The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi  went to Shri LK Advani Ji’s residence and greeted him on the occasion of his birthday, today. Shri Modi stated that Shri LK Advani Ji’s service to our nation is monumental and greatly motivates us all.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“Went to Shri LK Advani Ji’s residence and greeted him on the occasion of his birthday. His service to our nation is monumental and greatly motivates us all.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the year-long commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” in New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that Vande Mataram is not merely a word—it is a mantra, an energy, a dream, and a solemn resolve. He highlighted that Vande Mataram embodies the devotion and spiritual dedication to Maa Bharati. The Prime Minister stated that this one word connects us to our history, fills our present with confidence, and inspires our future with the courage to believe that no resolve is beyond fulfillment, and no goal is beyond our reach.

Describing the collective singing of Vande Mataram as a truly sublime experience, beyond the bounds of expression, Shri Modi noted that amidst so many voices, there emerged a singular rhythm, a unified tone, a shared thrill, and a seamless flow. He spoke of the resonance and waves of harmony that stirred the heart with energy. The Prime Minister stated that 7th November is a historic day as the nation celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram. He affirmed that this sacred occasion will offer new inspiration and infuse fresh energy to our citizens. To mark this day in the pages of history, a special commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to Vande Mataram were released. Paying tributes to all the bravehearts and luminaries of India who dedicated their lives for Maa Bharati, Shri Modi extended congratulations to all present and conveyed his best wishes to every citizen on the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Noting that every song and every poem carries a core emotion and a central message, the Prime Minister posed the question—what is the essence of Vande Mataram? He affirmed that its essence is Bharat—Maa Bharati—the eternal idea of India. He elaborated that this idea began shaping itself from the dawn of human civilization, reading each era as a chapter, witnessing the rise of different nations, the emergence of various powers, the evolution of new civilizations, their journey from nothingness to greatness, and their eventual dissolution back into the void. He added that India observed the making and unmaking of history, the shifting geography of the world. From this infinite human journey, India learned, drew new conclusions, and based on them, shaped the values and ideals of its civilization, forging a distinct cultural identity. Shri Modi emphasized that India understood the balance between strength and morality, and thus emerged as a refined nation—like pure gold—immortal despite the wounds of the past.

Highlighting that the conception of India and the philosophical force behind it stand apart from the rise and fall of global powers, rooted in a distinct sense of independent existence, Shri Modi remarked that when this consciousness was expressed in written and rhythmic form, it gave rise to a creation like Vande Mataram. “That is why, during the colonial era, Vande Mataram became the proclamation of the resolve that India would be free, the chains of bondage would be broken by the hands of Maa Bharati, and her children would become the architects of their own destiny”, stated Shri Modi.

Recalling Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s words that Bankimchandra’s Anandamath is not merely a novel—it is a dream of a free India, the Prime Minister emphasized the profound significance of Vande Mataram in Anandamath, noting that every line, every word, and every emotion in Bankim Babu’s composition carries deep meaning. He stated that although the song was composed during the colonial era, its words were never confined by the shadows of those centuries of bondage. It remained free from the memories of subjugation, and that is why Vande Mataram remains relevant in every era and every age. Shri Modi quoted the first line of the song—“Sujalam Sufalam Malayaja Sheetalam Sasyashyamalam Mataram”—and interpreted it as a tribute to our motherland adorned with nature’s divine blessings.

Highlighting that this has been India’s identity for thousands of years, Shri Modi said its rivers, mountains, forests, trees, and fertile soil have always had the power to yield abundance. For centuries, the world listened to stories of India’s prosperity. Just a few centuries ago, India accounted for nearly one-fourth of the global GDP. However, he noted that when Bankim Babu composed Vande Mataram, India had drifted far from that golden era. Foreign invasions, plunder, and exploitative colonial policies had left the country suffering with poverty and hunger. Yet, Bankim Babu invoked the vision of a prosperous India, driven by his belief that no matter how great the challenges, India could revive its golden age. And thus, he gave the clarion call—Vande Mataram.

Prime Minister stated that during the colonial era, the British sought to justify their rule by portraying India as inferior and backward. He emphasized that the very first line of Vande Mataram powerfully dismantled this false propaganda. Therefore, Vande Mataram was not merely a song of freedom—it also presented to millions of Indians a vision of what a free India could be: the dream of a Sujalam Sufalam Bharat.

Shri Modi remarked that this day offers an opportunity to understand the extraordinary journey and impact of Vande Mataram. When Bankim Babu published Vande Mataram in Bangadarshan in 1875, some believed it was just a song. But soon, Vande Mataram became the voice of India’s freedom struggle—a chant on the lips of every revolutionary, an expression of every Indian’s emotions. He noted that there is hardly any chapter of the freedom movement where Vande Mataram was not present in some form. In 1896, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Calcutta Session. In 1905, when Bengal was partitioned—a dangerous experiment by the British to divide the nation—Vande Mataram stood like a rock against those designs. The Prime Minister recalled that during the protests against the partition of Bengal, the streets echoed with one unified voice—Vande Mataram.

