‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ chronicles journey of radio broadcast & its tangible social impact – a book by former Prasar Bharti CEO Shashi Shekhar documenting PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Program

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ completed 100th edition on April 30 (Sunday). PM Modi addresses the nation through this radio programme on the last Sunday of every month. The radio program was started on the occasion of Vijayadashami on October 3, 2014, and is broadcast in 22 Indian languages, 29 dialects, and 11 international languages through multiple platforms.

Ahead of the 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, a book called ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ written by Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati (2017-2022), documenting various facets of PM Modi’s ongoing conversations with the people that resonate with the nation, was released. The book was released during a day-long National Conclave on Mann Ki Baat @100 held in the national capital on April 26.

Shashi Shekhar Vempati, an IIT Bombay alumnus, managed the dual broadcast networks of Doordarshan and All India Radio, while also serving as CEO of Rajya Sabha TV, India’s Parliamentary TV Channel. He closely followed the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme and how it influenced the masses.

According to the author, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is a combination of the power of radio and the vision of a nation’s leader. “Mann Ki Baat, the remarkable monthly radio programme that has taken India by storm. For over nine years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used this platform to connect with his people, sharing his thoughts, ideas and vision for the country,” the cover page of the book read.

And now as the show approaches its 100th episode, the author through his book wishes to highlight the themes that have defined ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and shaped India’s developmental journey.

Over the course of 15 chapters, the book special also offers insights and perspectives from grassroots change-makers and iconic personalities. “Through their stories and experiences, readers will understand how the programme has inspired societal change and impacted the lives of individuals and communities across the country. By discussing the stories of farmers who have transformed themselves into entrepreneurs as well as ordinary citizens who have been inspired to take action, among many others, this book provides a deeper understanding of the power of dialogue and the transformative potential it holds,” it read. (ANI)

About The Book- What do you get when you combine the power of radio with the vision of a nation’s leader? Mann Ki Baat, the remarkable monthly radio programme that has taken India by storm. For over nine years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used this platform to connect with his people, sharing his thoughts, ideas and vision for the country. And now, as the show approaches its hundredth episode, Collective Spirit, Concrete Action takes you on a journey through the themes that have defined Mann Ki Baat and shaped India’s developmental trajectory. Over the course of 15 chapters, this book delves deep into the issues that have defined Mann Ki Baat over the years—from health and education to innovation and entrepreneurship—with each one providing a unique perspective on India’s ongoing transformation. But what makes Collective Spirit, Concrete Action truly special are the insights and perspectives it offers from grassroots change-makers and iconic personalities. Through their stories and experiences, readers will understand how the programme has inspired societal change and impacted the lives of individuals and communities across the country. By discussing the stories of farmers who have transformed themselves into entrepreneurs as well as ordinary citizens who have been inspired to take action, among many others, this book provides a deeper understanding of the power of dialogue and the transformative potential it holds.

About The Author – Shashi Shekhar, former CEO of Prasar Bharati (2017–2022), managed the dual broadcast networks of Doordarshan and All India Radio, while also serving as CEO of Rajya Sabha TV, India’s parliamentary TV Channel. As an IIT Bombay alumnus and a distinguished policy thinker, author and technology expert, Shekhar has made significant contributions to the fields of broadcasting, digital media and public policy.

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