The 50th episode of PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat radio programme will be peppered with success stories, features and interviews highlighting its positive impact.
New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government is planning a gala episode for the golden jubilee edition of the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, on 25 November. The show will be peppered with success stories, features and interviews highlighting its positive impact on society and individuals.
Mann Ki Baat was launched in October 2014, five months after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre. While it is one of Modi’s biggest mass outreach platforms, it has also garnered criticism for its one-way communication format and for acting as a soft propaganda tool for the government.
It is broadcast on the All India Radio network and private radio channels, is visually adapted by Doordarshan and other private television news channels, and live streamed for the global audience.
Interviews and sound clips
People whose examples Modi has cited in the last 49 episodes will be interviewed, and their sound clips played before and after the main show.
“The interviews and bytes will be about how Mann Ki Baat has impacted the individuals at the personal level, and society as a whole,” a Prasar Bharati source said.
News-making extracts from previous editions of the show will also be featured, though it’s not clear what topics will be highlighted by the PM this time. The Modi government’s MyGov.in platform had been sending mass messages, seeking ideas for the show.
Also read: PMO looking to revamp Modi’s Mann Ki Baat to make it more interactive
Heavy promotion
The government is also pushing to provide widespread publicity to the programme. Promos and clips are being aggressively promoted on Doordarshan and All India Radio and their social media platforms.
In #MannKiBaat (5): PM Modi advices student not to take stress on Board and other Examination, says there are ups and downs but one should not perish with them.Sometimes, unwanted results are indication to move forward. They give us the opportunity to find new strength. #PMonAIR pic.twitter.com/E7QfCHdwpe
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) November 23, 2018
The promos will feature popular previous editions of the show, such as #selfiewithdaughter and Swachh Bharat, among others.
DD and AIR may also produce programmes on a range of social issues and link them with Mann Ki Baat, ThePrint has learnt.
Private media also seems to be doing its bit to publicise the golden jubilee edition. Earlier this week, Zee News produced a prime time show on Mann Ki Baat, including highlights such as Modi and former US President Barack Obama addressing the public together, and the jump in Khadi sales after Modi requested people to buy Khadi.
Hindi daily Dainik Jagran also published an opinion piece on how Mann Ki Baat has helped ‘swachhta’ or cleanliness to become a public movement.
Also read: Four years of Modi’s Mann Ki Baat: Lots of policy & motivation, not one mention of BJP