Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi wishes nation on Diwali, lauds country's daughters as future of India 

Prime Minisiter Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation through his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat'. The prime minister started off his address by wishing everybody on the occasion of Diwali. 

PM Modi said Diwali is celebrated across the world and urged people to popularise the festival. "India is a land of festivals... Indians abroad must popularise our festivals," he noted. 

He talked about the concept of festival tourism and lauded the "Lakshmis" of the nations, the daughters of the country who he described as the "future of the country".

In his last 'Mann ki Baat' address in September, the prime minister spoke about initiating a 'Bharat Ki Laxmi' campaign to honour the girls who have brought a change in society.

Last month, during the 57th episode of 'Mann ki Baat', Modi announced starting this campaign during Diwali and called on citizens to outline the achievements of 'daughters' of the country using BharatKiLaxmi hashtag.

"There must be numerous daughters amongst us who, through their perseverance, diligence and talent have brought glory to their families, society and the country. This Diwali, can we arrange programmes to honour the Laxmi of India?" Modi had said.

"This time, let us do campaign #Bharatkilaxmi. Encouraging the Laxmi of Bharat amounts to strengthening the paths of prosperity for the country and her citizens," he added.