In his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed thanks to citizens for backing his call for austerity measures amid the West Asia crisis. He noted that people have begun carpooling and using buses and metros, leading to reduced petrol and diesel use.
Modi stated that in light of the tense situation in West Asia, he had appealed to the public on several points. He added that citizens not only supported the appeal but are also cooperating actively. Many families have chosen not to purchase new gold for weddings and plan to recycle old items if needed, he said.
The prime minister observed that social media posts showed people postponing foreign trips and that use of natural fertilisers has risen. He expressed satisfaction that Indians are confronting the global situation together.
During the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme, Modi highlighted achievements in national security and self-reliance. Referring to his recent visit to Kolkata for a naval event, he noted the induction of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray into the fleet.
He said the design and construction of these vessels are entirely domestic. On the aviation sector, Modi reported that the C-295 aircraft, produced in India, completed its first flight, with 40 such planes now under manufacture domestically. This development supports micro, small and medium enterprises and aerospace industries while creating jobs and advancing self-reliance, he added.
Modi also mentioned that the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested an indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile this month. He stated that India is growing more secure and self-reliant across sea and air domains.
The prime minister discussed International Yoga Day events and congratulated athletes who secured medals at the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad. He referred to a superstition linked to the hargila bird, which helps maintain environmental cleanliness but was once viewed as inauspicious in parts of Assam. Biologist Purnima Devi Barman worked to dispel these notions through scientific facts shared with women, leading to the formation of the Hargila Army and greater community protection efforts.
Modi highlighted sports initiatives in Nagaland, including the Baby League football tournament for children aged five to twelve and the Women’s Futsal League, which offer platforms for young talent. He praised Nalanda University for reviving the Shaastraarth tradition of intellectual discussion in its convocation, with nearly half the participants from abroad. He also noted the Central Sanskrit University in Delhi launching a BTech programme in artificial intelligence and data science to combine modern technology with traditional knowledge.
Modi described Meghalaya’s root bridges as heritage assets and said India has sought their inclusion in the Unesco World Heritage list. Ahead of Ganesh Utsav, he urged buyers to verify the material and origin of idols and to avoid those made of plaster of Paris while supporting local products.
