PM shares thoughts in Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi, Sep 27, 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today stated that the surgical strike by the Indian Army on the terrorist hideouts in Pakistan demonstrated a new example of India’s counter-terrorism policy to the world. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Akashvani, Mr Modi said India is set to mark the tenth anniversary of the surgical strike tomorrow (28th September). He said the world was astonished to see the manner in which brave Indian soldiers crossed the Line of Control to take action against terrorism.

Prime Minister Modi said the surgical strike was India’s decisive response to the long-standing pain the nation had endured due to terrorist attacks. He stated that over the past decade – from the Balakot airstrike to ‘Operation Sindoor ’, India has repeatedly sent the message that terrorist strikes will be met with a befitting response.

Mr Modi recounted that there was a time when serial blasts had become a common occurrence in the country. He said many lives were lost in the serial blasts in Delhi on 13th September, 2008. The 26/11 attack took place just a few weeks later in Mumbai. He highlighted that today, India pursues a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, and country is witnessing the results of that.

Prime Minister Modi said this year also marks 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He said that the highest number of victims at the World Trade Center in the US, after Americans, were Indians. He recalled paying homage to those innocent citizens during his US visit after becoming Prime Minister in 2014. He once again extended his condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of crores of Indian citizens.

Touching upon the topic of the ongoing census, Mr Modi said the first phase of this exercise is nearly complete across all States and Union Territories. Data of over 32 crore families has already been recorded. Work is currently underway also in the remote, snow-clad regions of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.

The Prime Minister noted that many inspiring experiences have emerged from these areas. In Uttarakhand, the census process began in the village of Mana in Chamoli, which is known as the country’s first village. Prime Minister Modi said the process there started with 83-year-old Purnima Rawat. In Bagori village of Uttarkashi, Hardev Singh Rana, who runs a homestay, entered his details himself using digital means.

Mr Modi emphasised that the census is a national responsibility for all. He added that the facility to self-register census details is very convenient and people can register information about themselves and their family from their mobiles themselves. Along with Hindi, this facility is available in 16 languages. The Prime Minister asked people to visit the census online portal, se.census.gov.in, and log in with their mobile number, enter location, fill in details regarding their family and submit the information.

The Prime Minister said the entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. No document needs to be uploaded for this. After submitting the information, people will receive a special ID, which can be shared with the census enumerator when they pay a visit. After the information is verified, it becomes part of the census record.

Prime Minister Modi informed that so far, more than 2 crore 60 lakh people have already entered their details on the census portal via mobile, completing the self-enumeration. He said accurate information about citizens and their families helps create a precise picture of the country’s future.

The Prime Minister said today marks the 100th birth anniversary of the revered late Ashok Singhal, who was the former International Working President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He called him a great personality who dedicated his entire life to culture, society, and the nation. Born on 27th September, 1926, in Agra, Ashok Singhal led a life as an ascetic even though living amidst society. Prime Minister Modi said the very direction and energy he imparted to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement veritably resulted in the magnificent temple in Ayodhya today.

Alongside the Ram Mandir movement, Ashok Singhal also waged a major battle against social discrimination and inequality. Mr Modi offered his tributes on the occasion of his birth centenary.

The Prime Minister said the nation began this year with a grand celebration of national pride, which is the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. He said that Mahmud of Ghazni had demolished the Somnath Temple for the first time a thousand years ago in 1026 AD. He highlighted that the Somnath Temple still stands in all its grandeur by the sea, bestowing the blessing of immortality upon India. He added that this is why the Somnath Swabhiman Parv was celebrated with immense pride this year.

Mr Modi mentioned that he brought up this topic in Mann Ki Baat today for a special reason. In 1026 AD, when Ghazni destroyed the Somnath Temple, the famous Sun Temple in Modhera, Gujarat, was also attacked and destroyed the same year. He said a thousand years have passed since the destruction of the Modhera temple as well, whereas the temple had been built just a year ago. King Bhimdev had got it built in 1025.

The Prime Minister remarked that King Bhimdev the First not only confronted the forces of Ghazni but also had the Modhera Sun Temple rebuilt within a short time. He opined that it is because of this very resilience that the Somnath Temple, too, was rebuilt every time despite facing repeated destruction.

Mr Modi said attacks on the Modhera Sun Temple did not cease later either. Alauddin Khilji later destroyed this temple once again. Emphasising that the people of India do not worship the Sun solely through architecture and temples, he said, for us, the Sun also signifies light, energy, science, and the inspiration for continuity. He pointed out that this is why Modhera is known today not just for its Sun Temple, but has become the country’s first ‘Surya Gram’, that is, Solar Village.