Recalling that even when bullets were fired at protestors during the Barisal session, the words on their lips remained—Vande Mataram, Shri Modi highlighted that freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar, working from abroad, greeted each other with Vande Mataram. Many revolutionaries, even while standing at the gallows, uttered Vande Mataram. The Prime Minister emphasized that countless such incidents, numerous dates in history, across a vast nation with diverse regions and languages, saw movements where one slogan, one resolve, one song resonated in every voice—Vande Mataram. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s 1927 remark that Vande Mataram presents before us a picture of an undivided India. He noted that Sri Aurobindo described Vande Mataram not just as a song, but as a mantra—one that awakens inner strength. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the flag designed by Bhikaji Cama bore the words Vande Mataram at its centre.

Underlining that while India’s national flag has evolved over time, from its earliest forms to the present-day tricolour, Shri Modi said, one thing has remained unchanged—whenever the flag is hoisted, the words that instinctively rise from every Indian’s heart are Bharat Mata ki Jai! and Vande Mataram!. He emphasized that as the nation celebrates 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, it is also a tribute to the great heroes of the country. It is a tribute to the countless martyrs who embraced the gallows while invoking Vande Mataram, who endured the lash of whips while chanting Vande Mataram, who remained resolute on blocks of ice while reciting the mantra of Vande Mataram.

The Prime Minister declared that today, all 140 crore Indians pay homage to every known, unknown, and unsung individual who sacrificed their lives for the nation while uttering Vande Mataram, whose names were never recorded in the pages of history.

Quoting the Vedic verse, affirming that this land is our mother, this nation is our mother, and we are her children, Shri Modi stated that since the Vedic era, the people of India have worshipped the nation in this maternal form. He emphasized that this very Vedic thought infused new consciousness into the freedom struggle through Vande Mataram.

 The Prime Minister remarked that for those who view the nation merely as a geopolitical entity, the idea of considering the nation as a mother may seem surprising. But India is different. In India, the mother is the giver of birth, the nurturer, and when her children are in danger, she is also the destroyer of evil. He cited the lines from Vande Mataram, highlighting that Maa Bharati possesses immense power, guides us through adversity, and vanquishes enemies. The Prime Minister stated that the idea of the nation as mother, and the mother as a divine embodiment of strength, led to a freedom movement that resolved to include both men and women equally. He added that this vision enabled India to once again dream of a nation where women power stands at the forefront of nation-building.

Stating that Vande Mataram, while being the anthem of freedom’s martyrs, also inspires us to protect that very freedom, Shri Modi quoted lines from Bankim Babu’s original composition highlighting that Maa Bharati is the embodiment of Saraswati, the giver of knowledge; Lakshmi, the giver of prosperity; and Durga, the wielder of weapons and strength. The Prime Minister emphasized that the vision was to build a nation that stands at the forefront of knowledge, science, and technology; a nation enriched by the power of learning and innovation; and a nation that is self-reliant in matters of national security.

Noting that in recent years, the world has witnessed the emergence of India in its true form, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s unprecedented progress in the fields of science and technology and its rise as the fifth-largest economy in the world. He remarked that when adversaries dared to attack India’s security and honour through terrorism, the world saw that while New India embodies the spirit of Kamala and Vimala in service to humanity, it also knows how to become Durga—the wielder of ten weapons—for the destruction of terror.

Addressing another critical aspect related to Vande Mataram, emphasizing its importance, Shri Modi noted that the spirit of Vande Mataram had illuminated the entire nation during the freedom struggle. However, he expressed regret that in 1937, significant verses of Vande Mataram—its very soul—were separated. The song was fragmented. He asserted that this division sowed the seeds of the country’s partition. The Prime Minister questioned why such injustice was done to this great national mantra and stressed that today’s generation must understand this history. He warned that the same divisive mindset continues to pose a challenge to the nation even today.

Emphasising that we must make this century the century of India, the Prime Minister affirmed that the strength to achieve this lies within India and its people. He emphasized the need for self-belief to realize this resolve. Shri Modi cautioned that on this journey, we will encounter those who seek to mislead us and those with negative mindsets who will attempt to sow doubt and hesitation. At such moments, he urged the nation to recall the episode from Anandamath, where Bhavanand sings Vande Mataram and another character questions what one person alone can achieve. The inspiration from Vande Mataram then arises—how can a mother with crores of children and crores of hands ever be powerless? The Prime Minister stated that today, Bharat Mata has 140 crore children and 280 crore hands, with over 60 percent of them being youth. He highlighted that India possesses the world’s largest demographic advantage, which is the strength of our nation and Maa Bharati. Posing a question, Shri Modi asked what is truly impossible for us today? What could possibly stop us from fulfilling the original dream of Vande Mataram?

