NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his third 'Mann Ki Baat' of this year on Sunday. The 99th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat', a monthly radio programme of the prime minister, aired at 11 am today.

In his address, the prime minister said it is a matter of satisfaction that today, awareness on organ donation has increased in the country.

The prime minister also spoke to family members of those whose organs were donated after death. This included an Amritsar-based couple who decided to donate the organs of their daughter who passed away 39 days after being born with a fatal condition.

Modi effusively praised the families for opting to donate the organs of their deceased members.

PM MODI ON ORGAN DONATION

PM Modi appealed to people to opt for organ donation, and said his government is working on a uniform policy that will make the process easy and encourage people to adopt the life-saving exercise.

Those who donate their organs after death are "godlike" to recipients, he said in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast, adding that people's preference for it can save and make many lives.

A decision to remove the age criteria of being less than 65 years for donating organs has also been taken, he added.

From less than 5,000 cases of organ donations in 2013, the number has grown to over 15,000 in 2022, he said.

Organ donation from one deceased person can help eight to nine persons, he noted.

"In 2013 less than 5,000 cases of organ donations were there in the country, but in 2022 it increased to more than 15,000 cases," PM Modi said.

PM MODI LAUDS WOMEN POWER

In his address, the prime minister lauded the increasing presence of women in different fields, and said "woman power" is playing a big role in India's growing strength.

He mentioned several examples, including that of Surekha Yadav becoming the first women loco pilot in Asia.

PM Modi said women are showing power in all fields, adding that women's power is playing a significant role in emerging Indian power.

"Women's power is playing a significant role in emerging Indian power. In Nagaland, for the first time in 75 years, two women legislators have reached the Vidhan Sabha through their victory," the prime minister said in his monthly radio programme.

"India has also deployed a women-only platoon in peacekeeping under a UN mission. Women are showing power in all fields. Today, the potential of India is emerging from a new perspective, & our woman's power has a very big role in it," he added.

The programme, which was started on the occasion of Vijayadashami on October 3, 2014, has completed its 98 editions to date.

PM Modi also mentioned Surekha Yadav, who is Asia's first woman loco pilot. Yadav added another feather in her hat when she also became the first woman loco pilot of Vande Bharat.

"Asia's first woman loco pilot Surekha Yadav set another record. She has also become the first woman loco pilot of Vande Bharat," PM Modi said during Mann Ki Baat.

"Group Capt Shalija Dhami has become first woman Air Force officer to get a Command Appointment in a Combat Unit. She has a flying experience of about 3,000 hours. Similarly, Captain Shiva Chauhan of the Indian Army has become the first woman officer to be posted in Siachen," he said.

PM MODI ON INDIA'S OSCAR WIN

The prime minister also congratulated producers Guneet Monga and Director Kartiki Gonsalves for winning Oscars for their documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers.

"This month, producer Guneet Monga and Director Kartiki Gonsalves brought laurels to the country by winning an #Oscars for their documentary 'The Elephant Whisperers," he said.

He also said that Kashi Tamil Sangamam is celebrating the ancient ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is to be held in April and will revive the thousands thousand-year-old connection between Saurashtrians and Tamilians.

PM MODI ON CLEAN ENERGY

In the field of clean energy, he said, India's growing presence is being lauded globally.

The speed with which India is moving forward in the field of solar energy is a big achievement in itself, he said, noting that Diu has become the first district in India to consume only clean energy for all day time needs.

"Through solar panels, more electricity is being generated in Diu than required during the day time. Through this solar project, about 52 crore rupees have also been saved. The environment has also benefitted a lot," he said, encouraging the use of clean energy.

In his address, Modi also mentioned the rising demand for Kashmir's lotus stems not only in India but abroad as well and the boost in farmers' income of Jammu and Kashmir's Bhadarwah after they began growing lavender.

Modi also asked people to share their ideas for the 100th episode of the programme scheduled for next month.