Modhera now runs entirely on solar energy, setting an example of sustainability for the nation.

Several attractions and amenities for tourists have also been introduced in Modhera. The Modhera Dance Festival is held in January, following Makar Sankranti. It features magnificent performances of India’s cultural and classical dances. He urged people to visit Modhera at least once and witness this glorious Indian heritage.

In today’s Mann Ki Baat, Mr Modi also spoke about a unique initiative underway in Manapparai, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, to connect with the country’s past. He mentioned A. Selvaraju, associated with the Department of Tamil Studies at a college, who is spearheading this effort.

During a lecture, he learned about some ancient sculptures from a student. He planned a field visit following a discussion on the subject. During this visit, he discovered several sculptures and ancient temples at various locations. Mr Modi said this is a fascinating way to connect with the past and understand the country’s heritage even better.

The Prime Minister also mentioned Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, which will be celebrated on the 2nd of October. He said cleanliness is one of many guiding principles for life given by Bapu. Citing several examples of initiatives to maintain cleanliness, Mr Modi said young people in Madhya Pradesh are working to clean up a river. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, youth are cleaning up old stepwells and wells, helping to restore India’s ancient heritage.

In Mumbai, some young people are taking the initiative to keep beaches clean. Mr Modi said that in Delhi, children and youth are raising awareness about segregating waste and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings. In West Bengal, students are collaborating with locals to clean up market areas at picnic spots.

The Prime Minister pointed out that all these efforts start with a single individual first, and a movement grows when others join in. He said this is what Jan Bhagidari is all about. He stated that cleanliness is the most beautiful tribute the nation can pay to Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr Modi stressed that entire ecosystems are strengthened when the environment is protected. He added that some initiatives taking place in various parts of the country are beautifully highlighting this sentiment. He gave the example of Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. There was a time when elephants used to inhabit this area, but as human interference on forest land increased, the elephants moved away.

Prime Minister Modi was pleased to note that this land was cleared of encroachment three years ago, and the results have been remarkable. Elephants have returned to this place again, and herds of elephants are once again being spotted in areas where they had not been active for years.

Mr Modi also spoke about the initiative in Assam itself to save the Pygmy Hog. The Pygmy Hog’s very existence was under threat once upon a time. A conservation programme was launched with just six Pygmy Hogs, and they were reintroduced into the wild. Grasslands were also curated for their living. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that thanks to this programme, the Pygmy Hog population has risen to over 190.

Mentioning the human bond with nature, Prime Minister Modi spoke about an inspiring example in the Sundarbans of West Bengal, where some women from Jharkhali are creating mangrove forests. Most of them are women who lost their husbands to tiger attacks. Mr Modi remarked that after losing their husbands, they found a means of livelihood within the Sundarbans itself.

The mangroves they have planted are now serving as a natural protective shield for their villages, while also providing them with an income. Mr Modi urged everyone to conserve the environment, respect the balance of nature, and safeguard its diversity.

Prime Minister Modi noted that millions of young people across the country have recently taken a significant resolve against substance abuse and drugs, under the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan. They have vowed to stay away from drugs and have also taken up the responsibility of spreading this message to others. Mr Modi said Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will run for 100 weeks. It includes volunteers from MY Bharat, and youth associated with the NSS are part of this.

He added that in just the last few days, thousands of pledge ceremonies and awareness programmes have taken place across the country. He appreciated the ‘Nasha-Mukti Ka Sandesh’ initiative under which the nation’s youth are propagating this message in their own language and in their own way.

Mr Modi had urged young people through ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to join this campaign using their creativity. He expressed delight that thousands of youth have stepped forward in response to this call. Various competitions, including anthem, slogan writing, and street plays, have been organised on the ‘MY Bharat’ platform.

Similarly, young people are sharing creative content on social media using the hashtag – NashaMuktYuva. Prime Minister Modi noted that in essence, the message, the medium, and the driving energy behind it all come from the youth themselves. He added that in the coming days, activities such as health check-ups and meditation camps will also be conducted as part of this campaign.

Mr Modi urged people to look around them amidst the festive celebrations and support people who are trying to break free from addiction. He said everyone must work together to advance the resolve of a drug-free youth and a Viksit Bharat.

