Terrorism big challenge to humanity, says Modi

NEW DELHI: Terrorism has thrown a big challenge to humanity and people should draw inspiration from ancient scriptures to take on the menace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today.
"Terrorism has gripped the entire world. It has thrown a challenge to humanity. If we try to analyse incidents mentioned in ancient scriptures and set those in the present context, I would say that Jatayu was the first to fight against terrorism. He gave the message of fearlessness," he said.
In epic Ramayana, Jatayu, a vulture, had valiantly tried to rescue Sita when she was being kidnapped by Ravana, sacrificing his life in the process. The Prime Minister said Jatayu sacrificed his life taking on a strong man to defend the dignity of a woman. "Jatayu's fight gives us the inspiration to take on terrorism. It also gives the message to live for humanity," he said.
Modi was addressing a gathering at the residence of Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu here to celebrate Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada new year day.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister spoke about mental depression and said suppression of depression is not good. In his monthly radio broadcast, 'Mann Ki Baat', Mr Modi maintained that depression can be overcome.
He said family members and others can play a role in helping those suffering from depression overcome it. The reference to mental depression owes its significance as Lok Sabha on Friday, March 24, took up the discussion on Mental Healthcare Bill.
The draft legislation was passed by the Rajya Sabha last year in August. Among other things, the new bill seeks to make the manner of treatment for mental illness a patient centric phenomenon and also takes suicide out of the provisions of Indian Penal Code (IPC). For those suffering from depression, the Prime Minister said, "suppression of depression is not good. If depressed share your feelings with others."
For the relatives and family members of such patients, he said there is need to keep an eye on those individuals, who suddenly start seeking isolation or stay away from family lunch or avoid interacting with the near and dear ones.
"These are first signs of depression". "We should change this and encourage them to speak and share their burden," Prime Minister said. In his radio broadcast, first since the massive victory in UP elections, Prime Minister, however avoided dwelling with any major political issue. Modi, however, claimed that the people have "rejected" corruption and black money and it is in this context they have extended support to the movement towards digital transactions in the country.
He also said wastage of food is an unfortunate phenomenon both in private or in public places. On the cleanliness drive, Swach Mission, Prime Minister said it is a "positive sign" that more and more people are getting angry as far as dirt is concerned.