Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 135th episode of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, June 28. During this significant broadcast, the Prime Minister reflected on the progress made in the first half of the year 2026, noting that the achievements of the past six months have filled every citizen with immense pride. He emphasized that these milestones are deeply connected to the security and self-reliance of the country. One of the highlights of his address was the mention of Nalanda University, where he noted that the institution has successfully revived the ancient tradition of Shastrartha, or scholarly debate. This tradition was prominently featured during the university's convocation ceremony, marking a return to India's rich intellectual heritage.
Reviving Traditions and Overcoming Superstitions
The Prime Minister spoke at length about the importance of moving away from superstitions. He shared an inspiring story from the North Eastern states involving a specific bird that was historically considered inauspicious. However, in a remarkable shift in perspective, the local women of the region are now leading efforts to protect and conserve this bird. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how community action can overcome deep-seated myths and contribute to environmental preservation. PM Modi urged the citizens to stay away from such superstitions and focus on scientific and rational thinking.
Gratitude for the Gold Appeal and Defense Achievements
During the episode, PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of India for responding positively to his appeal regarding gold. He had previously requested citizens to refrain from buying gold, and he thanked everyone for listening to his words and supporting the national interest, while moving to the defense sector, the Prime Minister highlighted India's growing self-reliance. He mentioned that the design and manufacturing of recent naval assets, including INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and Sanshodhak Agre, are entirely indigenous. He also celebrated the successful testing of the indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in June, calling it a vital milestone. Also, he noted the success in the aviation sector with the first flight of the Made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft, stating that 40 such aircraft are being manufactured within the country.
Meghalaya's Living Root Bridges and Creative Waste Management
The Prime Minister praised the unique root bridges of Meghalaya, which are crafted from the roots of rubber trees, while he explained that these bridges take several decades to form as the roots are gradually guided in a specific direction. A remarkable feature of these bridges is that they become stronger over time. Currently, local communities in Meghalaya are maintaining more than 120 such root bridges, showcasing their immense creativity and harmony with nature. In another example of local innovation, PM Modi lauded the women of Biaora village in the Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. These women have developed a unique method for waste disposal by collecting plastic waste from surrounding areas and using it to create decorative trees, while this initiative has already led to the recycling of hundreds of kilograms of plastic, Importantly reducing waste in the region.
Appeal for Eco-Friendly Festivals and Water Conservation
As the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, the Prime Minister appealed to the public to use clay idols instead of those made from Plaster of Paris or imported materials. He encouraged everyone to support indigenous products and remain mindful of the environment during all celebrations. Concluding the 135th episode, PM Modi made a strong plea for water conservation. He urged citizens to save every drop of rainwater and use methods like soak pits to recharge groundwater, while he emphasized that such efforts are essential to prevent water scarcity and ensure a sustainable future for the country.