On Sports, the Prime Minister said he had announced a talent hunt campaign for Sports from the Red Fort this time. He said it is essential to reach out to villages and towns to discover sporting talent to ensure India continues to perform well. He spoke about Rajinder Singh from Punjab, who was part of the team that won the gold medal in hockey at the 1980 Olympics. He also shone at the 1982 World Cup. In 2001, India won the Men’s Junior World Cup title for the first time, whereas in 2003, the country clinched the Senior Asia Cup title. Rajinder Singh was the coach in both these tournaments. Now, he is pursuing his passion through the Round Glass Hockey Academy.

Mr Modi said the Hockey coach has a very clear focus on identifying children in villages that lack access to excellent coaching facilities. Lauding Rajinder Singh’s dedication, the Prime Minister added that many players are securing spots at India’s junior and senior levels through such initiatives.

On One District One Product, the Prime Minister said Amla, the Indian gooseberry, is now becoming a source of new possibilities in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. He said farmers in Pratapgarh have been growing Amla for generations. He further stated that One District One Product has boosted local entrepreneurs involved in the Amla trade.

Today, around 100 units for Amla processing are operational in Pratapgarh, with women connected with self-help groups playing a significant role. Mr Modi said the Savitri Phule Self-Help Group from Devgarh Kamasi village is producing Amla candy, preserves, and juice. Access to new markets through the ODOP scheme has also increased income.

Similarly, women of Vindhyavasini Self-Help Group are producing many items like Amla pickle and digestive powder. These women received help in guise of machinery for processing and access to loan facilities.

Prime Minister Modi remarked that every region of the country possesses some unique speciality, be it a specific fruit, a traditional art form, or a unique skill. He said the One District, One Product campaign aims to promote these very specialities. He further said the endeavour is to ensure that the identity of Indian villages and small towns is not confined to local markets. These products should reach other parts of the country and even global markets. Mr Modi said this also strengthens the Vocal for Local campaign and inspires the nation to become self-reliant. He added that the Vocal for Local mantra should not be forgotten during the upcoming festive season.

Prime Minister Modi said the month of September is dedicated to the fight against malnutrition. During the Poshan Maah, individuals and organisations from various sectors come together for this noble cause. He said several commendable initiatives have been launched this year to combat malnutrition. Chhattisgarh has started the Har Ghar Munga – Ghar Ghar Munga (Moringa) campaign, under which people are being encouraged to include nutritious Moringa in their diet. Gujarat has also launched Vangi Spardha, a competition featuring dishes made from millets.

This initiative promotes affordable and nutritious local cuisine. So far, more than two lakh people have participated in this contest. Maharashtra is also making commendable efforts in this direction, with teachers, Anganwadi workers, and parents joining awareness campaigns. In Mizoram, people have come together this year to launch a campaign for the upkeep of Poshan Vatikas.

This aligns with the Mizo tradition of Talo-Mad-Yana, which signifies selfless service. Prime Minister Modi praised all such efforts, saying he is proud of everyone associated with Anganwadi centres that have been part of such initiatives. These Anganwadi centres are now digitally connected via the Poshan Tracker, with approximately nine crore beneficiaries registered on the platform.

Mr Modi noted that the nation celebrated Ganesha Utsav this month with great devotion and enthusiasm. Giving the example of Panthoun Thirkhanon from Thailand, the Prime Minister said deep reverence for Him exists not only in India, but abroad as well. Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Phra Phikanet. When Panthoun Thirkhanon was 19 years old, his father gifted him a photograph of Lord Ganesha.

With a profound sense of devotion awakened within, he spent over four decades studying traditions associated with Lord Ganesha. He has travelled across several Asian countries, including India and Nepal and has a special affection for Maharashtra. Through his efforts, the Ashtavinayak yatra has gained popularity among devotees in Thailand as well. In 2002, he established the Ganesha Himal Museum in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand.

Today, it houses more than ten thousand idols of Lord Ganesha. The museum also has Ashtavinayak idols for devotees who are unable to travel to India. Worship rituals for Lord Ganesha are performed every Sunday morning around 10 o’clock. Mr Modi said this demonstrates how India’s faith, art, and cultural traditions are gaining popularity in other countries as well.

Concluding his address, Mr Modi urged listeners to keep sharing inspiring stories. He added that learning about these efforts through ‘Mann Ki Baat’ inspires people in other parts of the country as well. Extending his best wishes, the Prime Minister hoped that people would celebrate the upcoming festivals with joy and enthusiasm with family and friends.