India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during the 123rd edition of his monthly radio program “Mann Ki Baat,” sharing a range of updates on India’s environmental achievements, public health successes, women-led enterprises, and cultural developments. On Sunday, a large gathering attended a public broadcast event at Gurugram’s GNH Convention Center, marking the live airing of “Mann Ki Baat.” The ceremony drew many dignitaries, including BJP National President J.P. Nadda; Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini; BJP Haryana President Mohan Lal Badoli; and Minister Rao Narbir Singh. Additionally, local BJP leaders, party workers, and citizens also participated in discussions following the address. Here are some key highlights of PM Modi’s address in the Mann Ki Baat.
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Ahmedabad’s green drive gains national praise
Modi commended the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s eco-initiative, “Mission Four Million Trees,” during the broadcast. He described it as a “beautiful effort” for environmental preservation. He highlighted Sindoor Van, an urban green zone in the Jagatpur-Chandlodia ward, dedicated to the heroes of Operation Sindoor. He also noted that Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel planted a Sindoor tree as a symbolic gesture to launch the mission ahead of the monsoon season. The project will include an “Oxygen Park” by the Jagatpur Bridge with 12,000 trees, 551 of which are Sindoor trees. Developed by the Samast Vaishnav Vanik Parivar, this 5,000 m² park will be maintained for five years. The planting follows the Miyawaki approach, using fast-growing, dense native species. Modi explained that the Sindoor tree (Bixa Orellana) produces seeds coated with a natural red-orange powder used as dye in traditional forehead markings and food.
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Recognizing public health and sanitation gains
In his address, Modi highlighted India’s recent public health milestones:
Truly Trachoma-free: India has been officially declared free from trachoma by the World Health Organization. Modi linked this success to better sanitation under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and access to clean water via the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Growing social protection: Citing an International Labour Organization (ILO) study, Modi said that over 64 percent of Indians now receive social safety net benefits, up from less than 250 million people in 2015.
Women-led health initiatives: He praised women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Telangana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh that promote health and local entrepreneurship. Their projects include producing millet-based foods and affordable sanitary pads.
Remembering the 50th anniversary of emergency
The prime minister reflected on the 50th anniversary of India’s Emergency (1975–1977). He shared archival audio from leaders Morarji Desai, Babu Jagjivan Ram, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had opposed the Emergency. Modi called the period “a suppression of freedom” and urged citizens to remember those who stood for democracy and constitutional rights.
Sports, culture, and spiritual connection
Modi applauded the Bodoland CEM Football Cup in Assam, spotlighting players Halicharan Narzary and Durga Boro as examples of youth ambition in a region once plagued by conflict.
Modi also underscored the importance of fitness and recommended a 10 percent reduction in daily oil consumption to fight obesity.
Speaking on faith and unity, he mentioned the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the upcoming Amarnath Yatra starting July 3, and the Jagannath Rath Yatra, highlighting how these pilgrimages embody “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
Modi noted the warm reception in Vietnam for Buddha’s relics from Andhra Pradesh’s Nagarjunakonda. The relics were displayed in nine locations across the country, drawing 15 million visitors. He called this a “cultural-spiritual diplomacy” and encouraged citizens to explore India’s Buddhist heritage sites.
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Community-led environmental heroes
From Gujarat to Maharashtra, Modi celebrated local environmental champions:
In Pune, citizen Ramesh Kharmale spends weekends planting trees and digging soil trenches on the Junnar hills.
In Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Patoda village is now a carbon-neutral panchayat with zero litter, treated wastewater, and eco-friendly cremation.
Modi urged people to join the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, planting trees in honor of mothers.
Honoring professions
Modi reminded listeners that July 1 marks both Doctors’ Day and Chartered Accountants’ Day. He praised doctors as “guardians of public health” and CAs as “stewards of India’s economic growth.”
Uplifting women entrepreneurs nationwide
The success of tribal women in Telangana
Modi lauded eight women from Telangana’s Bhadrachalam, associated with an ITDA-supported self-help group, and shared their success story. They launched Bhadradri Millet Magic, producing millet-based biscuits (using foxtail, little, kodo, finger millet, and jowar). Now sold from Hyderabad to London, their venture exemplifies Modi’s ideal of “Women-Led Development.”
Khadak rotti in Karnataka
Modi also focused on the Jolada Rotti brand emerging from the Kalaburagi district. Women in an SHG produce over 3,000 rotis daily, sold locally in Bengaluru and available online. Modi praised their entrepreneurial spirit and noted how such initiatives help women gain financial independence.
India’s progress in space
Modi concluded by reflecting on India’s journey into space. He mentioned a recent conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently stationed at the International Space Center. Modi promised to share more details about the mission in next month’s “Mann Ki Baat.”
Successful missions of Mann Ki Baat
Modi used the platform to celebrate India’s achievements in health, environment, women’s empowerment, and science. He emphasized programs like Mission Four Million Trees, which aim to plant millions of trees, including in new urban parks. Additionally, health programs like Swachh Bharat and Jal Jeevan Mission were credited for eradicating diseases like trachoma. Modi’s Mann Ki Baat speech mainly credited women’s self-help groups as being driving forces behind grassroots entrepreneurship, like millet biscuits and regional rotis. According to him, the 50-year reflection on the Emergency served as a reminder to uphold democratic values. Pilgrimage and heritage diplomacy highlighted his cultural and spiritual connections, both domestic and international. Furthermore, Modi’s nod to amateur environmental leaders encouraged local participation in sustainability.
