Harda finds mention in PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat once again

BHOPAL: Harda, the wheat bowl of Madhya Pradesh, has made it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ for a second time — this time due to a farmer's support for the demonetisation drive, which has triggered controversy and admiration in equal measure.
Speaking on feedback and suggestions from citizens during his 26th Mann Ki Baat to the nation on Sunday, the PM mentioned a message from a farmer of Harda, Ashish Pare."Sir, namaste ... Aapke dwara jo Rs 1000-500 ke note band kiye gaye hain, yeh bahut sarahniya hai. Main chahta hun ki ‘Mann Ki Baat’ mein kayi udahran logon ko bataiye, jisse log utsahvardhit honge. Rashtra nirman ke liye ‘cashless’ pranali bahut aavashyak hai. Main pure desh ke sath hun aur bahut khush hun ki aapne ye note band kar diye (I appreciate your step to ban Rs 1000 and 500 notes. I want you to tell people about how they can go cashless so that they can be motivated during this tough time. Cashless policy is very important today. I am with my country and very happy that you implemented this policy),” Ashish posted on the PM’s Facebook page on November 22. Modi mentioned Ashish during his speech and offered suggestions on cashless transactions during live tweeting.
Ashish has called up on toll free number 1800117800 for sharing his feedback on Mann Ki Baat with Prime minister, about demonetisation.
Ashish is thrilled to hear his name on the PM’s lips. "I am a follower of Narendra Modi’s ideology and do everything he asks for the benefit of the nation. There is no political connection here, it's just his ideology which drives me. I am happy that my viewpoint was shared with the country by the PM," he told TOI. "Going cashless will help farmers the most. We face major problems when buying seeds or make payments. Even for the smallest work of power maintenance, we are often asked for bribes," He added.
From the Swachch Bharat drive to giving up his LPG subsidy, Ashish has followed PM’s words. He sweeps his society once a week with a broom, shuns plastic bags and urges people not to use them, and avoids using his vehicle twice a week to reduce pollution and cut the use of fuel.
The first time Harda was mentioned in Mann Ki Baat was in July 2016, when the PM stressed on making India open-defecation free. Modi appreciated Harda district officials and said, "Government officials of Harda have initiated a unique campaign ‘Brother No. 1’, which says a brother who builds toilet as a Rakshabandhan gift for his sister is the best. I congratulate officials for this effort."