India left strong mark everywhere this year, says PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat programme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India left a strong mark everywhere this year, from national security to sports, and science laboratories to the world’s biggest platforms. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani today, Prime Minister looked back at the year 2025, saying it gave many moments to make every Indian proud. He stated that ‘Operation Sindoor’ became a symbol of pride for every Indian this year. He added that the world clearly saw that today’s India does not compromise on its security. Modi appreciated the people for showing the same spirit and enthusiasm for the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

He had requested people to send their messages and suggestions with ‘#VandeMataram150’ and expressed happiness that countrymen participated in this campaign. The Prime Minister remarked that 2025 was also a memorable year in terms of sports. Indian men’s cricket team won the ICC Champions Trophy. The women’s cricket team won the World Cup for the first time. Modi said India’s daughters created history by winning the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup. He further stated that the tricolour also fluttered high with pride in the Asia Cup T20. He also lauded para-athletes for winning several medals at the World Championship.

Prime Minister Modi also highlighted that India also took a big leap in the field of Science and Space this year. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. Modi pointed out that many efforts related to environmental conservation and wildlife protection also became the hallmark of 2025. He was happy to note that the number of cheetahs in India has now increased to more than 30. He noted that faith, culture, and India’s unique heritage all came together this year. He said the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, organised at the beginning of the year astonished the entire world. He added that the Dhwajarohan ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at the end of the year filled every Indian with pride.

Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that people’s excitement towards Swadeshi was evident. He said people are purchasing only those goods that bear the sweat of an Indian and the fragrance of Indian soil. He exuded pride that 2025 has given India even greater confidence. Modi stated that the country is ready to move forward in 2026 with new hopes and new resolutions. He hoped that 2026 would prove to be an important milestone in the journey towards the fulfillment of Viksit Bharat. He wished everyone a happy 2026. Prime Minister stressed that the world is looking at India with great hope today and youth power is the biggest reason for this. He said India’s achievements in the field of science, new innovations, and expansion of technology have greatly impressed countries around the world.

Prime Minister highlighted that the second edition of ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ will be held soon. On the 12th of next month, ‘National Youth Day’ will be celebrated on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary. He said the ‘Young Leaders Dialogue’ will also be held on this day, and he will certainly participate in that. He was pleased to note the rising participation of youth in this programme. A quiz competition related to this was held a few days ago where more than 50 lakh youth participated. An essay competition was also held, in which students expressed their views on various topics. Modi said that Tamil Nadu stood first and Uttar Pradesh second in this competition.

Prime Minister also spoke about ‘Smart India Hackathon’, saying it is another medium where ideas are turned into action. The ‘Smart India Hackathon 2025’ concluded this month. During this Hackathon, students worked on more than 270 problems of more than 80 government departments. Students offered solutions which were related to real life challenges like traffic related problems. The youth shared interesting perspectives on ‘Smart Traffic Management and put forward their ideas on solutions to challenges like Financial Frauds and Digital Arrests. Suggestions were extended on Cyber ​​Security Framework for digital banking in villages. Modi stated that over 13 lakh students and over six thousand institutes have participated in the ‘Smart India Hackathon’ in the last seven to eight years. He urged the youth to participate in these Hackathons.

Prime Minister Modi expressed happiness that the next generation is holding on to the roots of Indian culture, with new thinking and new methods. He cited the example of Indian Institute of Science, where a small music class has now turned into ‘Geetanjali IISc. It is no longer just a class, and has become the cultural centre of the campus with Hindustani classical music, folk traditions, and classical genres. Modi observed that this effort to stay connected to one’s roots is not limited to India, and Indians living in different corners of the world are also playing their part. He spoke about Kannada Pathshale in Dubai, where children are taught to teach, learn, write, and speak Kannada. Today, more than a thousand children are associated with it.

Prime Minister also spoke about Manipur’s Moirangthem Seth who lives in a remote area of the state. To overcome the challenge of major electricity issues, Moirangthem focused on local solutions and started a campaign to install solar panels. On account of this campaign, solar power has reached hundreds of houses in his area today. Owing to his efforts, many health centres in Manipur are also getting solar power. Modi remarked that the women, local fishermen and artists of Manipur have also benefited from this endeavour. Prime Minister also emphasised that under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’, government is providing approximately 75 thousand to 80 thousand rupees to each beneficiary family for installing solar panels.

