Prime Minister Modi Shares Thoughts in 138th Mann Ki Baat Programme
Sep 27, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stated that the surgical strike by the Indian Army on 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, Modi noted that India is set to mark the tenth anniversary of the surgical strike tomorrow (28th September). He highlighted that over the past decade—from the Balakot airstrike to ‘Operation Sindoor’—India has repeatedly demonstrated a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, ensuring every strike meets a befitting response. Recalling that this year also marks 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, he extended his condolences to all victims, noting that Indians were the largest group of foreign casualties at the World Trade Center.
Turning to domestic initiatives, the Prime Minister shared updates on the ongoing national census, noting that the first phase is nearly complete with details of over 32 crore families recorded. Highlighted by self-enumeration tools available in 16 languages via mobile, over 2.6 crore citizens have already used the portal. PM Modi paid tributes to late Ashok Singhal on his 100th birth anniversary, lauding his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and his stand against social inequality. He also referenced the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, recalling how both the Somnath Temple and the Modhera Sun Temple faced destruction 1,000 years ago in 1026 AD, yet persevered as symbols of Indian resilience. Today, Modhera stands transformed as India’s first 'Surya Gram' powered entirely by solar energy.
In cultural and environmental highlights, the Prime Minister commended local research efforts in Tamil Nadu that discovered ancient sculptures, alongside various youth-led cleanliness drives ahead of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. He praised community conservation successes, including the return of elephants to Assam’s Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, the recovery of the Pygmy Hog population to over 190, and the mangrove afforestation efforts by women in the Sundarbans. To combat addiction, he highlighted the 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan driven by India's youth across the nation.
Highlighting grassroots talent and regional growth, PM Modi praised Olympic gold medalist Rajinder Singh for coaching rural hockey talent through the Round Glass Hockey Academy. He underscored the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, where self-help groups processing Amla have reached broader markets. Marking Poshan Maah, he commended nutrition initiatives across various states—such as Chhattisgarh's Moringa campaign and Gujarat's millet dish contests—supported digitally by the Poshan Tracker. Concluding his address, PM Modi highlighted international cultural ties by sharing the story of Panthoun Thirkhanon, who established the Ganesha Himal Museum in Thailand housing over 10,000 idols, demonstrating the global reach of India’s traditions.
