New Delhi/UNI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya brought out the collective strength and the power of unity in the country, which forms the basis for the pledge of a developed India.

Addressing the first Mann Ki Baat broadcast of the year, Modi said Lord Ram’s governance was a source of inspiration for the Constitution makers and asserted that Ayodhya seems to have bound around a common thread crore of people of the country together. "Everyone's feeling is unanimous; everyone's devotion is in unison".

During this period, many people sang Ram bhajans and dedicated them to Lord Ram, while on January 22 evening the whole country lit 'Ram Jyoti' and celebrated Diwali, he noted. 'During this time, the collective strength of the country was visible which also forms the basis of our pledge of a developed India,' he said.

Reflecting on the women's power that was on display on the 75th Republic Day, PM Modi said India of the 21st century is moving ahead with the mantra of women's development.

"My dear countrymen, this time the parade of 26th January was awesome, but the most discussed element was seeing women power in the Parade… the PM said, adding that "This time, out of the 20 contingent that marched in the parade, 11 were of women".

In his broadcast, Modi said many Padma awardees are those who work at the grassroots and away from the limelight to make big changes.

'I am very happy that the system of Padma Awards has transformed completely in the last decade. Now it has become people's Padma,' he said.

The Prime Minister said the contribution of each one of the Padma awardees is an inspiration for the countrymen and this time, many people receiving honours are those who are bringing glory to the country.

Speaking about National Voters Day, PM Modi said, "This is an important day for our glorious democratic traditions. Today there are approximately 96 crore voters in the country".

Commending the Election Commission of India, Modi said It has made relentless efforts to strengthen democratic values in the country.

He noted that in 1951-52, when elections were held for the first time in the country, only about 45 percent of the voters cast their votes.

"The government has also made amendments in the law so that our young voters can get more registration opportunities" he added.

Highlighting the achievements of sportspersons, the PM said 3 women athletes have been honoured with the Arjuna Award this time.

"Friends, you must have watched the Arjuna Award ceremony just a few days ago. In that, many promising players and athletes of the country have been honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan".

"These women athletes participated in many major tournaments and brought glory to the flag of India" he added

PM Modi said, "There is another area where women have made their mark, that is self-help groups. Today, the number of women's self-help groups in the country has also increased and their scope of work has also expanded a lot".

"Tomorrow, on the 29th at 11 am we will also have Pariksha Pe Charcha'. This will be the 7th edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha,’” said Modi.

"This is one programme, gives me an opportunity to interact with students, and I also try to mitigate their exam-related stress" he added

PM Modi said in the last seven years, ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ has emerged as a very good medium to discuss various issues related to education and examinations.

"I am happy that this time more than 2.25 crore students have registered for it and have also put forward their inputs," he added.

(With UNI inputs)