Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, underscored India’s unwavering determination to eliminate terrorism following the decisive success of Operation Sindoor. The military operation, conducted with precision, destroyed terrorist bases across the border, demonstrating the strength of India’s armed forces and reinforcing national security. Modi hailed the mission as a testament to courage, technological advancements, and India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense.
The operation has sparked patriotic fervor across the country. Citizens have celebrated the success with Tiranga Yatras, viral tributes, poetry, and artistic expressions. In multiple cities, youth have volunteered for Civil Defence, showing solidarity with the armed forces. Families have integrated the operation into their lives, with children born during the period being named Sindoor in places such as Katihar and Kushinagar.
Modi emphasized that India’s defense capabilities rely not only on its soldiers but also on homegrown technology, equipment, and innovations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He urged citizens to strengthen the movement by prioritizing domestic products, whether in everyday purchases, tourism, or celebrations, reinforcing economic self-reliance alongside national security.
Highlighting social transformation, Modi lauded the arrival of a bus for the first time in Katejhari, a village in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district previously affected by Maoist violence. The development reflects growing normalization in conflict-impacted areas, with residents welcoming the bus with drum celebrations, recognizing its role in improving lives. Education has also flourished in former Maoist strongholds, with Dantewada recording 95 percent success in 10th-grade exams and securing sixth position in the 12th-grade results in Chhattisgarh, a remarkable shift from its troubled past.
The Prime Minister shared encouraging environmental progress, revealing that the population of Asiatic lions in Gir, Gujarat, has surged to 891 from 674 in five years. The census, covering 35,000 square kilometers, was conducted through round-the-clock monitoring and stringent verification, showcasing India’s commitment to wildlife preservation. He credited both local conservation efforts and women forest officers for the significant achievement.
Modi praised entrepreneurial innovation in the Northeast, citing Crafted Fibers, a sustainable fashion brand founded by Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia, a veterinarian from Sikkim. Bhutia has combined traditional weaving with contemporary design, providing employment through skill development and natural wool-based textiles, reinforcing India’s Vocal for Local movement.
Recognizing individual resilience, Modi highlighted Jeevan Joshi, a 65-year-old artist from Uttarakhand, who creates art from dry pine bark, transforming discarded material into unique heritage pieces that embody the essence of the Himalayan culture. He applauded Joshi’s perseverance despite childhood polio and emphasized how passion can transcend adversity.
The Prime Minister celebrated technological advancements in agriculture, sharing the success of Drone Didi, an initiative in Telangana where women now operate drones to spray pesticides over vast farmland, reducing health risks and increasing efficiency. He referred to them as “sky warriors,” symbolizing empowerment through technology.
With less than a month remaining until International Yoga Day, Modi encouraged nationwide participation, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s YogAndhra Abhiyan, which aims to create a pool of 10 million yoga practitioners. He will lead celebrations in Visakhapatnam, reinforcing India’s global leadership in yoga awareness.
Promoting Ayush and traditional medicine, Modi announced a historic collaboration between India and WHO, formalizing a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions, ensuring global scientific validation of Ayurveda and related practices.
Addressing health awareness, Modi discussed the introduction of “Sugar Boards” in CBSE schools, designed to educate students on sugar consumption and healthy choices, urging similar initiatives in offices and canteens.
Commending cleanliness and environmental responsibility, the Prime Minister applauded an ITBP mountaineering team that collected over 150 kilograms of waste during its ascent of Mount Makalu. He also endorsed paper recycling, noting that one ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees and thousands of liters of water, encouraging every citizen to contribute to sustainable waste management.
The Prime Minister celebrated sports achievements, noting the success of the Khelo India Games in Bihar, which attracted more than 5,000 athletes and made 26 new records. He praised outstanding performances in weightlifting and athletics while recognizing Bihar’s 36-medal victory in the tournament.
Observing World Bee Day, Modi highlighted India’s 60 percent rise in honey production, reaching 125,000 metric tons annually, and commended tribal farmers in Chhattisgarh’s Korea district for launching the Sonhani organic honey brand, now available on e-commerce platforms.
The Prime Minister concluded with an inspiring grassroots conservation effort led by Amit in Pune, whose Bee Friends initiative safely relocates beehives, protecting both honeybee populations and local residents. He urged citizens to recognize the agricultural and environmental significance of bees.
The address reinforced India’s spirit of resilience, innovation, and patriotism, uniting citizens in a shared commitment to national growth, sustainability, and technological empowerment.
