NID Foundation and the Indian High Commission in New Zealand celebrated the 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' by organizing a community broadcast at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Auckland on April 30, 2023.
The event was attended by members of the Indian diaspora from different communities, parliamentarians and political personalities including the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Neeta Bhushan, and Consul of India in Auckland, Bhav Dhillon, chief patron of the NID foundation Satnam Singh Sandhu and its founder professor Himani Sood.
Speaking at the event, Bhushan stated that every episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' is a tribute to India and its people as it celebrates the spirit of the common man. "Prime Minister Modi connects the Indian diaspora to the roots and the nation through his stories and experiences. The world knows India now with a new image such as Fastest Growing Economy in the World, Nation with the Highest Youth Population, and so on," she said.
Chief patron of the NID foundation, Satnam Singh Sandhu, said that the program is not just 'Mann Ki Baat' but 'Jan Ki Baat' as it covers every corner of India and is aired in 150 countries. "It is a great privilege for us that Ramiben from Gujarat, who has completed 100 years of her life, is today with us to witness the 100th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'. She has witnessed the real transformation of India during her 100 years," Sandhu said. Ramiben, a New Zealand resident who hails from Gujarat, is a regular listener of Mann Ki Baat, the press release noted.
Former deputy prime minister of New Zealand and president of New Zealand First, Winston Peters, applauded Modi for completing 100 episodes of Mann Ki Baat. "I am proud to be a part of this event. It is a unique concept where a leader of the country shares ideas and initiatives with the citizens directly," said Peters.
