India celebrates 100th episode of PM Modi’s radio show: One-way communication tool or redefining outreach?

Narendra Modi, who has never addressed a single press conference since he took office in 2014, says the radio show has become ‘a spiritual journey of my being’ even as political observers point out how the show chooses to be silent on crucial issues

India’s federal government yesterday celebrated 100 episodes of prime minister Narendra Modi’s flagship radio programme, hailing it as a platform that has strengthened the country’s democracy.

Mann Ki Baat (Point of View) was launched on 3 October 2014, just months after Mr Modi won his first general election in a sweeping victory that brought his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power, ending almost seven decades of the Indian National Congress rule.

The 30-minute radio show is broadcast on the last Sunday of every month on state broadcaster All India Radio and Doordarshan.