Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the patriotic efforts of veteran educator Girija Amma, who mobilised thousands of students across her schools to contribute towards the welfare of Indian soldiers.
Speaking during the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi recalled a recent meeting with Girija Amma in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, describing it as a memorable experience linked to the spirit of public participation promoted through the programme.
“Last month I had a wonderful experience. It’s also related to ‘Mann Ki Baat’. That’s why I want to discuss it with you today. I met a teacher in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. I had met her nearly three decades ago,” the Prime Minister said.
Inspired by Mann Ki Baat
PM Modi said Girija Amma, who runs nearly 15 educational institutions, including the prominent Jaigopal Garodia Hindu Vidyalaya in Chennai, launched a unique initiative inspired by themes discussed in Mann Ki Baat.
PM Modi said that she encouraged students across her schools to contribute one rupee every day for the country’s soldiers.
“Inspired by ‘Mann Ki Baat’, she pledged to contribute to many soldiers in the country. To do this, she inspired the students of all her schools. She asked the children to contribute one rupee every day for the brave soldiers,” PM Modi said.
The initiative resulted in each student contributing ₹365 over the course of a year.
Students Raise Nearly ₹40 Lakh
The Prime Minister noted that the collective effort of thousands of students led to the accumulation of nearly ₹40 lakh for the welfare of soldiers.
“Through these small contributions, approximately 40 lakh rupees were collected,” he said.
During their recent meeting, Girija Amma personally handed over a cheque representing the total amount raised through the campaign.
“Girija Amma handed me a cheque for this entire amount,” PM Modi said.
A Reflection of Patriotism
The Prime Minister praised the educator’s commitment to nation-building and said her efforts demonstrated how small individual contributions can create a significant impact when combined with a larger purpose.
“During my conversation with her, I felt how deep her dedication to Mother India was,” he said.
“I congratulate everyone involved and especially appreciate the students who contributed for our brave soldiers,” he said.
Highlighting the power of grassroots initiatives, PM Modi said inspiring efforts are taking place across villages and cities throughout the country, even though many of them do not receive widespread attention.
“In every village and city of India, something or the other is happening that inspires us. Often, these efforts are not widely discussed, but when we become aware of them, our belief grows stronger that the country is moving forward with the power of its people,” the Prime Minister said.
Encouraging citizens to become active participants in community development, PM Modi urged people to identify and appreciate individuals making positive contributions to society.
“I urge you to certainly look around for such efforts. Recognize those people who are doing good work for society, appreciate them, learn from them, and if possible, become part of some good cause yourself,” he said.
PM Modi said the initiative serves as an inspiring example of how educational institutions can instill values of patriotism, social responsibility and collective service among young students.
