Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on October 25 (Vijayadasami in the north and Ayudha Pooja/Saraswati Pooja in the south) introduced Pon Mariyappan, an individual hailing from Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
Pon Mariyappan had converted a portion of his barbershop into a public library. Greeting with the Vanakkam (welcome in Tamil), Prime Minister Modi asked Pon Mariyappan about how he got the idea to start the library. Pon Mariyappan said that as he had studied only till class 8, he had felt guilty whenever he met someone learned. This thought had inspired him to start a library that would benefit many.
When PM Modi asked Pon Mariyappan what his favourite book was, he mentioned Thirukkural.
Concluding the conversation, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes and mentioned how Pon Mariyappan was not only grooming people’s hair but is also brightening their lives.
PM Modi converse in Tamil with Pon.Mariyappan a Barber from TuTukudi, Tamil Nadu. #Mannkibaat https://t.co/L7BSZRq2dt
— Pon Radhakrishnan (@PonnaarrBJP) October 25, 2020