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Journalist Honored for Groundbreaking Research on PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat'

Senior journalist Harish Chandra Burnwal was awarded an honorary doctorate for his pioneering research analyzing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program. His dissertation is the first to statistically link the program's themes with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, examining all 53 episodes broadcast between 2014 and 2019. The research found sanitation was the most frequently discussed topic, followed by education and women's empowerment. The study highlights how the program turned complex policy goals into a public movement and will be published as a reference book for students.

Key Points: Doctorate Awarded for Research on Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' & SDGs

  • First academic link between SDGs and Mann Ki Baat
  • Sanitation was most discussed topic
  • Research analyzed 53 episodes from 2014-2019
  • Transformed complex goals into people's movement
2 min read

Senior journalist Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal honoured with doctorate for his research on 'Mann Ki Baat'

Senior journalist Harish Chandra Burnwal receives honorary doctorate for first-of-its-kind research linking PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"The use of the word 'Divyang' instead of 'Viklang'... have scientifically validated the shift in social thinking. - Research Dissertation"

New Delhi, Feb 15

Senior journalist and noted author Harish Chandra Burnwal was on Sunday awarded a doctorate for his outstanding research work on 'Mann Ki Baat' - the monthly radio broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The honorary degree was conferred on him by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda at the convocation ceremony of Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad (Haryana).

Dr Burnwal completed his dissertation on "An Analysis of the Prime Minister's 'Mann Ki Baat' radio program in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" under the guidance of Professor Dr Kumar Rajesh.

The research work by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal is the first-of-its-kind in the academic world, linking the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030, with the country's most popular radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The research establishes how Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the complex global goals (such as poverty alleviation, health, education, and women's empowerment), languishing in government files for decades, into a "people's movement" and also facilitated engagement of common people.

The thesis is based entirely on statistical data and solid evidence. Dr Burnwal conducted a detailed statistical analysis of all 53 episodes of 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast from 2014 to 2019 and found that sanitation was discussed the most, in 34 episodes of the Prime Minister's monthly radio programme.

His research work also identified several episodes focusing on issues of public concern, with discussions being held in 28 episodes on education, 27 on women's empowerment, 25 on health, 21 on the environment, and 16 on poverty alleviation.

The research highlights how PM Modi's storytelling skills have transformed public behaviour.

"The use of the word 'Divyang' instead of 'Viklang', and campaigns like 'Selfie with Daughter', and 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', have scientifically validated the shift in social thinking," it points out.

According to the Manav Rachna Institute, this dissertation will prove to be an authentic reference book not only for students of journalism but also for students of political science and sociology.

The dissertation by Dr Harish Chandra Burnwal will also be available in book form in the near future.

On this occasion, the faculty of the institute, dignitaries and experts from the academic world congratulated Dr Burnwal for the research work.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone interested in media studies, I find this research very valuable. The statistical breakdown of topics is impressive. It's good to see sanitation getting the most focus—Swachh Bharat was indeed a major theme. Looking forward to reading the book.
P
Priya S
Hearty congratulations to Dr. Burnwal! Mann Ki Baat truly became a part of our Sunday routine. The analysis proving its impact on social thinking, like the shift to 'Divyang', is powerful. It's more than a radio show; it's a conversation with the nation.
R
Rohit P
While the research seems thorough, I hope future studies also critically examine the actual on-ground impact of these discussions. Talking about issues is one thing; translating them into measurable outcomes is another. Still, a commendable first-of-its-kind effort.
K
Karthik V
Wow! 53 episodes analyzed. That's some dedication. The fact that it highlights storytelling as a tool for behavioral change is so true for our culture. We remember stories more than statistics. PM Modi understood that. Great research by the journalist.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see an academic lens on a political communication tool. Linking it to global goals like the SDGs gives it an international framework. Will be useful for students of political science, as mentioned. Congrats to Dr. Burnwal on the doctorate.

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