NEW DELHI: In his monthly radio address to the nation, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to give up tobacco and said the government move to ban e-cigarettes was to ensure that the youth could be kept away from getting addicted.

This was the first time the PM commented on health hazards linked to e-cigarettes since the Union cabinet banned the sale, production and storage of e-cigarettes through an ordinance. Addressing the nation through his ‘Mann ki Baat’, Modi said it was a “myth” that e-cigarettes posed no danger.

The PM also asked citizens to launch a campaign to felicitate and honour girls who have made a mark in various fields as their achievements were for the greater public good. “Daughters are considered as Lakshmi in our culture... can’t we felicitate daughters in our villages and cities by holding public programmes?” he asked, adding that several women had made a mark with their talents.

“There are several daughters, daughters-in-law who are doing exceptional work... some are teaching poor children, some are spreading awareness about health and sanitation. Many are serving as doctors and engineers. As lawyers they are helping in delivery of justice. Society can identify such daughters and honour them across India,” Modi said.

Urging people towards constructive use of social media, Modi said women achievers and their work could be highlighted on social media platforms using the hashtag ‘BharatKiLakshmi’. “Encouraging Bharat ki Lakshmi means strengthening the path to success of the country and its people,” he said.

At the onset of the festival season, Modi also pushed for “delivery out” of gifts and sweets. “We experience ‘delivery in’ of sweetmeats, apparel, gifts and so on. Let us think for a moment on the process of ‘delivery out’. At least in our homes, items that are in excess and are not required any more could be allocated for delivery out,” he said.

‘Lata like elder sister’

PM Narendra Modi said he had extended birthday greetings to Lata Mangeshkar before embarking on his week-long visit to the US as he made his telephonic conversation with the legendary singer public. Mangeshkar turned 90 on September 28. Modi described Mangeshkar as an elder sister while the singer heaped praise on him, saying the picture of India had started changing ever since he became PM.



In Video: Mann Ki Baat: E-cigarettes find their way into homes out of curiosity, says PM Modi