Prime Minister's address in the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat
New Delhi, May 25, 2025 : My dear countrymen , Namaskar. Today the whole country is united against terrorism, is filled with anger and is determined. Today every Indian has the same resolve, we have to end terrorism. Friends , the valor shown by our forces during 'Operation Sindoor ' has made every Indian proud. The precision with which our forces destroyed the terrorist hideouts across the border is amazing. 'Operation Sindoor ' has given new confidence and enthusiasm to the fight against terrorism across the world .
Friends , 'Operation Sindoor ' is not just a military mission , it is a picture of our resolve , courage and changing India and this picture has filled the entire country with patriotism , has coloured it in the tricolour. You must have seen that tricolour marches were taken out in many cities, villages and small towns of the country. Thousands of people came out with the tricolour in their hands to pay their respects to the country's army. In many cities, a large number of youth came together to become Civil Defence Volunteers , and we saw that the videos of Chandigarh went quite viral . Poems were being written on social media , resolution songs were being sung. Small children were making paintings which had big messages hidden in them. I had gone to Bikaner just three days ago. There, the children had gifted me one such painting . 'Operation Sindoor ' has influenced the people of the country so much that many families have made it a part of their lives. In Katihar in Bihar , Kushinagar in UP, and several other cities , children born during that period were named 'Sindoor'.
Friends , our soldiers destroyed the terror bases , it was their indomitable courage and it also included the power of weapons , equipment and technology made in India. It also had the resolve of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. The sweat of our engineers, our technicians , everyone is involved in this victory. After this campaign, a new energy is visible in the whole country regarding 'Vocal for Local' . Many things touch the heart. A parent said - "Now we will buy only toys made in India for our children. Patriotism will start from childhood." Some families have pledged - "We will spend our next holidays in some beautiful place in the country." Many youth have pledged to 'Wed in India' , they will get married in the country itself. Someone has also said - "Now whatever gift we give , it will be made by the hands of an Indian craftsman."
Friends , this is the real strength of India , 'connection of people , public participation'. I urge all of you to take a pledge on this occasion - we will give priority to things made in the country wherever possible in our lives . This is not just a matter of economic self-reliance , it is a sense of participation in the building of the nation. Our one step can become a huge contribution to the progress of India.
Friends, travelling by bus is such a common thing. But I want to tell you about a village where a bus arrived for the first time. The people there were waiting for this day for years. And when the bus arrived in the village for the first time, people welcomed it by playing drums. People were overjoyed to see the bus. There was a paved road in the village, people needed it, but a bus had never been able to run here before. Why, because this village was affected by Maoist violence. This place is in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, and the name of this village is Katejhari. This change in Katejhari is being felt in the entire surrounding area. Now the situation here is becoming normal rapidly. Due to the collective fight against Maoism, basic facilities have started reaching such areas as well. The people of the village say that with the arrival of the bus, their lives will become much easier.
Friends, in 'Mann Ki Baat' we have already discussed the Bastar Olympics held in Chhattisgarh and the Science Labs in Maoist affected areas. The children here have a passion for science . They are also doing great in sports . Such efforts show how courageous the people living in these areas are. These people have chosen the path of improving their lives amidst many challenges. I am also very happy to know that the results of Dantewada district in the 10th and 12th examinations have been very excellent. With nearly ninety five percent result, this district topped in the 10th results . Whereas in the 12th examination, this district secured the sixth position in Chhattisgarh. Imagine! Dantewada, where Maoism was once at its peak, is today flying the flag of education. Such changes fill all of us with pride.
My dear countrymen, now I want to share a very good news related to lions. In the last five years only, the population of lions in Gir, Gujarat has increased from 674 to 891. From Six Hundred Seventy Four to Eight Hundred Ninety One! The number of lions that came out after the Lion Census is very encouraging. Friends, many of you must be wondering how this animal census is conducted . This exercise is very challenging. You will be surprised to know that the Lion Census was conducted in 11 districts, in an area of 35 thousand square kilometers. For the census , the teams monitored these areas round the clock . Both verification and cross verification were done in this entire campaign. This enabled the work of counting the lions to be completed with utmost precision.
Friends, the increase in the population of Asiatic Lion shows that when the sense of ownership is strong in the society, then how wonderful results are achieved. A few decades ago, the situation in Gir was very challenging . But the people there took the initiative to bring about a change. Along with the latest technology , global best practices were also adopted there. During this time, Gujarat became the first state where women were appointed on a large scale on the post of Forest Officers . All these have contributed to the results we are seeing today. We will have to always remain vigilant and alert like this for Wild Life Protection .