Underlining that today, as the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat finds success, as the nation advances with the resolve of Make in India, and as we move steadily towards the goal of a developed India by 2047, Shri Modi remarked that every new achievement in this unprecedented era evokes the spontaneous chant—Vande Mataram! He highlighted that when India becomes the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon, when the echo of New India reaches the farthest corners of space, every citizen proudly proclaims—Vande Mataram! The Prime Minister further remarked that when we see our daughters reaching the pinnacle in fields ranging from space technology to sports, when we witness them flying fighter jets, the slogan that rises from every proud Indian is—Vande Mataram!

Noting that today marks 11 years since the implementation of One Rank One Pension, Shri Modi stated that when our armed forces crush the nefarious intentions of the enemy, when terrorism, Naxalism, and Maoist insurgency are decisively defeated, our security forces proclaim—Vande Mataram!

Emphasising that this spirit of reverence for Maa Bharati will guide us toward the goal of a developed India, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the mantra of Vande Mataram will continue to empower and inspire the countless children of Maa Bharati throughout this Amrit Kaal journey. Concluding, he once again extended his congratulations to all citizens on the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram.

Union Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt Rekha Gupta were present among other dignitaries at the event.

Background

Prime Minister also released a Commemorative Stamp and Coin on the occasion. This programme marks the formal launch of a year-long nationwide commemoration from 7th November 2025 to 7th November 2026, celebrating 150 years of this timeless composition which inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and unity.

The celebrations witnessed Mass Singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” across public places with participation of citizens across all segments of society, in conjunction with the main programme.

The year 2025 marks 150 Years of Vande Mataram. Our national song “Vande Mataram”, by Bankimchandra Chatterji was written during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami which was on 7th November in 1875. Vande Mataram first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath. The song, invoking the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, gave poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed a celebration in Patna, Bihar, marking 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram. Shri Amit Shah also led the collective recitation of the Swadeshi pledge. The event was attended by Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and several other dignitaries.

In his address on the occasion, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that today is a day of awakening Indian consciousness because 150 years ago, on this very day, great freedom fighter and renowned literary figure Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay penned ‘Vande Mataram.’ He said that Bankim Chandra, through this song, gave the nation a great mantra of national consciousness, which later became the proclamation and guiding principle of India’s freedom struggle and, after independence, a reason to unite the country. Shri Shah added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the collective efforts of the nation over the past 11 years have accomplished many tasks toward fulfilling the dreams of a great India envisioned by our freedom fighters.

Shri Amit Shah said that with the collective singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ today, a phased effort has begun to reawaken India’s consciousness over the next year. He emphasized that a nationwide campaign will be launched to align our lives with the mantra and spirit of ‘Vande Mataram.’ This campaign will be conducted in both physical and digital formats. Shri Shah announced that a social media campaign named ‘#VandeMataram150’ will be launched in all languages, encouraging people to write ‘Vande Mataram’ in all regional languages to strengthen national unity.

Union Home Minister said that on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram,’ the government has organized several programs. He said that various political parties, voluntary organizations, and people participating in the festival of reawakening the nation’s consciousness have also organized numerous events. He said that ‘Vande Mataram’ is, in a way, a part of the novel Anandamath, which later became the proclamation of the freedom movement. Shri Shah added that when the Indian hockey team collectively sang ‘Vande Mataram’ before the hockey final at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, it became certain that when our country attained independence, this song would not merely be a political slogan but would serve as an inspiration to keep the nation united and ignite patriotism forever.

Shri Amit Shah said that on August 15, 1947, at the behest of Sardar Patel, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur sang the complete ‘Vande Mataram,’ resonating with the first heartbeat of a free India. He said that on January 24, 1950, during the final session of the Constituent Assembly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad accepted ‘Vande Mataram’ as the national song, paving the way for its revered acceptance by the nation. He added that from that moment, ‘Vande Mataram’ became a song of national consciousness for all of us, and today marks the celebration of its 150th anniversary.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that we must also understand the period in which Vande Mataram was written. He said that in 1875, after the long subjugation under the Mughals, the era of British rule had begun. At that time, the First War of Independence had also failed, and there was apprehension in the minds of people across the country about whether our national consciousness would awaken again. Shri Shah said that at that time, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed this great hymn of national consciousness, which became the first proclamation of our cultural nationalism. He said that Vande Mataram makes it clear that India is not just a piece of land, but an idea and a culture that binds and unites all Indians.

Shri Amit Shah said that our party has always emphasized cultural nationalism, and the very consciousness of the idea of cultural nationalism must have been inspired by the song Vande Mataram. He said that many of our freedom-loving revolutionaries went to the gallows with a smile, chanting Vande Mataram. He added that the time has now come to build the India envisioned and desired by all those great souls. Shri Shah said that the period from today until 2047 is the time to draw inspiration from Vande Mataram and create a great India.

Union Home Minister said that today Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has also participated in the collective singing of Vande Mataram in Delhi. He said that at such a moment, all of us have resolved that the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram also dedicated to swadeshi. He said that building a self-reliant India is not possible without swadeshi. Shri Shah urged the countrymen to take a pledge to adopt Swadeshi on the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. The Home Minister said that we should all resolve to join the process of making India a great nation by 2047 and take a pledge today to once again dedicate our lives to Bharat Mata.

Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today addressed a large congregation of 20,000 farmers at the Global Vikas Trust (GVT) Krishikul, Sirsala in Beed district, Maharashtra.

Before delivering his address at the main conference, Shri Chouhan held a face-to-face interaction with farmers, where they shared their experiences and discussed the positive changes brought about in their lives through the adoption of new agricultural innovations. Farmers apprised the Union Minister of their progress in silk farming, natural farming practices, and water conservation initiatives.

After an extensive discussion, Shri Chouhan lauded the work of the GVT team for their contribution towards the prosperity of farmers and congratulated them for pioneering new models that have helped enhance farmers’ income and living standards. He said that such success stories should be shared widely across other villages to inspire similar efforts. “The true objective of all our initiatives is to ensure the increase in farmers’ income. No farmer brother or sister should ever be compelled to take the tragic step of suicide,” the Union Minister said.

In his address to the large gathering of 20,000 farmers, Shri Chouhan said, “A farmer is not merely a cultivator but a provider of life — the ‘Annadaata’ of the nation.” He informed that, for the first time in the country, under the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, scientists from across India have stepped out of their laboratories and reached directly to the fields, interacting with farmers to ensure that the benefits of agricultural research and innovation reach the grassroots level.

The Union Minister emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central government is committed to ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for all farmers. Referring to the recent erratic weather conditions, he said that excessive rainfall this year had severely damaged crops across several regions, affecting the livelihoods and future of farmers and their families. “However, both the Centre and the State governments are fully alert and committed to extending timely assistance to every affected farmer,” he assured.

Shri Chouhan announced that the State Government would provide immediate compensation to farmers for crop losses, and that additional financial aid would be extended through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). “If the State Government seeks a special relief package from the Centre after conducting its damage assessment, the Government of India will leave no stone unturned to fulfil that request,” he said.

The Union Minister further asserted that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, every rupee of compensation owed to farmers would be delivered. “If required, we will directly consult farmers to ensure that every single rupee of their rightful claim reaches them,” the Union Agriculture Minister said.

Referring to his recent review meeting with insurance companies in Delhi, Shri Chouhan said that he had personally interacted with farmers from Maharashtra to ensure the correctness of claim settlements and to identify and remove discrepancies. “Crop losses will be assessed by the State Government through the Crop Cutting Experiment, and compensation will be provided accordingly under the Fasal Bima Yojana,” he stated.

Addressing the growing challenges of climate change, Shri Chouhan said that erratic rainfall and drought patterns require the development of new seed varieties resilient to both excessive water and drought conditions. “We must develop climate-resilient seeds to safeguard farmers from such unpredictable weather,” he added.

Discussing fertiliser subsidy reforms, the Minister said the government is actively considering direct transfer of fertiliser subsidies to farmers’ bank accounts to ensure transparency and prevent leakages.

Highlighting the importance of cow-based and natural farming, Shri Chouhan cautioned against excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. “Overuse of fertilisers and chemicals is damaging our soil and reducing its productivity. To secure the future needs of our coming generations, we must move towards organic and sustainable farming,” he said.

The Union Minister urged farmers to diversify beyond traditional crops and adopt integrated approaches. “Along with conventional farming, farmers should cultivate fruits, flowers, vegetables, and adopt agroforestry practices. It is time to change our cropping pattern,” Shri Chouhan said.

On the issue of market linkages and intermediaries, the Agriculture Minister said that the government’s effort is to ensure fair prices for farmers. He suggested two practical measures: first, promoting cluster-based farming so that traders can procure directly from farmers; and second, developing village-level processing units. “We will work in close coordination with Union Minister for Food Processing Shri Chirag Paswan to promote local food processing and value addition,” Shri Chouhan said.

Touching upon water conservation, the Union Minister informed farmers that the central government had recently decided to utilise 65% of MGNREGA funds in drought-prone blocks for water conservation activities. “This will help strengthen irrigation facilities and mitigate drought conditions,” he said.

The Union Agriculture Minister also emphasised the need for integrated farming systems, combining agriculture with allied activities such as beekeeping, fisheries, and animal husbandry. “Given the small size of landholdings, these allied sectors can substantially supplement farmers’ incomes,” he noted.

Speaking about the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, Shri Chouhan said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, 30 lakh houses have already been sanctioned to Maharashtra. “After the completion of the new survey, all remaining eligible families will also receive financial assistance for housing,” he assured.

He further warned of strict action against the manufacture of spurious fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides, saying that the government takes the issue very seriously. “A new Bill targeting those involved in the production and sale of fake fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides will be introduced in the upcoming Budget Session,” the Union Minister declared.

“Our farmers are the pride of our nation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are committed to ensuring that every farmer in India lives with dignity, prosperity, and self-reliance,” he said.

