New Delhi: In yet another push to Atmanirbhar Bharat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday urged Indians to opt for local breeds of dogs, and to make toys and computer and mobile games for the world.
Hailing the role of dogs in leading security operations in the country, Modi said the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is conducting research on dogs of Indian breed.
“Their purpose is to make Indian breeds better and more useful. Next time when you think of keeping a dog then you must bring one of the Indian breed dogs home. When self-reliant India is becoming the mantra of the masses then no area should be left behind,” Modi said in his monthly Mann Ki Baat address.
The PM also urged start-ups in India to team up and make toys for the entire world. He urged young entrepreneurs to develop computer and mobile phone games in the country, asking them to “make games in India and also make Indian games”.
He also lauded the efforts of Indians who have come up with several mobile apps as part of the “App innovation challenge”.
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On dogs and Indian breeds
In his address, Modi noted the Army staff commendation card to two canines this Independence Day as he sought to push for local breeds of dogs.
“When we were celebrating Independence Day, a very interesting news drew my attention. The news is about two daredevil characters of our security forces — one is Sophie and second is Vida. They are the pride canines under the Indian Army… Sophie and Vida were honoured for discharging their duties while defending the nation,” he said.
Modi said there are many such brave dogs with the armed forces who live for the country and also make the supreme sacrifice. “Such dogs have played a crucial role in preventing many bomb blasts and terror conspiracies. Some time back, I got to know in detail about the role played by dogs in defence of the nation. One such dog is Balram,” he said.
“In 2006, Balram detected a large amount of explosives en route the Amarnath Yatra. In 2002, Bhawna detected an IED. While defusing the IED, terrorists triggered a blast and both dogs were martyred,” he said.
Modi said dogs play an important role in disaster management and rescue missions too.
“I have been told that Indian breed dogs are very good and competent. Among the Indian breeds, Mudhol hound and Himachali hound are high pedigree dogs. Rajapalayam, Kanni, Chippiparai and Combai are also very good Indian breeds,” he said.
“The cost of their upkeep is also quite less and they are also accustomed to the Indian conditions. Now our security agencies have also inducted Indian breed dogs in their units. In the recent past, Army, NSG have trained and inducted Mudhol hounds in their dog squads. CRPF have inducted Combai dogs,” added Modi.
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‘Team up for local toys’
Modi said the virtual games sector and toy sectors have to play a major role in Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“You will be surprised to know that the global toy industry is worth more than Rs 7 lakh crore — such a huge industry but India’s share is quite small. Just think, for a country so rich in heritage, tradition, diversity and young population, lags behind so much in the toy market, does it feel right?”
He said, “The toy industry is quite diverse, apart from micro and small scale, it also includes MSMEs and large industrial units under its ambit. Our country must collectively strive in order to move ahead in this field.”
Modi added: “I call upon my startup friends and new entrepreneurs to team up for toys. Let us come together to make toys. It is time for everyone to be vocal for local toys,” he added.
The PM said everyone believes in the ability of Indians to innovate and present solutions, and this power becomes limitless when there is a feeling of dedication and compassion.
“In these times of computers and smartphones, computer games are new trends liked by children and adults. However, most of these games have foreign themes. Our country is so rich in ideas and concepts with a glorious past. Can we make games based on them?” Modi asked, appealing to entrepreneurs to make games based in Indian themes.
Non-Cooperation Movement to Atmanirbhar Bharat
In his pitch for self-reliance, Modi recalled the non-cooperation movement. “It is an opportunity as 100 years ago. When the Non-Cooperation Movement was launched, Mahatma Gandhi had said it was an effort to make countrymen realise the power of self-respect and self-reliance.”
He said, “The seed which was sown during the Non-Cooperation Movement, it is the duty of each one of us to transform that seed into a banyan tree in the form of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
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Round up all the homeless.stray dogs in major cities and hand them over to SPCA if you Don’t want provide a home. What ever toys Indians develop must conform to global standards
Wow how can he think so Rationally at this age …..he has the right vison Dogs and Games are a need of the hour ..well thought ..hats off
The immediate concerns are Covid, the economy, China.