PM Modi addresses nation in 18th edition of Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the M S Dhoni-led Indian cricket team for their wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh in the ongoing World T-20 tournament and conveyed his best wishes for Sunday's match against Australia.

The Election Commission earlier gave a nod to the radio broadcast with instructions that it should adhere to the Model Code of Conduct in force due to assembly polls in five states.

Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the nation in the 18th edition of his Mann Ki Baat programme, said Team India has recently registered two brilliant wins in the World T-20.

The prime minister began his speech by conveying Easter greetings to the nation.

"I extend my heartiest Easter greetings to all. India has recently registered two brilliant wins in World T-20," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also said that the Indian football team had a good run earlier but that is not the case now, adding that the rankings are very low now.

The prime minister said that it was important to take football to every village in the country.

"I see that our youth is enjoying football like EPL. It's important to take football to every village and FIFA U-17 is a great opportunity," he added.

PM Modi also congratulated the Coal India Limited for creating an eco-friendly mine tourism destination.

"India's youth is now curious and adventurous enough to travel, they want to go to a new place, they want to see something new. There is a great potential of employment generation through tourism. We can create opportunities for millions of youth through tourism," he said.

"Travel teaches us a lot. What we can't learn in our homes, class rooms or among friends, sometimes we get to learn during travelling. It is rightly said that 'a traveller without observation is a bird without wings'," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the fact that India lacks behind other countries in creating employment in the field of tourism.