Concluding his address, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan extended greetings to all farmers and citizens on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 champions at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi yesterday. The Indian team won against South Africa in the finals on Sunday, 2nd November 2025. Prime Minister remarked that it is a very significant day, as it marks both Dev Deepawali and Gurpurab and also conveyed his best wishes to all present.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Coach of the team, Shri Amol Mazumdar stated that it was an honour and privilege to meet him. He highlighted the hard work of the players as a campaign led by the daughters of the nation, praising their exceptional dedication over the past two years. He noted that the girls played every practice session with remarkable intensity and energy, and affirmed that their hard work had borne fruit.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur recalled meeting the Prime Minister in 2017 without a trophy, and expressed deep honour in now presenting the trophy they had worked towards for years. She said the Prime Minister had doubled their joy and that it was a matter of great pride. She added that their aim is to keep meeting him in the future and continue taking team photographs with him.

Shri Modi acknowledged their achievement, stating that they had truly accomplished something great. He emphasized that cricket in India is not merely a sport but has become a part of people’s lives. He observed that when cricket goes well, the nation feels uplifted, and even a slight setback shakes the entire country. He noted how the team faced trolling after losing three consecutive matches.

Harmanpreet Kaur reiterated that in 2017, they had met the Prime Minister after losing the final, but he had motivated them to give their best whenever the next opportunity came. She expressed happiness at finally winning the trophy and having the opportunity to speak with him again.

Prime Minister invited Smriti Mandhana to share her thoughts. Smriti Mandhana recalled that in 2017, the team had not brought home a trophy, but she remembered asking the Prime Minister a question about dealing with expectations. She said his answer stayed with her and helped the team immensely over the next six to seven years, despite several heartbreaking World Cup losses. She remarked that it felt like destiny that India would host its first Women’s World Cup. She added that the Prime Minister has always been an inspiration, especially in the way women are now visible in every field—from ISRO launches to other national achievements—which she described as deeply motivational and empowering for them to perform better and inspire other girls. Shri Modi responded that the entire nation is watching and feeling proud, and that he genuinely wanted to hear their experiences. Smriti Mandhana said the best part of the campaign was that every player could go home and share their story, as no one’s contribution was any less. She reiterated that the Prime Minister’s earlier advice on handling expectations had always stayed in her mind, and his calm and composed demeanor was itself a source of inspiration.

Jemimah Rodrigues reflected on the team’s journey, stating that when they lost three matches, it became evident that a team is not defined by how many times it wins, but by how it rises after a fall. She affirmed that this team did that best, which is why it is a champion team. She further highlighted the unity within the team, calling it the best she has ever seen. She shared that whenever any player performed well, everyone celebrated as if they themselves had scored the runs or taken the wickets. Similarly, whenever someone was down, there was always a teammate who would place a hand on their shoulder and say, “Don’t worry, you’ll do it in the next match.” She further added that this spirit of support and togetherness truly defined the team.

Sneh Rana agreed with Jemimah Rodrigues, stating that while everyone stands together in moments of success, it is even more important to support each other during times of downfall. She emphasized that as a team and as a unit, they had decided that no matter what happens, they would never leave each other’s side and would always uplift one another. She affirmed that this was the best quality of their team.

Kranti Gaud added that Harmanpreet Kaur always encouraged everyone to keep smiling. She shared that if anyone appeared even slightly nervous, the team’s approach was to keep smiling so that seeing each other smile would help everyone stay cheerful and confident. Prime Minister asked if there was someone in the team who kept everyone laughing, to which Kranti responded that Jemimah Rodrigues played that role. Jemimah added that Harleen Kaur Deol also played an important part in bringing the team together.

Harleen Kaur Deol shared that she believes every team should have someone who keeps the atmosphere light. She said that whenever she notices someone sitting alone or feels she has some free time, she makes an effort to engage with others in small ways. She expressed that it brings her joy when people around her are happy.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi asked if the team had done anything after arriving. Harleen Kaur Deol humorously shared that the others had indicated her for being too loud and told her to stay quiet. She then asked the Prime Minister about his skincare routine, saying he glows remarkably. The Prime Minister responded modestly, saying he had not paid much attention to that subject. A player remarked that it is the love of crores of Indians that makes him glow. The Prime Minister agreed, stating that such affection from society is indeed a great strength. He noted that he has completed 25 years in government, including as Head of Government, and that receiving such blessings even after such a long tenure has a lasting impact.

The Coach commented on the variety of questions being asked and the different personalities in the team. He shared that he has been their Head Coach for two years. He narrated a story from June in England, where they met King Charles. Due to protocol restrictions, only 20 people were allowed, so the support staff could not attend. All players and three skilled coaches were present. He told the support staff that he was extremely sorry, as the protocol only allowed 20 people. In response, the support staff said they didn’t need that photograph—they wanted one with Prime Minister Modi on 4 or 5 November. Today, that wish was fulfilled.

