Children are emerging heroes of New India: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, while greeting the children of the nation ahead of the Children's Day on November 14, opined that they were the "emerging heroes in the creation of a New India."

Addressing the nation through the 37th edition of his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Modi emphasised that families needed to pay closer attention to the health of their children, given the declining status of immunity among the younger generation, largely due to the "lifestyle disorder."

"Diseases, which surface in old age, have been traced in children nowadays, largely due to lifestyle disorders. Families need to pay more attention towards this crisis. I would like to urge them to inculcate a habit of playing in open grounds in their children," he said.

To this regard, Prime Minister Modi also encouraged the practice of Yoga among the youth, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"Do not look at Ayurveda and Yoga as a means of medical treatment only; we should make them a part of our life. Practicing 30 minutes of Yoga every day before school can impart much benefit. It is easy to practice anywhere, anytime, and does not need any special venue or equipment," he added.

Last week, Prime Minister Modi stated that the private sector must contribute towards development of yoga and Ayurveda by contributing a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. He also said the farming of medicinal plants will provide new employment opportunities.

"Herbal medicines are becoming popular worldwide. The farming of medicinal plants will give new employment opportunities. India's coastal areas should be explored for new discoveries in this field. More investment is needed in this sector for better growth. The private sector must contribute towards the development of yoga and Ayurveda by contributing a part of their CSR funds," he said, after inaugurating the All India Institute of Ayurveda here on the occasion of the Second Ayurveda Day.

The Prime Minister also assured that his government was putting in efforts to integrate traditional medicinal practices with modern healthcare.