My dear countrymen, just two-three days ago, I went to the first Rising North East Summit . Before that, we also celebrated the 'Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav' dedicated to the strength of the North East . The North East is something else, its strength, its talent , is really amazing. I have come to know an interesting story of Crafted Fibers . Crafted Fibers is not just a brand , it is a beautiful amalgamation of Sikkim's tradition, the art of weaving, and today's fashion thinking. It was started by Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia. He is a Veterinary Doctor by profession and a true Brand Ambassador of Sikkim's culture at heart . He thought why not give a new dimension to weaving! And from this thought, Crafted Fibers was born . He connected traditional weaving with modern fashion and made it a social enterprise. Now, they don't just make clothes, they weave lives. They give skill training to local people , make them self-reliant. By connecting the village weavers, cattle rearers and self-help groups, Dr. Bhutia has created new avenues of employment. Today, local women and artisans are earning well from their skills. Shawls, stoles, gloves, socks, all made of crafted fibers are made from local handloom . The wool used in this comes from the rabbits and sheep of Sikkim. The colors are also completely natural - no chemicals , only the hues of nature. Dr. Bhutia has given a new identity to the traditional weaving and culture of Sikkim. Dr. Bhutia's work teaches us that when tradition is connected with passion , it can attract the world so much.
My dear countrymen, today I want to tell you about a wonderful person who is an artist as well as a living inspiration. His name is - Jeevan Joshi, age 65 years. Now imagine, how full of life those who have Jeevan in their name itself must be. Jeevan ji lives in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. In childhood, polio took away the strength of his legs, but polio could not take away his courage. Even though his walking speed slowed down, his mind kept flying on every flight of imagination. In this flight, Jeevan ji gave birth to a unique art - named 'Bugette'. In this, he makes beautiful artworks from the dry bark that falls from pine trees. That bark, which people generally consider useless - becomes a heritage as soon as it comes into Jeevan ji's hands. Every creation of his has the fragrance of the soil of Uttarakhand. Sometimes it is the folk instruments of the mountains, and sometimes it seems as if the soul of the mountains has entered that wood. Jeevan ji's work is not just art, it is a sadhana. He has dedicated his entire life to this art. Artists like Jeevan Joshi remind us that no matter what the circumstances, if the intention is strong, then nothing is impossible. His name is Jeevan and he has truly shown what it means to live life.
My dear countrymen, today there are many women who are working in the fields as well as in the heights of the sky. Yes! You heard it right, now the women of the villages are flying drones as Drone Didi and bringing a new revolution in agriculture.
Friends, in Telangana's Sangareddy district, the women who had to depend on others until some time ago, today the same women are spraying medicine on 50 acres of land using drones . Three hours in the morning, two hours in the evening and the job is done. No heat of the sun, no danger of poisonous chemicals . Friends, the villagers have also accepted this change wholeheartedly. Now these women are not known as 'drone operators' , but as 'sky warriors' . These women are telling us - change comes when technology and determination go together.
My dear countrymen, less than a month is left for the International Yoga Day. This occasion reminds us that if you are still away from yoga, then join yoga now. Yoga will change the way you live your life. Friends, since the beginning of Yoga Day on 21 June 2015 , its attraction has been increasing continuously. This time too, people all over the world are showing enthusiasm and excitement about Yoga Day. Different institutions are sharing their preparations. The pictures of the past years have inspired a lot. We have seen that in some countries people have created Yoga Chain , Yoga Ring in some years . There are many such pictures where four generations are doing yoga together. Many people have chosen iconic places of their city for yoga. You can also think of celebrating Yoga Day in some interesting way this time.
Friends, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has started YogAndhra Abhiyan. Its objective is to develop yoga culture in the entire state. Under this campaign , a pool of 10 lakh people practicing yoga is being created. I will get an opportunity to participate in the 'Yoga Day' program in Visakhapatnam this year. I am happy to know that this time too our young friends are going to practice yoga at iconic places related to the country's heritage . Many youth have pledged to create new records and become a part of the Yoga Chain . Our corporates are also not behind in this. Some institutions have set a separate place for yoga practice in the office itself. Some start-ups have fixed ' office yoga hours '. There are also people who are preparing to go to villages and teach yoga. This awareness of people about health and fitness gives me great joy.
Friends, along with 'Yoga Day', something has happened in the field of Ayurveda which you will be very happy to know about. Just yesterday, i.e. on 24th May, an MoU was signed in the presence of WHO Director General and my friend Tulsi Bhai. Along with this agreement , work has started on a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions . This initiative will help in reaching AYUSH to as many people as possible in the whole world in a scientific manner.
Friends, you must have seen blackboards in schools , but now ' sugar boards' are also being installed in some schools - not blackboard but sugar board ! The purpose of this unique initiative of CBSE is to make children aware of their sugar intake . By knowing how much sugar should be taken and how much sugar is being consumed, children have started choosing healthy options themselves . This is a unique effort and its impact will also be very positive . This can prove to be very helpful in inculcating healthy lifestyle habits right from childhood. Many parents have appreciated it and I believe - such initiatives should also be taken up in offices, canteens and institutions, after all, if there is health, there is everything. Fit India is the foundation of strong India .
