Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, addressed voters, start-ups, quality manufacturing, environmental efforts, cultural trends, and people-led initiatives across India.
Marking the eve of Republic Day and National Voters’ Day, the Prime Minister called voters the “soul of democracy” and urged young citizens turning 18 to register as voters. He suggested celebrating first-time voters with sweets and community gatherings to raise awareness about the importance of voting.
Recalling the launch of Start-up India in January 2016 , PM Modi said India has become the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world, with ventures in artificial intelligence, space, nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility, green hydrogen, and biotechnology. He praised young innovators for their contributions to the economy and nation-building.
Emphasizing quality in manufacturing, the Prime Minister called for adopting “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” standards and making Indian products synonymous with top quality. He stressed that excellence must guide all production, from textiles to electronics, to accelerate India’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting community-led environmental initiatives, he cited efforts in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, where locals revived the Tamsa River through cleaning and tree plantation, and Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, where over 10 reservoirs were restored and 7,000 trees planted under the Ananta Neeru Sanrakshanam Project.
PM Modi noted the rise of youth-led cultural trends like “bhajan clubbing”, where devotional music is performed in modern concert formats while maintaining traditional decorum. He also praised the Indian diaspora, particularly in Malaysia, for promoting cultural heritage. He highlighted over 500 Tamil schools, the work of the Malaysia India Heritage Society, and the record-setting “Lal Paad Saree” walk.
The Prime Minister underscored unique community initiatives, such as the 15-year-old community kitchen in Chandanki village, Gujarat, and anti-drug campaigns in Sheikhgund, Anantnag. He also recognized organizations like Vivekananda Lok Shiksha Niketan in West Bengal for long-standing social service.
Praising youth-led cleanliness drives, PM Modi highlighted efforts in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bengaluru, and Chennai, where thousands of kilograms of waste have been cleared. Individual environmental champions, including Benoy Das of West Bengal and Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar of Madhya Pradesh, were acknowledged for tree plantation and documentation of medicinal plants. The nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign has led to over 200 crore trees being planted.
The Prime Minister also encouraged the consumption and cultivation of millets, highlighting initiatives in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan that boost farmer income and promote nutrition.
PM Modi announced the upcoming India AI Impact Summit, which will bring global technology experts to India and showcase progress in artificial intelligence. He extended best wishes to the nation ahead of Republic Day.
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