A special radio programme featuring US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aired on Tuesday night.
The 35-minute special broadcast of Mann Ki Baat , devoid of any hard issues such as politics and foreign affairs, touched on subjects like sex ratio, public health and personal experiences of the two leaders.
The programme, recorded on Monday, was virtually conducted by Modi, who read out the questions received from various parts of the country and both the leaders answered them.
At the outset, Modi said most of the questions posed by people were “connected to politics, foreign policy and economic policy. However, some questions touch the heart. And I believe if we touch those questions today, we shall be able to reach out to the common man in different parts of the country.”
Obama, before answering the questions, said ‘namaste’ to the listeners and talked about his discussions with Modi and how his country wants to be a partner in India’s endeavour to lift its millions of people from poverty.
Obama was asked whether he, after the end of his Presidency, will work in the field of health care like Bill Gates and his wife Melinda do.
To this, the US President said he was looking forward to partnering with organisations, and the government and non-governmental organisations here in India, around broader public health issues.
He said India has a lot to teach many other countries who may not be advancing as rapidly in improving their public health sector.
To a question on girl child, Modi said there is a lot of worry because of the sex ratio in India as for every 1,000 boys, the number of girls is less. He underlined that “to save the girl child and to educate the girl child is our social duty, cultural duty, and humanitarian responsibility.”