“India’s Progress Reflects People’s Power and Resolve”: PM Modi

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th June: In the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s rising global stature in health, social welfare, environmental stewardship, cultural pride, and women-led development. Speaking to the nation on Sunday morning, the Prime Minister lauded recent milestones, shared moving stories of grassroots transformation, and invoked the power of public participation and national unity.

Global Recognition in Health and Social Security
The Prime Minister announced that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared India Trachoma-free, marking a major victory against an infectious disease that once threatened millions. He credited the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission, and tireless health workers for this achievement.

Modi also noted that according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 64% of India’s population now receives social protection benefits, a dramatic rise from less than 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015 to 95 crore today. “This is a triumph of social justice,” he said.

Yoga: A Global Cultural Beacon
Reflecting on the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day, the Prime Minister celebrated its theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, and praised mass participation in India and abroad. He cited notable events including 3 lakh people performing yoga on Visakhapatnam beach, 2,000 tribal students doing 108 Surya Namaskars, and Indian soldiers practicing yoga atop the Himalayas. “Peace, stability, and balance—this was the message from every corner of the world,” Modi said.

Cultural Integration Through Pilgrimage
PM Modi emphasized the spiritual and service-based significance of religious yatras such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Amarnath Yatra, and Jagannath Rath Yatra. He said these pilgrimages foster national unity and discipline, embodying the spirit of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat.

Remembering the Emergency: 50 Years Later
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975, Modi recalled the dark period with clips from former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Babu Jagjivan Ram, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “The Emergency was a brutal attack on democracy… but the people of India refused to bow down,” he said, urging citizens to stay vigilant and uphold the Constitution.

Northeast’s Sports Renaissance
In an uplifting segment, PM Modi spotlighted Bodoland in Assam, where over 70,000 footballers participated in the Bodoland CEM Cup. He praised players like Halicharan Narzary and Durga Boro for representing a new era of hope and transformation in the region.

Celebrating Local Products and Women Entrepreneurs
He commended Meghalaya’s Eri Silk, which recently received the GI tag, and called it an ideal global product due to its eco-friendly, cruelty-free production. He encouraged citizens to promote vocal for local by supporting Indian handlooms and crafts.

He also hailed the success stories of women-led SHGs in Telangana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. From millet biscuits reaching London to Kalaburgi’s jowar rotis gaining urban popularity, Modi emphasized that such ventures are “the glow of self-confidence and self-reliance.”

Buddha’s Legacy in Vietnam
The Prime Minister shared the overwhelming public response to the recent pilgrimage of Bhagwan Buddha’s holy relics to Vietnam. Over 1.5 crore people attended the darshan at nine locations, reinforcing the global influence of Indian spirituality.

Environment and Carbon-Neutral Villages
Modi highlighted unique initiatives like ‘Mission for Million Trees’ in Ahmedabad, the Sindoor Van tribute to Operation Sindoor martyrs, and Maharashtra’s carbon-neutral village of Patoda, where waste is recycled, water is treated, and trees are planted in memory of the deceased.

Closing with National Pride
Before concluding, PM Modi expressed admiration for India’s advancements in space and praised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at the International Space Centre. He also paid tribute to Doctors and Chartered Accountants, ahead of July 1, celebrated as National Doctors’ Day and CA Day, respectively.

“Let us keep serving the nation through collective resolve, discipline, and compassion,” the Prime Minister signed off, inviting citizens to continue sending suggestions for future episodes.