Harmanpreet Kaur shared that there were moments when it felt like setbacks were happening only to them, but those struggles were written to make them mentally and physically stronger. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi asked Harmanpreet what emotions she felt while sharing this, noting that it was deeply inspiring. The player responded that there was always a belief that one day they would lift the trophy, and that special feeling was present from day one in the team. The Prime Minister acknowledged the recurring challenges they faced and praised their courage and ability to instill confidence in others despite adversity. Harmanpreet credited all team members, highlighting their self-belief and consistent improvement in every tournament. She mentioned that over the past two years, they had worked extensively on mental strength, accepting that the past could not be changed. The Prime Minister remarked that this journey had taught them to live in the present. She agreed and said that was exactly why she had asked him what extra he does to inspire his team members—so they could strengthen their belief in staying present. She further affirmed that the guidance from the Prime Minister and their coaches had put them on the right path.

The Prime Minister then asked Deepti Sharma about her Dy Superintendent of Police (DSP) role during the day, joking that she must have been controlling everything. She replied that they had simply waited to meet him and enjoyed the moment. She recalled that in 2017, the Prime Minister had told her that a true player is one who learns to rise and move forward from failure. She said that Shri Modi’s words have always motivated her, and she regularly listens to his speeches. She added that his calm and composed handling of situations, even when many voices are raised, personally helps her in her game.

Shri Modi asked Deepti about her Hanuman Ji tattoo and how it helps her. She replied that she places more belief in Hanuman Ji than in herself, and whenever she faces difficulties, invoking his name gives her strength to overcome them. The Prime Minister noted that she also writes “Jai Shri Ram” on her Instagram account, to which she affirmed. He remarked that faith plays a significant role in life, offering the comfort of surrendering to a higher power. He then asked about her assertiveness on the field and whether there was truth to the perception of her dominance. She responded that it wasn’t exactly like that, but admitted there was a bit of fear associated with her throws, and teammates often joked to go easy. She appreciated that the Prime Minister personally asked about her tattoo and knew her Instagram tagline.

The Prime Minister then asked Harmanpreet Kaur about the ball she kept in her pocket after the win—whether it was a planned gesture or guided by someone. Harmanpreet replied that it was divine planning, as she hadn’t expected the final ball and catch to come to her, but when it did, it felt like the culmination of years of effort and waiting, and she decided to keep it. She added that the ball is still in her bag.

The Prime Minister turned to Shafali Verma, noting that she hails from Rohtak, a place known for producing wrestlers, and asked how she ended up in cricket. Shafali responded that wrestling and kabaddi are indeed prominent in Rohtak, but her father played a major role in her cricket journey. The Prime Minister asked if she had ever played traditional akhada sports, and she confirmed that she had not. She shared that her father had aspired to be a cricketer but couldn’t pursue the dream, so he passed on his passion to his children. She and her brother used to watch matches together, which sparked her deep interest in cricket and led her to become a cricketer.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recalled seeing her smile before taking a catch and asked about the reason. She replied that she was mentally calling the ball to come to her, and when it did, she couldn’t help but smile. The Prime Minister remarked that it seemed she was so confident the ball wouldn’t go anywhere else. She responded that had it gone elsewhere, she would have dived for it.

When asked to describe her emotions at that moment, Jemimah Rodrigues explained that it was during the semi-finals, and the team had often lost narrowly to Australia. Her sole focus was to win the match and play till the end. She emphasized that the team kept saying they needed one long partnership to turn the game, and that belief led to a collective team effort. Though she scored a century, she credited the win to contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti, Richa, and Amanjot, whose impactful innings made the victory possible. She affirmed that everyone believed the team could do it—and they did.

Jemimah added that the Prime Minister was keen to know their experience of winning the World Cup, how it felt after losing three matches, and how they bounced back.

Kranti Gaud shared that winning the World cup was personally a proud feeling for her as well as for the people of her village. She shared that whenever she bowled, Harmanpreet Kaur would tell her she was the one to take the first wicket, which motivated her to deliver. Kranti also spoke about her elder brother’s love for cricket and admiration for the Prime Minister. Her brother couldn’t join an academy due to their father losing his job, but continued playing informally. Inspired by him, she began playing with boys using tennis balls. Her cricket journey formally began during a local leather ball tournament—the MLA Trophy—where she was asked to play in place of an unwell teammate. Despite her long hair, she was invited to join the team, and in her first match, she took two wickets and scored 25 runs, earning the Player of the Match award. That marked the beginning of her cricket career.

Prime Minister Modi noted that Shafali Verma got the opportunity to play in the last two games. Shafali confirmed, stating that she had been playing domestic cricket before being called up. She acknowledged that what happened with Pratika was unfortunate and not something any player would wish upon another. However, when she was called up, she showed confidence, and the entire team placed their trust in her. She was determined to help the team win, by any means necessary.

