Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 136th Mann Ki Baat focused on Kargil Vijay Diwas, water conservation, defence, Vikram-1, sports, Har Ghar Tiranga, handloom and grassroots initiatives. Here are the 10 biggest highlights from the monthly radio programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 136th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, July 26, spoke on a wide range of issues, including water conservation, India’s defence and space achievements, environmental protection, sports, science, handloom promotion and local innovations. During the address, the prime minister urged people to make rainwater conservation a public movement, paid tribute to Kargil War heroes, highlighted India’s growing defence capabilities and praised recent achievements in sports, science and entrepreneurship.
Here are the 10 biggest highlights from PM Modi’s 136th Mann Ki Baat.
1. Pays tribute to Kargil War heroes
Marking Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War.
He said July 26 is a day that fills every Indian with pride and remembered the courage of the armed forces, who overcame harsh weather, difficult terrain and enemy challenges. He also said India continues to honour its soldiers by taking their stories to the younger generation through initiatives such as the Shaurya Vijay Yatra.
2. Renews ‘Catch the Rain’ call, highlights water conservation efforts
The prime minister urged people to conserve rainwater and make the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign a people’s movement.
He said the nationwide campaign, which began on July 4, is promoting rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of old water bodies and tree plantation. Modi highlighted examples from across the country, including the construction of around 1,500 ponds in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district, restoration of Amrit Sarovars in Narsinghpur, increased water storage in Nashik, and pond revival projects in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
He appealed to citizens to take responsibility for a nearby pond, well or stepwell, saying every drop of water saved today will benefit future generations.
3. Says India is becoming a trusted global defence partner
Speaking about defence, Modi said India is strengthening its capabilities in defence production, exports and strategic partnerships.
He highlighted the induction of INS Mahendragiri, noting that more than 75% of the warship’s components are indigenous, making it a symbol of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The prime minister also referred to the successful tests of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
He added that the defence agreements on BrahMos and Astra missiles signed during his visit to Indonesia reflected growing international confidence in India’s defence technology.
4. Praises Vikram-1 private space mission
Modi congratulated India’s private space sector after the successful launch of Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace.
Calling it a historic moment, he said the achievement showed the talent, passion and determination of India’s young innovators.
He also noted that opening the space sector to private participation has created new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. 5. Congratulates Indian athletes and Commonwealth Games contingent
The prime minister praised PV Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open badminton title.
He also congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team for registering its first-ever Test victory at Lord’s, describing it as a historic achievement.
Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, expressing hope that they would perform well and make the country proud.
- Calls for action against plastic pollution
Modi described single-use plastic pollution as a major environmental challenge and stressed the need for proper waste disposal.
He highlighted a ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, where recycled plastic is being used to manufacture eco-friendly benches for schools, parks and public spaces.
According to him, the project is helping create local employment while promoting the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
- Shares examples of innovation and community-led initiatives
The prime minister highlighted several grassroots initiatives from across the country.
These included:
- Astrophysicist Dr Ronaldo Laishram from Manipur being part of the team that discovered the Loktak proto-cluster of young galaxies.
- A Self-Help Group in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor producing Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea using natural ingredients.
- Conservation efforts leading to the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill in Gujarat’s Gir forests.
- Plantation of over 3.5 lakh saplings in Ahmedabad within an hour through public participation.
- Highlights education, culture and traditional crafts
Modi spoke about efforts to preserve India’s cultural heritage and make learning more engaging.
He praised:
- A school in Kerala’s Ernakulam for introducing the ‘Aksharakanduk’ project, which teaches Sanskrit using football-related terms.
- Efforts to revive Kashmir’s traditional Wagu mat-making craft.
- Work to popularise Tripura’s traditional Chongprung musical instrument among younger generations.
9. Urges people to support handloom products
Ahead of National Handloom Day on August 7, Modi appealed to citizens to support India’s weaving community.
He said every handloom product reflects the identity of a region and the generations of artisans behind it.
The prime minister urged people to buy and promote handloom products while strengthening the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign.
10. Calls for ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, pays tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam
Ahead of Independence Day, Modi urged citizens to participate enthusiastically in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign by proudly displaying the national flag with dignity and respect while remembering the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters. He also invited people to share their ideas for the Independence Day address through the MyGov platform.
On the eve of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s death anniversary on July 27, the prime minister paid tribute to the former President, describing him as a teacher who inspired generations of young Indians. Modi also extended greetings ahead of Guru Purnima and urged people to express gratitude to their teachers, mentors and parents.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/5n658u9f
