Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat programme on Sunday, recounted the heroic feats of the Indian Air Force. IAF is the arm of the Indian armed forces and was officially established on October 8, 1932. October 8 also marks the ‘Vayusena Diwas'.

“IAF has always been active in United Nations Peace Keeping Force activities,” Modi said. “The force was instituted with only six pilots initially and has since become strong. It has actively participated and salvaged us from attacks in 1947, 1965 and 1999.”

 

Modi also mentioned that women are now being permanently commissioned in addition to Short Service Commission in IAF. He went on to congratulate Indian Naval Officer Abhilash Tomy, as he put up a brave fight and battled between life and death for days before being rescued from rough seas. “Tomy is a courageous fellow, but the ocean created problems for him. I talked to him on phone. I pray for Tomy’s best health,” he said.

 

Modi then paid obeisance to Mahatma Gandhi. October 2 is Gandhi’s birth anniversary. “Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela have been inspired by Gandhi. The lesser known fact is that in 1941, Gandhi wrote ‘constructive programmes’, for farmers, labourers, cleanliness. This was known as ‘Gandhi Charter’, he said.

 

“To get attached to people and to bind them was Bapu’s unique quality. Whenever you are in doubt, think about the poorest person, and suddenly you will see light. Ask your self any step you are taking how useful will it be to that man, so said Gandhi,” Modi pointed out.

He went on to urge listeners to purchase Khaadi products. On October 2, the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention will culminate with world leaders discussing best practices in sanitation.

Modi said that other important dates to mark are October 12, 1993 when the National Human Rights Commission was founded and will now complete 25 years. On October 21, it is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s anniversary and ‘Run for Unity’ will be held across India.

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