Every Person Is Important; No One Is VIP: Modi

New Delhi: Calling for cleansing the Indian psyche of the "deeply entrenched" VIP culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said 'VIP' must be replaced by 'EPI' — Every Person is Important.

Speaking on a range of issues in his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi also said that the South Asia Satellite to be launched by India on May 5 will go a long way in addressing the region's economic and developmental priorities.

The Prime Minister also urged the young to step out of their comfort zone. "The red beacon used to be fixed atop a vehicle but slowly and steadily it permeated into the psyche and got firmly entrenched in the mindset. The red beacon has gone for good but nobody can say with certainty that it has also disappeared from the mindset," said Modi, adding there was disdain for VIP (Very Important Person) culture in the country.

He also spoke on the relevance of Buddha's philosophy. "The world today is undergoing a plethora of problems such as violence, war, annihilation, the arms race. Amidst this atmosphere, the philosophy of Buddha comes across as extremely relevant," said Modi. Modi said he will be paying tributes to Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka on the occasion of UN Vesak Day - that celebrates the birth of Gautam Buddha. — IANS