Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through his Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast on Sunday, focusing on Kargil Vijay Diwas, national security achievements, and youth accomplishments in sports and science. He remained silent on the recent student protests that took place in the national capital and other cities.
The address came a day after students ended their demonstration at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. Modi paid tribute to the armed forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil war.
He also highlighted the advancements in defence self-reliance, mentioning the induction of the home-built warship INS Mahendragiri and the successful tests of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile system by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Modi noted the growing international confidence in Indian defence technology, citing a major BrahMos and Astra missile agreement signed with Indonesia earlier this month.
Shifting focus to youth accomplishments, Modi praised shuttler PV Sindhu’s Japan Open victory and the Indian women’s cricket team’s historic 270-run Test win at Lord’s. He also lauded India’s achievements in science and innovation, calling attention to the launch of ‘Vikram-1’, India’s first privately developed rocket, and India’s top ranking at the International Physics Olympiad.
Modi highlighted environmental initiatives, including the planting of over 35 crore saplings in a single day under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in Uttar Pradesh, and a ‘waste to wealth’ project in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district. He appealed to citizens to use locally made clay idols for the upcoming Ganesh festival and to participate actively in water conservation efforts.
Ahead of National Handloom Day on August 7, Modi encouraged citizens to purchase Khadi and local handicraft products during the upcoming festive season. He remembered former President A P J Abdul Kalam on the eve of his death anniversary and extended greetings for Guru Purnima. Modi also called on citizens to fly the national flag at their homes for Independence Day on August 15 and asked them to share their ideas and suggestions for Independence Day with him at the MyGov platform.