My dear countrymen, how is it possible that when we are talking about a clean India, the listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' stay behind? I have full faith that all of you are strengthening this campaign at your own level. But today I want to tell you about an example where the resolve for cleanliness has defeated even mountainous challenges. Imagine a person climbing snowy mountains, where it is difficult to breathe, where life is in danger at every step, and yet that person is engaged in cleaning there. The members of our ITBP teams have done something similar. This team went to climb the world's most difficult peak like Mount Makalu. But friends, they did not just climb the mountain, they added another mission of 'cleanliness' to their goal. They took the initiative to remove the garbage lying near the peak. Imagine, the members of this team brought down more than 150 kg of non-biodegradable waste with them. Cleaning at such a height is not an easy task. But this shows that where there is determination, the path is automatically created.
Friends, there is another important topic related to this - paper waste and recycling . Every day a lot of paper waste is generated in our homes and offices. Perhaps, we consider it normal, but you will be surprised to know that almost a quarter of the country's landfill waste is related to paper. Today there is a need for every person to think in this direction. I am happy to know that many Start - Ups of India are doing great work in this sector . In many cities like Visakhapatnam, Gurugram, many Start - Ups are adopting innovative methods of paper recycling . Some are making packaging boards from recycled paper , some are making newspaper recycling easier through digital methods . In cities like Jalna, some Start - Ups are making packaging rolls and paper cores from 100 percent recycled material . You will also be inspired to know that recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees from being cut and thousands of liters of water is saved. Now think, when mountaineers can bring back garbage in such difficult conditions, then we should also contribute to recycling by separating paper in our home or office . When every citizen of the country thinks about what better things can I do for the country, only then together, we can bring about big changes.
Friends, recently Khelo India Games were a big hit. During Khelo India, five cities of Bihar hosted the event. Matches of different categories were held there. The number of athletes who reached there from all over India was more than five thousand. These athletes have praised the sporting spirit of Bihar and the warmth they experienced from the people of Bihar.
Friends, the land of Bihar is very special, many unique things have happened here in this event. This was the first event of Khelo India Youth Games, which reached the whole world through the Olympic channel . People from all over the world saw and appreciated the talent of our young players. I congratulate all the medal winners, especially the top three winners - Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Friends, this time a total of 26 records were made in Khelo India. In weight lifting competitions, the splendid performance of Asmita Dhone of Maharashtra, Harshvardhan Sahu of Odisha and Tushar Chaudhary of Uttar Pradesh won everyone's heart. Sairaj Pardeshi of Maharashtra made three records . In athletics , Qadir Khan and Sheikh Zeeshan of Uttar Pradesh and Hansraj of Rajasthan performed splendidly. This time Bihar also won 36 medals . Friends, the one who plays, blooms. The tournament means a lot for young sporting talent . Such events will further enhance the future of Indian sports.
My dear countrymen, 'World Bee Day' was celebrated on 20 May , a day that reminds us that honey is not just sweetness, but also an example of health, self-employment and self-reliance. In the last 11 years, a sweet revolution has taken place in India in beekeeping. 10-11 years ago, honey production in India was around 70-75 thousand metric tons in a year. Today it has increased to around 1.25 lakh metric tons. That is, there has been an increase of about 60% in honey production . We have become one of the leading countries in the world in honey production and export . Friends, 'National Beekeeping' and 'Honey Mission' have a big role in this positive impact . Under this, thousands of farmers associated with beekeeping were given training , equipment and direct access to the market was created for them.
Friends, this change is not just visible in figures, it is also clearly visible on the land of the village. There is an example of Korea district of Chhattisgarh, where tribal farmers have created a pure organic honey brand named 'Son Honey'. Today that honey is being sold on many online portals including GeM , i.e. the hard work of the village is now going global . Similarly, thousands of women and youth in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh have now become honey entrepreneurs. Friends, now work is being done not only on the quantity of honey, but also on its purity. Some start-ups are now certifying the quality of honey with AI and digital technology . Next time whenever you buy honey, do try the honey made by these honey entrepreneurs, try to buy honey from a local farmer, a woman entrepreneur as well. Because every drop of it is not just full of taste, but also the hard work and hopes of India. This sweetness of honey is the taste of self-reliant India.
Friends, while we are talking about the efforts of countries related to honey, I would like to tell you about another initiative. This reminds us that the protection of honeybees is not just a responsibility of the environment, but also of our agriculture and future generation . This example is from Pune city, where a beehive was removed from a housing society - perhaps due to security or fear. But this incident forced someone to think something. A young man named Amit decided that bees should not be removed, they should be saved. He learned himself, researched on bees and started adding others as well. Gradually he formed a team, which he named Bee Friends . Now these Bee Friends transfer beehives from one place to another in a safe manner , so that people are not in danger and honeybees also remain alive. The effect of this effort of Amit ji has also been great. Honeybee colonies are being saved. Honey production is increasing, and most importantly, awareness among people is also increasing. This initiative teaches us that when we work in harmony with nature, everyone benefits.
My dear countrymen, that's all for this episode of 'Mann Ki Baat'. Keep sending me the achievements of the people of the country and their efforts for the society. We will meet again in the next episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' . We will discuss many new topics and new achievements of the countrymen. I am waiting for your messages. Thank you very much to all of you. Namaskar.