Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is brimming with self-confidence, imbued with the spirit of a developed India and with self-reliance and stressed that the same spirit and momentum has to be maintained in 2024 as well.

Speaking in the 108th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi highlighted the importance and sanctity of the number 108, referring to 108 beads in a Catholic rosary, chanting 108 times, 108 divine sites, 108 stairs in temples and 108 bells. He expressed happiness that the year will end with this special episode and wished all the best wishes for 2024.

Highlighting India’s achievements in 2023, PM Modi mentioned the record business on Diwali where the nation chose local products over imported ones. He also mentioned the success of Chandrayaan-3, Naatu-Naatu from the film RRR winning the Oscar for Original Song, The Elephant Whisperers winning Oscar for Documentary Short Film, Indian athletes winning 107 medals in the Asian Games and 111 medals in Asian Para Games, the performances of country’s cricketers, India ranking 40th on the Global Innovation Index, the record number of patents and the highest number of Indian universities included in the QS Asia University Rankings.

The PM asserted that all these achievements prove the effectiveness of India’s potentials and encouraged all citizens to take inspiration and pride in them. He also urged all to make new resolutions to continuously work for the development of India with the mantra of “Rashtra Pratham” (Nation First).

“May you all reach new heights of success in 2024, may you all stay healthy, stay fit, stay immensely happy – this is my prayer. In 2024 we will once again discuss the new achievements of the people of the country,” PM Modi said.