Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used his monthly Mann ki Baat address to highlight India’s achievements in science, sports and grassroots innovation, while urging citizens to intensify efforts towards water conservation, environmental protection and support for local products.
From the success of India’s first privately developed rocket to record performances by Indian students in international Olympiads and community-led conservation initiatives, Modi said the country’s progress was being driven by public participation and the energy of its youth.
He also paid tribute to the heroes of the Kargil War, saying Kargil Vijay Diwas remains an enduring symbol of the nation’s courage, valour and sacrifice.
Addressing the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the PM highlighted the nationwide ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign and urged people to turn water conservation into a mass movement by preserving rainwater where it falls. He said the initiative, launched on July 4, has accelerated rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies and tree plantation efforts across the country.
Turning to sports, Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Commonwealth Games. He congratulated PV Sindhu on becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open badminton title and hailed the Indian women’s cricket team’s historic maiden Test victory at Lord’s, describing it as a proud moment for the nation.
Highlighting India’s growing capabilities in space technology, Modi described the successful launch of Vikram-1 as a landmark achievement, calling it the country’s first privately developed rocket. He said opening the space sector to private participation had enabled young innovators to showcase their talent and accelerate India’s technological progress.
Emphasising the importance of preserving traditional crafts, the PM highlighted Kashmir’s eco-friendly ‘Vagu’ mat and praised artisans Ghulam Hussain and his daughter Tanzila for reviving the centuries-old craft. He urged citizens to embrace the “Vocal for Local” campaign by supporting indigenous products.
On environmental conservation, Modi lauded the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, citing the plantation of more than 3.5 lakh saplings in Ahmedabad within an hour and over 35 crore saplings in Uttar Pradesh in a single day. He also spoke about the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill to Gujarat’s Gir forests after nearly six decades.
Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, he reiterated his appeal to people to install idols of Lord Ganesha made from indigenous clay instead of plaster of Paris or imported materials, saying the move would support local artisans while protecting the environment.
The PM also highlighted the work of astrophysicist Dr Ronaldo Laishram from Manipur, who named a newly discovered cluster of young galaxies the “Loktak Proto-cluster” after the state’s famous Loktak Lake, calling it a matter of pride for the country.
With National Handloom Day approaching on August 7, Modi urged citizens to support handloom products, khadi and handicrafts. He noted that khadi sales have increased six-fold over the past 12 years to nearly Rs 8,000 crore and praised efforts to preserve traditional weaving practices across the country.
Modi also paid tribute to former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ahead of his death anniversary on July 27 and extended greetings on the occasion of Guru Purnima.