Varanasi: Jaunpur’s Ashish Soni, who interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, hailed the PM’s vision of Digital India and said it has created greater opportunities for the country’s youth. During the interaction, he also highlighted the seamless functioning of QR code-based digital payments at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in Himachal Pradesh.For the virtual interaction, the district administration made special arrangements for Soni, who was among 403 youths selected from 245 districts across the country to visit 74 Vibrant Border Gram Panchayats in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between June 3 and 30 after qualifying through a nationwide quiz competition.
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During the interaction, PM Modi asked Ashish about his experience at the world’s highest post office in Hikkim. Ashish said he had sent a letter from there addressed to the Prime Minister. He also said that even at an altitude of more than 15,000 feet, the QR code-based digital payment system was functioning smoothly, reflecting the reach of the Digital India initiative.Soni visited Kaza Khas village in the Spiti Valley of the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. He participated in developmental activities with the local administration, ITBP personnel and villagers, and closely observed the lifestyle, culture and challenges of the border areas.Working with self-help groups, Ashish spread awareness about the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. He also shared information about the boost to economic activities and night tourism due to Chicham Bridge.Soni said that interacting with the Prime Minister was an unforgettable moment in his life and would inspire him to contribute actively to nation-building.
