R ARIVANANTHAM
NEW DELHI, DEC 28
As the nation prepares to step into 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the final episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2025, delivered a wide-ranging address that placed India’s youth, Tamil cultural resurgence, and Gujarat’s global cultural footprint at the core of the country’s forward journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Do listen to this month’s #MannKiBaat.
https://t.co/rYkLmmxeTM— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 28, 2025
Reflecting on a year marked by achievements across national security, sports, science, space, culture, and innovation, the Prime Minister said 2025 strengthened India’s confidence and global standing, powered largely by the aspirations and energy of young Indians.
- · PM highlights Tamil Nadu’s youth leadership in national competitions
- · Gujarat’s Kutch Rannotsav showcased as beacon of cultural & tourism power
- · Young India hailed as driving force of innovation, startups & viksit bharat
- · Smart India hackathon, youth dialogues to shape policy & progress
- · PM Calls for rooted growth: culture, language & technology must move together
Tamil Nadu Leads the Way in Youth Participation & Language Pride
The Prime Minister specially lauded Tamil Nadu’s youth, noting that the state secured first position nationally in the essay competition linked to the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, with Uttar Pradesh finishing second.
Highlighting the growing national fascination with Tamil, PM Modi said that Tamil, one of the world’s oldest languages, is witnessing renewed interest among children and youth across India. He cited the success of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, where even Hindi-speaking children in Varanasi are learning and confidently speaking Tamil.
He also highlighted how Tamil language and culture are being nurtured globally, citing Tamil Day celebrations in Fiji, where children showcased pride in their linguistic heritage through poems, speeches, and performances.
Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch Shines as Global Cultural Magnet
Turning to Gujarat, the Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing Kutch Rannotsav as a symbol of India’s cultural diversity and tourism potential. He noted that the festival, which began on November 23 and runs till February 20, has already attracted over two lakh visitors from across India and abroad.
Describing the White Rann under moonlight as a mesmerizing experience, PM Modi said Gujarat’s folk traditions, handicrafts, music, and Tent City concept exemplify how culture-driven tourism can boost local livelihoods and global interest.
Youth Power: Backbone of India’s Innovation & Governance
Calling youth India’s biggest strength and global hope, the Prime Minister encouraged young citizens to actively participate in platforms shaping national policy and innovation.
He spoke at length about the Smart India Hackathon, where students worked on 270+ real-life problems from over 80 government departments, offering solutions in areas such as:
- Smart traffic management
- Cyber security & digital fraud prevention
- Digital banking in rural India
- Agricultural innovation
Over the last 7–8 years, more than 13 lakh students from 6,000 institutions have participated in the initiative, providing implementable solutions for governance challenges.
Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue: Youth to Shape National Agenda
PM Modi reiterated his excitement for the upcoming Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, scheduled on National Youth Day (January 12), marking Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.
The dialogue will focus on innovation, fitness, startups, agriculture, and nation-building, offering young Indians a direct platform to present ideas and influence policymaking. The Prime Minister confirmed his participation and urged greater youth engagement.
Rooted Modernity: Culture, Science & Responsibility
Emphasising balance between technology and tradition, PM Modi cited examples such as:
- Cultural initiatives like Geetanjali at IISc, blending music with science
- Grassroots solar energy leadership in Manipur
- Revival of traditional crafts like Narasapuram Lace (GI-tagged)
- Entrepreneurial women empowering local economies
He also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, citing an ICMR report, and urged citizens—especially youth—to adopt responsible health practices.
A Confident Step into 2026
Concluding the broadcast, the Prime Minister said India enters 2026 with new hope, stronger resolve, and unwavering faith in its youth. He urged citizens to stay connected to fitness, culture, innovation, and national service, reaffirming that collective effort will ensure the realization of Viksit Bharat.
