New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged students across the country to join the government’s “Swachh Bharat Summer” internship programme.
“Exams are over. Students are now worried about what they should be doing during the vacations. Internship programmes have become famous among the youth. Such a programme is an experience in itself.
“I would urge the youngsters to join the government’s ‘Swachh Bharat Summer’ internship being organised by the three ministries — Sports, HRD (Human Resource Development) and Water,” the Prime Minister said in his monthly radio programme “Mann Ki Baat”.
He said that this programme can be “a good opportunity” for those who wish to make a difference in the society.
“The best interns will be awarded. The UGC will give them credit points.
“I am also curious to know about your initiatives. I request you to register for it,” he added.
He said that Centre was taking initiatives to develop infrastructure for Buddhist tourism in an attempt to connect Southeast Asia to the important Buddhist sites in the country.
“We are developing infrastructure for Buddhist tourism, which is going to connect Southeast Asia with the important Buddhist sites of India. I am also very pleased that the government is a partner in the restoration of many Buddhist temples which also includes the centuries old Anand Temple in Bagan, Myanmar,” Modi said.
He said the country has inherited Lord Buddha’s wisdom.
He said that Buddhism has forged a link between India and many Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar where Lord Buddha’s preachings were of their traditions.
“Today, when there is confrontation and human suffering prevalent everywhere in the world, Lord Buddha’s teachings show the way to rid hatred from the world with compassion. I wish people all over the world who revere Lord Buddha and believe in the principles of his compassion, an auspicious Buddha Purnima,” Modi said.
People in India must be proud of the fact that the country was Lord Buddha’s birthplace.
“Today, as we remember Lord Buddha, you must have heard about the idols of laughing Buddha, it is said that laughing Buddha brings one good fortune, but very few people know that smiling Buddha is also associated with an important event in India’s defense history,” Modi said while pointing out that a nuclear test was conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan on Buddha Purnima on May 11, 1998.
He said that the Pokhran-II nuclear tests carried out 20 years ago established Indias nuclear prowess in the world.
The tests were initiated on May 11, 1998, on the day of Buddha Purnima, Modi recalled as he wished the people on the occasion to be observed on Monday.
“On May 11, 1998, at India’s western end a nuclear test was conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan. It has been 20 years since Pokhran and this test was done on Buddha Purnima with the blessings of Lord Buddha. India’s test was not only successful but in a way, India had demonstrated its might in the field of science and technology. We can also say the date has been engraved in the history of India as a demonstration of its military power,” Modi said.
“It revealed to the entire world that India is the land of great scientists and with a strong leadership, India can reach loftier destinations and earn new laurels. On that day, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji had given the mantra – ‘Jai-Jawan Jai-Kisan, Jai-Vigyan’,” the Prime Minister added.