In today’s episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister also spoke about Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, where an archaeologist noticed some tall mounds. After scientific study of these mounds, it turned out that these mounds were the remains of a large human-made structure. Modi added that thousands of kilometres away from Kashmir, an old, blurred photograph was found in the archives of a museum in France. Three Buddhist stupas were visible in that photograph of Baramulla. Prime Minister expressed happiness that Kashmir’s glorious past was revealed in this manner and history dates back nearly two thousand years. He said this Buddhist complex in Jehanpora, Kashmir reminds people of Kashmir’s past and its rich identity.

Prime Minister Modi also spoke about a commendable initiative being taken in Fiji to spread Indian language and culture. He said continuous efforts are being made at many levels to connect the new generation there with Tamil language. Last month, Tamil Day was celebrated for the first time in a school in Raki-Raki, Fiji. On that day, children recited poems in Tamil, gave speeches, and confidently showcased their culture on stage. Modi also highlighted that continuous work is also being done within the country to promote the Tamil language. He said the fourth ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ was held a few days ago in his parliamentary constituency, Kashi.

During the Mann Ki Baat episode, audio clips of children from Kashi speaking in Tamil were also played. Prime Minister stated that during the ‘Kashi Tamil Sangamam’ in Varanasi this year, special emphasis was placed on learning Tamil. Under the theme of ‘Learn Tamil – Tamil Karakalam’, special campaigns were also run in more than 50 schools in Varanasi. Prime Minister said Tamil is the world’s oldest language and Tamil literature is also extremely rich. He expressed happiness that there is a renewed interest in the Tamil language among children and youth.

The 77th Republic Day of the country will be celebrated next month. Prime Minister Modi said that on such occasions, people’s hearts are filled with gratitude for the freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution. He said people from every part of the country contributed to the freedom movement but many of the heroes did not receive the respect they deserved. He said Parvati Giri of Odisha is one such freedom fighter. Her birth centenary will be celebrated in January 2026. She participated in the Quit India Movement at the age of sixteen. After the independence movement, Parvati Giri dedicated her life to social service and tribal welfare. She established several orphanages. Modi paid tributes to her, saying that her inspiring life will continue to guide every generation.

Modi stated that the government created a special website when India celebrated 75 years of independence. A section on it was dedicated to “Unsung Heroes.” Prime Minister asked listeners to visit this website to learn about the great personalities who played a significant role in achieving independence for the country. Prime Minister also touched upon the subject of antibiotics, expressing concern that the Indian Council of Medical Research, ICMR recently released a report stating that antibiotics are proving ineffective against many diseases like pneumonia and UTI. According to the report, a major reason for this is people’s indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Prime Minister cautioned that antibiotics should not be taken mindlessly. He said antibiotics should be used only on the doctor’s advice. He urged everyone to refrain from using medicines at their own discretion.

Touching upon the topic of traditional arts, Prime Minister Modi said the lace craft of Narasapuram district in Andhra Pradesh is gaining popularity across the country. He said this lace craft has been in the hands of women for generations. He added that the women of the country have preserved it with patience and meticulousness. Today, this tradition is being carried forward with a new dimension. The Andhra Pradesh government and NABARD are jointly teaching artisans new designs, providing better skill training, and connecting them with new markets.

Prime Minister was happy to note that the Narasapuram Lace has also received the GI Tag. Today, more than 500 products are being made from it, and around one lakh women in more than 250 villages are getting employment from it. Modi also hailed the efforts of Margaret Ramtharsiem of Churachandpur, Manipur. Margaret saw Manipur’s traditional products, its handicrafts, and items made from bamboo and wood with a broad vision. Prime Minister said that from being a handicraft artist, she has developed a market for her products in several states, including Delhi. Today, Margaret’s unit employs over 50 artists.

Modi said Chokhone Krichena, a resident of Senapati district, is another example from Manipur. Krichena’s entire family has been involved in traditional farming, and she expanded this traditional experience to a greater extent. Prime Minister said she made floriculture her passion, connecting this work with various markets and empowering local communities in her area. Modi stressed that when traditional knowledge is leveraged with a modern vision, it can become a major vehicle for economic progress.

Prime Minister also spoke about the Kutch Ranotsav, which began on the 23rd of November and will continue until the 20th of February. He said that diverse folk culture, folk music, dance, and handicrafts of Kutch are on display there. He added that witnessing the grandeur of the White Rann of Kutch is a delightful experience in itself. He said that over two lakh people have participated in the Rannotsav in the past month, from all corners of the country and even from abroad. Concluding his address, Prime Minister also reminded everyone to stay fit and take part in the Fit India Movement. He added that this winter season is very suitable for exercise.