NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD/BHUBANESWAR/CHENNAI, OCT 26
In the 127th episode of his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday struck a deeply emotional and inspirational chord, blending the festive fervour of Chhath Puja with reflections on India’s unity, self-reliance, environmental consciousness, and cultural resurgence.
Speaking to millions of listeners across India and abroad, the Prime Minister began by greeting citizens on Labh Pancham and Chhath Mahaparva, describing the festival as “a reflection of the deep unity between culture, nature, and society.” He lauded the devotion of women observing Chhath Vrat and urged everyone to experience the festival’s spiritual harmony — whether in India or abroad.
- From Chhath Puja’s devotion to ‘Vande Mataram 150’ — nation’s emotional connect with tradition and transformation
- Highlights Gujarat’s Green Coastal Revolution, India’s Coffee Glory, and rise of indigenous canine breeds in forces
- Calls for national unity, youth participation, and grassroots innovation ahead of sardar patel jayanti
From Operation Sindoor to GST Bachat Utsav: A Nation of Resolve
PM Modi highlighted the nation’s pride over ‘Operation Sindoor’, which liberated many regions from Maoist influence, saying “lamps of joy now light up areas once shadowed by terror.” He also praised citizens for embracing the GST Bachat Utsav, opting for indigenous products during Diwali and reducing edible oil consumption by 10 percent — a small but significant step toward national health and economic self-reliance.
Grassroots Innovations: From Garbage Cafes to Lake Revivals
Drawing attention to civic-led environmental transformations, the PM cited Ambikapur’s Garbage Cafes in Chhattisgarh, where meals are offered in exchange for plastic waste, and Bengaluru’s Kapil Sharma, whose team rejuvenated 40 wells and six lakes.
“These efforts,” he said, “show that when citizens take ownership, transformation becomes unstoppable.”
Gujarat’s Green Coast: Mangroves Revive Marine Life and Livelihoods
PM Modi gave special mention to Gujarat’s Forest Department, which has successfully expanded mangrove plantations across 3,500 hectares near Dholera, transforming the coastal ecology.
“The number of dolphins, crabs, and migratory birds has risen sharply,” he said, underscoring that the project not only restored biodiversity but also “boosted fish farmers’ livelihoods.”
Similar eco-initiatives are underway in Kutch’s Kori Creek, where a Mangrove Learning Centre has been established — reflecting Gujarat’s leadership in climate resilience and blue economy models.
Promoting Indian Breeds and Indigenous Pride
Revisiting an earlier Mann Ki Baat theme, PM Modi applauded the BSF and CRPF for adopting and training Indian dog breeds like the Rampur Hound, Mudhol Hound, Kombai, and Pandikona, noting the example of “Ria”, a Mudhol Hound that won first prize at the All India Police Duty Meet in Lucknow.
He praised security agencies for renaming their canines with Indian names and highlighted a CRPF dog that detected 8 kg of explosives in Chhattisgarh, calling these indigenous dogs “symbols of courage and national pride.”
Sardar Patel’s Legacy and the Run for Unity
With the nation preparing to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary on October 31, PM Modi urged citizens, especially youth, to participate in the Run for Unity.
“This should not be just a run — it should be an awakening of national unity,” he said, reminding listeners that Patel’s vision and administrative acumen built the strong foundations of modern India.
Vande Mataram @150: A National Song, A Timeless Emotion
Setting the tone for a major upcoming national celebration, the Prime Minister announced that November 7 will mark 150 years since the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’ by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, later immortalized by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
He described the song as “the embodiment of India’s eternal consciousness — a chant that unites 140 crore hearts.”
PM Modi urged citizens to share ideas and initiatives with the hashtag #VandeMataram150, ensuring the milestone becomes “a people’s movement in honour of Ma Bharati.”
Reviving Sanskrit and Celebrating Young India
In a modern twist, the PM lauded young digital creators — from Yash Salunke’s cricket-in-Sanskrit reels to Kamala and Janhavi’s spiritual content — for bringing the ancient language to life on social media.
“Times are changing for Sanskrit,” he said. “It’s heartening to see the youth reclaim it as a language of creativity and connection.”
Coffee, Courage, and Community Spirit
PM Modi turned his attention to Koraput Coffee from Odisha, describing it as “the pride of Odisha, brewed with passion and purpose.” He applauded entrepreneurs and women farmers who left corporate jobs to grow coffee, transforming their lives and communities.
Highlighting India’s diverse coffee regions — from Chikmagalur to Wayanad and the Northeast — he said:
“India’s coffee is coffee at its finest — brewed in India, loved by the world.”
Remembering Tribal Icons: Komaram Bheem and Birsa Munda
Paying homage to tribal freedom fighter Komaram Bheem on his birth anniversary (Oct 22) and Birsa Munda ahead of Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas on Nov 15, PM Modi said their struggles for dignity, justice, and freedom “inspired generations to stand fearlessly against tyranny.”
He urged youth to learn about such heroes, saying, “Their courage built the backbone of India’s independence movement.”
A Message of Collective Progress
Closing his 127th address, PM Modi reaffirmed the spirit of Mann Ki Baat as “a mirror of the nation’s soul” — where ordinary citizens inspire extraordinary change.
“From villages to cities, from innovation to inclusion — this is the India we are building together,” he said, signing off with his customary “Namaste.”
