Guwahati, 30 August (HS): Assam BJP President and MP Dilip Saikia attended the 137th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat at Booth No. 169 under Bahini Mandal of the New Guwahati Assembly Constituency on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted several issues during the programme, including women’s empowerment, drug-free India, technology, history, cleanliness, innovation, agriculture and the promotion of local products.

A major focus of the episode was the growing participation of Indian women in space science. Modi highlighted the Mission ShaktiSat initiative, which brings together around 12,000 women from 108 countries for studies, research and outreach in space science.

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma also listened to the programme at the Assam BJP State Headquarters under Booth No. 187 of Rajdhani Mandal in the Dispur Assembly Constituency, in the presence of more than 500 party workers.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri SwaNidhi Scheme, noting that more than 46 per cent of its beneficiaries are women who have achieved economic self-reliance through small businesses.

He further mentioned Nagaland’s Vaishali Puro from Phek district, who has achieved self-reliance through floriculture, and spoke about efforts to promote India’s rich historical heritage, including the history of Assam’s Ahom dynasty.

Assam BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita said BJP workers across the state listened to the 137th episode at more than 25,000 booths under 433 mandals across 39 organisational districts, with lakhs of party workers participating.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash