Narendra Modi speaks to new voters of India in last 'Mann ki Baat' for 2017

NEW DELHI: In his last 'Mann Ki Baat' episode for the year 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the youngsters who will become eligible to vote in the year 2018.

"Tomorrow, 1st January is special. We welcome those born in the 21st century to the democratic system as they will become eligible voters," he said.

Addressing the 'New India Youth', he focussed on how a vote is the biggest power in a democracy. "It can transform our nation. The New India Youth will transform our nation," he added. 

Asking the youngsters to take part in the political system, he encouraged them to take a lead in making mock Parliaments to discuss issues. "We can have mock Parliaments in our districts, where we discuss how to make development a mass movement and transform India. The New India Youth must take a lead in this," he said. 

Speaking about youngsters who are an inspiration for the country, he recalled his meeting with girls of Jammu and Kashmir who 'had a very positive outlook towards life'. "I had a chance of meeting some daughters of Jammu and Kashmir. I was amazed at the spirit that they had, the enthusiasm that was there in their hearts and dreams they nurtured," he said.

He also focussed on the Swachh Bharat mission and said that cleanliness surveys will be conducted from January 4 to 10, 2018 to evaluate achievements in cleanliness level in our urban areas.

Talking about the upcoming year, he said that the Republic Day celebrations in 2018 will be very special. "Republic Day 2018 will be celebrated with leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries coming to India as Chief Guests," Modi added.