Pratika Rawal shared that after her injury, many in the team expressed their desire to win the World Cup for Pratika. Though she wasn’t officially in the squad and was the 16th player, she was brought on stage in a wheelchair and given full respect and honour. She described the team as a family, where every player is treated equally, and when such a unit plays together, it becomes very difficult to defeat them. She affirmed that the team truly deserved to win the final. The Prime Minister agreed, emphasizing that team spirit is crucial—not just on the field but also off it. He said that spending time together builds a bond, and knowing each other’s weaknesses and strengths helps in covering and supporting one another.

Shri Modi then remarked that one particular catch had become very famous. Amanjot Kaur responded that although she had taken many blinders before, none had gained such fame, and it felt good even after fumbling. The Prime Minister said that the catch became a turning point, and after taking it, she must have started seeing the trophy. Amanjot replied that she indeed saw the trophy in that catch, and was overwhelmed by the number of people who jumped on her in celebration.

The Prime Minister mentioned that Suryakumar Yadav had taken a similar catch previously and recalled retweeting a catch from one of the players, which he had found impressive.

Harleen Kaur Deol shared a memory from England, where they had been practicing such catches for a long time. She recalled missing a catch during fielding, after which Harmanpreet Kaur scolded her, saying that good fielders should not miss such catches. Jemimah, who was standing behind her, reassured her and said the catch was possible for her. She then promised to take a good catch within the next two overs, and right after that, the ball came and she fulfilled her promise. Shri Modi then jokingly remarked that the challenge had worked.

Prime Minister remarked that Richa Ghosh always seems to win wherever she plays. She responded that she wasn’t sure, but noted that Richa had won trophies in Under-19, senior-level, and WPL tournaments, and had hit many long sixes. She further shared that during her batting, especially while hitting sixes, she felt immense trust from teammates like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana. The entire team believed in her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations where runs were needed but balls were few. That trust gave her confidence and reflected in her body language throughout every match.

Another player, Radha Yadav recalled that despite losing three matches, the best part was the unity in defeat—everyone backed each other and communicated openly, with genuine and pure support. She believed that this collective spirit is why they were blessed with the trophy. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi responded that it was their hard work that earned them the victory. He asked how she prepared herself for such performance. The player explained that the team had been playing quality cricket for a long time and had prepared for every situation—whether in terms of fitness, fielding, or skills. She emphasized that staying together made things easier, while working alone would have been very difficult. The Prime Minister mentioned hearing that she had spent her first prize money to support her father. She confirmed this, adding that her family had faced challenges, but her father and mother never let those difficulties affect her journey.

Sneh Rana spoke of years of hard work and shared how she regularly discussed strategies with their bowling coach, Aavishkar Salvi, to tackle specific batters. These strategies were coordinated with the captain, vice-captain, and head coach, and then replicated on the field. While not every match went as planned, they stayed motivated to improve in the next opportunity.

Uma Chetry admitted feeling overwhelmed speaking in front of the Prime Minister. He encouraged her to speak whatever came to mind. She then shared that her debut match was during the World Cup, and like every debut she had, it rained that day. She only kept wickets, but was extremely happy because debuting for India in a World Cup was a huge moment. She was excited to play for the country and determined to give her best to help India win. She felt most grateful that the entire team trusted her and constantly supported her with guidance and encouragement. The Coach highlighted that she is the first girl from the North East to play for India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged that she hails from Assam

Interacting with Renuka Singh Thakur, Prime Minister asked if she had seen peacocks upon arriving. The player replied that she had seen another peacock and shared that the only thing she could draw was a peacock, which she had sketched and kept. She added that she couldn’t draw anything else and was discouraged from attempting a bird next. The Prime Minister expressed deep respect for her mother, acknowledging her immense contribution in raising her daughter as a single parent and helping her progress through a difficult life. He asked the player to convey his personal greetings to her mother.

Arundathi Reddy, interacting with the Prime Minister, shared that her mother had sent a message for the Prime Minister, calling him her hero. She said her mother had called four to five times asking when she would meet her hero.

The Prime Minister asked what the players felt the country now expects from them after their success on the field. Smriti responded that every time they prepare for a World Cup, they believe that winning it would create a massive impact not just in women’s cricket but across women’s sports in India. She said it would start a revolution, and the team has the capacity to drive that change.

The Prime Minister remarked that they have great motivational power due to their success. He suggested that after returning home, they should visit the schools they studied in and spend a day interacting with students. He said the children would ask many questions and remember them for life, and that the experience would also motivate the players. Shri Modi then proposed selecting three schools and visiting one each year, adding that it would motivate the player as well as the students.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of contributing to the Fit India Movement, especially in addressing obesity. He advised reducing oil consumption by 10% at the time of purchase and said that hearing such messages from the players would have a strong impact. He encouraged them to advocate for Fit India, especially for daughters, and contribute actively.

Shri Modi expressed joy at having had the opportunity to interact with them, noting that while he had met some players before, many were meeting him for the first time. He said he always looks forward to meeting them and wished them good health.

Smriti Mandhana responded that they would definitely remember his words and pass on the message whenever they get the opportunity. She added that the entire team is always ready to support such messages and would come whenever called.

