By NewsGram Staff Writer

New Delhi: During his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on All India Radio, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised "people power" by saying that his appeals to promote khadi and to give up cooking gas subsidy had fetched tremendous response. He also urged people to purchase khadi products.

In his radio address, which has completed 12 editions, Modi said he has learnt the power and reach of democracy through his monthly address.

"Mann ki Baat has taught me a lot, about the strength that lies in the hands of the common people to bring changes in society," he said.

Saying khadi sales had doubled over one year, Modi also pointed out that there would be a month-long discount on khadi products from October 2. He said the income from handloom and khadi sales go to the poor weavers or their widows.

"So I urge you all to give space to khadi in your homes this Diwali," Modi said during Mann Ki Baat on Sunday.

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that khadi sales have doubled over one year," he added, thanking people for having responded generously to a similar appeal he made last year.

Modi also announced that over three million families had surrendered their cooking gas subsidy following his call.

"Over 30 lakh families have surrendered their LPG subsidy, and not just the rich. Most are from the lower middle and middle classes like retired teachers, pensioners," he said.

"I have got response in lakhs. This is nothing but proof of that a silent revolution is on," he added while counting the success of his radio show.

Modi further said that his appeal to people to suggest how governance can be improved has fetched massive response. He said the lakhs of letters he had received has opened his eyes to the numerous problems people face vis-a-vis government programmes including at the grass root level.

Giving examples of "people power", Modi said his mention of "selfie with daughter" had fetched lakhs of responses. "The daughter got so much of pride. This was like a silent revolution."

Similarly, his appeal to send photos of interesting spots from across India had fetched a huge response. People sent lakhs of beautiful pictures from all corners of the country. "Perhaps the tourism department has not got so many pictures of India, and the government has not spent any money."

Modi said the government can work together with the society like a catalyst to bring about changes.

With inputs from IANS