’s right, Bhageerathi was a little girl in the Prakkulam grown-ups can Sharada. Her name village of Kerala, who loved to read and write. study. Recently, on But when she turned eight - Mann ki baat, I heard is Bhageerathi about a 105-year-old Amma. Settle down Aren’t you No. Now who studied and coming to school, that her mother wrote exams. and I’ll tell you has passed away, her story. Bhageerathi? she will have to i do want take care of the to study. house and her siblings. bhageerathi could never resume school. later, As her children grew up - she was married and had six children of her own. and then, her husband passed away. Can I read Of this book? Will you course, I won’t let anything affect help me if I don’t your education. I want you Amma. understand it? Amma, all to study well. read this Amma, book first. we will study It is very hard and make interesting. you proud! 26

BHAGEERATHI AMMA Bhageerathi Amma’s desire to study remained unfulfilled. in 2019, when she was 105 years old - Look can i Ammamma*, still study? the Kerala State This could be Literacy Mission is my chance! offering a fourth standard equivalency program for adults who couldn’t complete their education! Despite her age, Bhageerathi Amma decided to After months of hard work, Bhageerathi Amma do the course. gave the exams in Mathematics, Malayalam and Environmental Science. I have a I’m sure you lot to study. will, Ammamma. I have to do Besides, we are well. all here for you. Soon - Ammamma, See, I told you did it! You you. I may be old, scored 205 out but my passion for learning is still of 275! young. In 2019, for her remarkable achievement, Bhageerathi Amma was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest civilian honour for women in India. If we wish to progress in life, we should develop ourselves. If we wish to achieve something in life, the first pre-condition is that the student within us must never die. *’grandmother’ in Malayalam 27

RAJENDRA JADHAV Aren’t you Oh yes, sir! glad there is no big Thanks to all the threat from covid people who worked to keep us safe. anymore? Very true! We owe In 2022, in satana, maharashtra, a 62-year-old a great debt to doctors man was watching the news with dismay. and health workers who worked so hard to prevent …with the My town is the disease from spreading. latest surge in in danger. Let me tell you the story of COVID-19 cases, Rajendra Jadhav who did his Nashik has become bit at that time. a Red Zone. Is the story from Mann ki Baat? Nair sir smiled and nodded his head. HE was Rajendra Jadhav, a self-taught engineer with years of experience in manufacturing agricultural equipment. Remember to Small-scale wash your hands sanitisation is not enough. We need and mask up! something large-scale to curb the spread of this virus. 28

RAJENDRA JADHAV Rajendra took the problem to his workshop, where he spoke to his sons, Mangesh and Dhananjay. What if we That built a machine to would save so mass-clean public much time. spaces? And money! In 2017, Rajendra had developed a sprinkler to spray pesticides in the field. The same technology was adapted for the new machine. After 25 days, their labour of love was ‘Yashwant’ lived up to its name… a sanitiser that stored up to 600 litres of water mixed with disinfectant. Let’s name it ‘Yashwant’ - the successful one. When mounted on a tractor, it …earning recognition from the could sanitise huge areas like government and public alike. roads and compounds easily. Irrespective of my age, I will do more such work for the farmers and the nation! Rajendra has applied for a patent and has sent his design to the National Innovation Foundation*. *NIF is an organisation that scouts and supports grassroots innovations in technology.

Look GAYATHRI at that dog. It’s walking Yes. it looks like the fourth on just three leg has been legs. amputated. Must you know, this reminds have been in an me of a Mann ki Baat story accident. will it about Gayathri, who along ever be able to with her father, made a cart on wheels for a dog who had run again? lost both his hind legs. Gayathri was an IT* professional Wow! That sounds living in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. amazing. Appa, I was Great! Let’s thinking, now that go to the nearby I’m working from home due to the dog shelter pandemic, I’ll have tomorrow and time to look after a dog. Can we adopt one. get one? I know I think it you have always wanted one. This will be a happy addition to our home. may be the right time. *Information Technology 30

The next day - GAYATHRI So many dogs that need a home! What happened to that dog? That’s Veera. No one His legs had to wants to adopt be amputated as him because of they were badly broken. We think his disability. it was a case of animal abuse. We will A few days later - Soon - adopt him! Appa, Veera These old What do you has to pull think, Appa? tricycle wheels himself forward will help Veera Absolutely! with his forelegs. We’ll give him a run again. Do you think we the loving home. can do something wheels will to help? be his hind I’ve been legs. thinking about it too. It’s time to put my degree* to good use. *Gayathri’s father, Kasilingam, was a mechanical engineer.

MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 We can I’m making attach the artificial plastic wheels to Veera’s cup legs out of harness with the pipes to make these straps. But what’s the PVC it easier for pipe for? Veera to walk and run. Soon - It’s time to test the That’s dog cart. Stay great. I’ll give still, Veera! a padding where the pipe meets his body to make it comfortable for Veera. With just a few days of practice - That’s an energetic Look fellow you Thank at Veera have there. you! He’s come move! a long way! He is running comfortably. Gayathri hopes their effort inspires more people to adopt pets with disabilities and find ways to improve the quality of their lives. 32



MANN KI BAAT VOL.2 The second volume of Mann ki Baat continues to celebrate the power of one. In his radio programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the contribution of a number of men and women who have worked miracles with their lives. These are stories of real-life heroes. Bhageerathi Amma, who was pulled out of school as a child to look after her siblings, studied when she was a great-grandmother and passed her fourth standard exam when she was 105 years old. N.S. Rajappan, though struck by polio at the age of five, took it upon himself, at the age of 63, to clean the Vembanad lake of plastic bottles and packets littered by careless tourists. Usha Dubey, during the Covid lockdown, realised that online classes were not possible for children from poorer homes. So, she took the classroom to them on her scooter. It does not take great money or position to make a difference. And these heroes prove it. ₹90 www.amarchitrakatha.com ISBN 978-81-19242-52-8 9 788119 242528