PM Modi asks for country to contribute to his Independence Day address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the country needs to focus on research and innovation in the field of technology to fulfill former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's dream."We can only fulfill Kalam's dream if the next generation work towards developing technology to which can be used in day-to-day life," he said during his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.He added, "Technology keeps changing from time-to-time, you can't hold technology. The coming century is technology-driven. Therefore, we must focus on research and innovation in technology."He further said that the government has launched 'Atal Innovation Mission' to create an ecosystem for innovation in technology.[caption id="attachment_2925626" align="alignleft" width="380"] A file photo of Narendra Modi. PTI[/caption]"Let us aim to innovate. The Niti Ayog is promoting Atal Innovation Mission which will create an ecosystem for innovation, experiment and entrepreneurship. This will also create employment opportunities", he added.Modi also said that the government has allocated separate funds to set up tinkering labs and implementation centres to for Atal Innovation Mission."The government will sanction Rs 10 lakh to set up tinkering labs in schools. The government received as many as 13,000 applications from schools to set up tinkering labs."We have also allocated Rs 10 crore to set up new implementation centre strengthen existing ones," the Prime Minister added.He also sought sought suggestions for his Independence Day address this year. He said, "I will address the nation on 15th August. I seek your ideas for my address. Please share them on the Mobile App or MyGov."Expressing concern over pregnancy related deaths and other complications, Modi said government hospitals and other facilities will provide free medical care to needy pregnant women in the country.Modi called upon doctors across the country to join in the government's mission to provide free medical care once in a month to pregnant women in their areas."The government of India has started a mission to help such women. Lots of doctors have already written to me, but we will need more," he said, adding that on 9th day of every month pregnant woman will be checked and given medical aid at government hospitals free of cost.Talking about the floods that have hit some parts of the country, Modi said, "sometime back, we were concerned about drought but now we are enjoying the rains and there are reports about floods. The state governments and the Centre are working closely, making all efforts to help the flood-affected people."A number of states, including Assam and Bihar, are reeling under floods, which have killed over scores of people and caused widespread damage to property."India is going through many problems. We encounter problems in daily life. Now, we will have to look for technological solutions," Modi said.With inputs from agencies