The Prime Minister concluded by saying that together, we must take the country forward and extended his best wishes to all.

Delivering the inaugural address at the Asian Conference on Geography (ACG 2025) at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, Union Minister of Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the conference is timely and crucial, as it addresses three deeply interconnected issues- climate change, urbanization, and sustainable resource management, that collectively determine the sustainability of our shared future.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said that India has emerged as a global torchbearer in linking economic progress with environmental sustainability, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to achieve a net-zero target by 2070 and encourage a lifestyle in harmony with nature through the LiFE- Lifestyle for Environment movement.

The Minister lauded Jamia Millia Islamia for hosting the first-ever edition of this prestigious conference in India and commended Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Ali and the organizing team for bringing together international experts, academics, and students to deliberate on these global challenges.

Dr. Jitendra Singh observed that Asia lies at the centre of global transformation, marked by impressive industrial and economic dynamism, yet contributing to more than half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Citing the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, he cautioned that the region faces growing vulnerability to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and water stress, if emissions continue at current levels.

He highlighted that South Asia alone is home to over 750 million people exposed to severe climate hazards, from Himalayan glacier melt to coastal flooding and urban heat islands, emphasizing that Delhi, Dhaka, Bangkok, and Manila are among the most climate-vulnerable megacities projected by 2050.

Dr. Singh pointed out that urbanization, while a symbol of progress, has also emerged as a major challenge due to unplanned expansion, encroachment on floodplains, depletion of groundwater reserves, and rising pollution levels.

Referring to the 2014 Srinagar floods as an example, he said that such disasters are not merely natural, but often aggravated by human negligence and poor planning. He cited alarming statistics: nearly 80% of wastewater in developing Asian countries is discharged untreated, and urban India generates over 55 million tonnes of solid waste annually, growing at 5% per year.

Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that waste-to-wealth technologies and circular economy initiatives are key to the future, where the very concept of “waste” will disappear. Sharing examples from Dehradun, he mentioned successful initiatives such as used cooking oil recycling, which not only supports environmental goals but also generates income at the community level.

He underlined that no government initiative can succeed without public participation, saying that “unless there is a social movement, no amount of policy or seminar will yield optimal results.” He credited the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission to the mass behavioural shift it inspired among citizens. Dr. Singh said that India’s commitment to sustainable development is enshrined in a robust framework of policy and governance.

The Minister cited the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), State Action Plans, Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and Swachh Bharat Mission as key examples of how sustainability is being embedded into urban planning and governance. He noted that the LiFE initiative introduced by Prime Minister Modi has inspired a global movement towards responsible consumption, sustainable living, and environmental stewardship.

“India’s initiatives, from Green Hydrogen to Bio-Economy, Circular Economy, and Digital India, reflect our determination to harmonize economic growth with ecological balance,” he said. Highlighting the role of science and innovation, Dr. Singh said that scientific research and technology are at the heart of India’s sustainability agenda.

He mentioned the contributions of ISRO’s Earth Observation Missions, the National Geospatial Policy (2022), and the Survey of India’s drone-based mapping under the SVAMITVA programme, which have transformed planning and monitoring for climate resilience.

He also highlighted the crucial role of education, youth, and universities in shaping a sustainable future. Referring to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said that the new academic framework enables students to explore their true aptitudes and engage with interdisciplinary subjects like geography, which are vital for environmental understanding. “Empowering youngsters with the knowledge and tools for sustainability,” Dr. Singh said, “is the most powerful investment in our collective future.”

Noting that over 70% of India’s population is below 40, Dr. Singh urged that the language of climate action must be the language of youth; digital, creative, and inspiring. He suggested leveraging social media campaigns and short digital content to spread awareness on sustainable practices, adding humorously that even small actions like collecting used oil instead of discarding it can create economic and ecological value when done at scale.

Calling for stronger regional and international partnerships, Dr. Singh said that India has been at the forefront of global cooperation through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He reiterated that Asia, being both the most dynamic and most vulnerable region, must collaborate closely to ensure a resilient, low-carbon, and equitable future.

Expressing gratitude to Jamia Millia Islamia for organizing the conference, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that such platforms strengthen academic collaboration, policy dialogue, and youth engagement on pressing environmental challenges. He concluded by saying that “Climate is not just the concern of policymakers or scientists; it is a personal concern for every citizen, for our own health, our own well-being, and our children’s future.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Amul and IFFCO, two of India’s leading cooperatives, for securing the 1st and 2nd ranks in the global ranking for cooperatives, respectively. “India’s cooperative sector is vibrant and is also transforming several lives. Our Government is taking numerous steps to further encourage this sector in the times to come”, Shri Modi stated.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“Congratulations to Amul and IFFCO. India’s cooperative sector is vibrant and is also transforming several lives. Our Government is taking numerous steps to further encourage this sector in the times to come.”

Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma met the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi last evening in New Delhi.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

“Chief Minister of Assam, Shri @himantabiswa met Prime Minister @narendramodi last evening.”

@CMOfficeAssam