Highlights from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's ' Mann Ki Baat'
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's recent Mann Ki Baat address brought a blend of history, inspiration, technological progress, and practical advice. Each topic highlighted the evolving face of India, connecting with the nation through stories of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Here are the key highlights from his speech.
Celebrating the Unity Legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Sardar Patel
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke about the upcoming 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, two leaders who championed unity and fought against oppression. Though from different walks of life, both figures shared a vision of a unified India, each contributing uniquely to the struggle for independence. By drawing parallels between Patel and Munda, Shri Narendra Modi under-scored the importance of unity across India's varied communities. The #Sardar150 and #BirsaMunda150 campaigns serve as a call to action for the nation to revisit these leaders' ideals and actively work toward communal harmony. This alignment with unity and social justice reflects the Prime Minister's vision of an India that respects its diversity and stands strong in its collective heritage.
A New Dawn in India's Animation and Gaming Industry
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the rising influence of India's animation and gaming industry, illustrating how Indian animated series like Chhota Bheem, Krishna, and Hanuman have garnered not only domestic acclaim but also international popularity. He pointed out that this growing global reach of Indian animation signals India's potential to become a dominant player in a highly competitive, fast-evolving industry.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the potential of emerging fields such as Virtual Reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which offer Indian creators exciting avenues to explore. Shri Narendra Modi encouraged young Indians to see this industry as a dynamic career field, where digital storytelling and cultural heritage can merge on a global platform. By promoting "Made in India" content, he underscored the significance of fostering India's unique cultural narratives and values, with animation and gaming serving as potent tools for cultural diplomacy.
By highlighting this sector, Shri Narendra Modi invited India's youth to contribute creatively, helping to position India as a hub for innovative media production. This vision not only boosts cultural pride but also signals the government's commitment to nurturing industries that are poised for significant economic growth. The animation and gaming sectors, as envisaged by the Prime Minister, are set to offer substantial employment opportunities, stimulate innovation, and drive India's soft power internationally. This support aims to inspire young entrepreneurs and creatives to see themselves as ambassadors of Indian culture on a global scale, marking a new chapter in India's digital and creative industries.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Building a Self-Reliant India
In his address, Shri Narendra Modi reaffirmed his commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, India's mission for self-reliance, and detailed several recent achievements that underscore this initiative's success. He celebrated India's rise as the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally and the impressive growth in defence exports to over 85 countries. The Prime Minister emphasised how India's strides in mobile manufacturing, defence, and even space exploration represent a new era of self-sufficiency and innovation.
The Prime Minister's focus extended to India's advancements in the semiconductor industry, which he described as foundational for digital independence. With India's recent investments in semiconductor fabrication plants and partnerships in the sector, the Prime Minister conveyed a strong vision for securing India's technological future. He also celebrated the agricultural sector, high-lighting how local initiatives are ensuring food security and making India a key global player in agri-exports.
Through his call to action in the "Vocal for Local" campaign, Shri Narendra Modi encouraged citizens to support domestic products and industries, not only as consumers but also as advocates of national pride. This campaign, he emphasised, aligns with the values of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which goes beyond economic self-reliance to foster sustainable growth and empower local communities. His vision of self-reliance, deeply rooted in India's cultural heritage, seeks to build a robust economy capable of withstanding global disruptions, thereby enhancing India's standing as a globally competitive and resilient nation.
Cyber Safety: Raising Awareness Against Digital Scams
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the critical importance of cyber safety in today's rapidly digitalising society, recognising the increasing prevalence of digital scams and frauds that target a wide array of users, from seasoned internet users to newcomers online. He highlighted the importance of a three-step protocol- Stop, Think, and Take Action- as a vital practice for every Indian to safeguard their online transactions and interactions. This guideline, he noted, is especially crucial as digital platforms continue to grow in accessibility and usage across all demographics, particularly among youth and senior citizens, who may be more susceptible to cyber threats.
Expanding on his call for a national culture of cyber awareness, Shri Narendra Modi drew attention to government initiatives designed to support victims of cyber scams, such as the cyber helpline (1930) and the cybercrime reporting portal (cybercrime.gov.in). He emphasised that these resources provide vital support, offering quick reporting channels to enable immediate action and increased vigilance. The Prime Minister also advocated for community awareness campaigns that can educate citizens on recognising phishing schemes, fraudulent apps, and misleading links- practices that exploit individuals' unfamiliarity with cyber threats.
By empowering communities to be vigilant and proactive in reporting scams, the Prime Minister sought to foster a more informed public that can actively contribute to the nation's cyber resilience and digital safety for all.
Reviving Calligraphy in Jammu and Kashmir
Reflecting on the revival of traditional art forms, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke about the renewed interest in calligraphy within Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the journey of Firdousa Bashir, a young calligrapher from Anantnag, who is using her art to connect with her roots and inspire others in her community. The Prime Minister's mention of calligraphy in Jammu and Kashmir signifies his support for preserving regional cultures and promoting artistic expressions that keep historical traditions alive. Bashir's success serves as a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, encouraging youth across India to appreciate and preserve their own local art forms. This endorsement aligns with Shri Narendra Modi's vision of a culturally inclusive India that respects its regional identities and promotes artistic heritage as a bridge to unity.
A Call to Honour Farmers and Rural Traditions
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commended the hard work and resilience of Indian farmers, acknowledging their invaluable role in ensuring food security and sustaining the rural economy. During the festive season, he urged citizens to honor rural traditions and recognise the contributions of the farming community.
By placing farmers at the heart of the nation's growth narrative, Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of sustainable practices and rural upliftment as a pathway to balanced economic development. His call for citizens to buy local produce and support agricultural initiatives serves as a reminder of the government's commitment to empowering the rural economy. This vision of inclusive growth aligns with India's efforts to create a self-sufficient, sustainable agricultural system that benefits all.
Encouraging Youth to Engage in Social Initiatives
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the critical role of India's youth in shaping the nation's future, urging them to take an active role in its progress by engaging in meaningful social initiatives. He noted that India's youthful population is one of the country's greatest strengths and highlighted a number of government initiatives designed to empower young people, such as Skill India, Startup India, and the Atal Innovation Mission. These initiatives, he mentioned, are structured to provide a robust foundation in skill develop-ment, foster entrepreneurial mind-sets, and create opportunities for young Indians to innovate in technology and beyond, enabling them to contribute significantly to the country's social and economic landscape.
Shri Narendra Modi also spoke about youth-oriented programmes that address pressing social issues such as environmental protection, education, and digital literacy, calling on young people to become change-makers in these domains. He under-scored the importance of youth-led innovation and the responsibility that comes with it, urging them to step beyond traditional roles and actively participate in community-building and social welfare activities, thereby leaving a positive imprint on society.
By inspiring the youth to harness their creativity, skills, and sense of responsibility, Shri Narendra Modi conveyed his vision of an India where young people are not just beneficiaries of progress but active drivers of transformative change.
(Source:pmindia.gov.in)