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PM Modi addresses 126th “Mann Ki Baat”
On 28 September 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 126th episode of “Mann Ki Baat”, marking a milestone for the long-running programme. In his address, he paid tribute to two iconic personalities, applauded the courage of two naval officers, underscored India’s cultural heritage, and urged citizens toward self-reliance, clean living, and national unity
The Prime Minister in his address said, “The immortal martyr Bhagat Singh is an inspiration for every Indian, especially the youth of the country. Fearlessness was deeply ingrained in his nature. Before getting hanged for the sake of the country, Bhagat Singh ji had written a letter to the British. He had said, “I want you to treat me and my comrades as prisoners of war. Therefore, our lives should not be taken away by hanging, but directly with a bullet.” This is a testament to his indomitable
Before getting hanged for the sake of the country, Bhagat Singh ji had written a letter to the British. He had said, “I want you to treat me and my comrades as prisoners of war. Therefore, our lives should not be taken away by hanging, but directly with a bullet.” This is a testament to his indomitable courage
courage. Bhagat Singh ji was also very sensitive to the sufferings of the people and was always at the forefront in helping them. I respectfully pay my tribute to Shaheed Bhagat Singh ji.”
On Lata Mangeshkar, he observed that her voice touched the depths of human emotion and strengthened India’s cultural expression. He also recalled her respect for Indian heritage, including her longstanding connection with prominent patriotic songs and figures like Veer Savarkar. Shri Modi added a personal note: she would send him a Rakhi every year, reflecting a bond beyond mere celebrity.
One of the key segments of the address featured two women officers of the Indian Navy—Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa—who had just completed a formidable naval circumnavigation known as Navika Sagar Parikrama. The Prime Minister invited them to narrate their experiences live. They set off from Goa on 2 October 2024 and returned on 29 May 2025. Over 238 days, they traversed roughly 47,500 km on a sailboat, with only the two of them aboard.
The expedition followed three years of rigorous preparation—covering navigation, medical protocols, diving, emergency handling, and boat maintenance. The Indian Navy’s training and logistical support were instrumental. They encountered extreme weather, including three storms. In the Southern Ocean, they battled winds up to 90 km/h, subzero conditions, and towering waves in a 17 m long boat with a narrow beam. On calm days, they had to drift without wind, testing patience and endurance.
At Point Nemo (the most remote point in the ocean), they hoisted the Indian flag, becoming the first Indians—and first Asians—to do so via sailboat.
During their voyage, they made stops in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the remote Port Stanley (South Atlantic). In Port Stanley, despite a small population of about 3,500, they saw a vibrant Indian diaspora presence.
Message to youth and women: Lt. Commander Roopa urged young women across India to dream big, break barriers, and aspire to fields of defense, adventure, sports, and discovery. Their journey, she said, showed that with resolve, origin or background becomes secondary.
Shri Modi lauded their courage, teamwork, and stamina, calling their feat a powerful inspiration to the nation—especially for women stepping into traditionally challenging domains. He extended his best wishes and blessings to them for the future.
Moving from maritime feats to cultural heritage, the Prime Minister reflected on India’s festival traditions and their global resonance. He highlighted Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, noting how its observance extends beyond India’s borders.Shri Modi shared that the Government of India is actively working to have Chhath Mahaparva** recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list—a recognition that could bring global visibility to the festival’s spiritual and cultural value.
“This is not mine, this belongs to the nation.” It inspires us to rise above self-interest and embrace dedication to the nation
He reminded listeners of Durga Puja’s inclusion in UNESCO lists in recent years, positioning such recognition as part of India’s concerted effort to project its cultural expressions worldwide.
With Gandhi Jayanti approaching (2 October),Shri Modi urged citizens to revisit the principles of swadeshi (self-reliance) and khadi. He noted that in the past decade, interest in Khadi has revived significantly, aided by policy support and consumer preference. He appealed to every citizen to purchase at least one khadi product on Gandhi Jayanti and promote its use via social media under #VocalForLocal**.
Several entrepreneurial success stories:
Yaazh Naturals (Tamil Nadu): Founders left corporate careers to produce eco-friendly yoga mats from grass and banana fibers, using herbal dyes, and now support over 200 families through livelihoods.
Johargram (Jharkhand): Ashish Satyavrat Sahu is bringing tribal weaving and craft garments to global markets, helping tribal entrepreneurs gain recognition and income.
Sankalp Creations (Mithila region, Bihar): Sweety Kumari turned Mithila painting into a livelihood for rural women, now involving over 500 women.
By fusing tradition and innovation, these initiatives exemplify Modi’s vision of inclusive growth rooted in India’s cultural identity.
100 years of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
Near the conclusion of his talk, Shri Modi noted that the upcoming Vijayadashami in 2025 carries extra significance: it marks 100 years since the founding of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He narrated how Dr. K. B. Hedgewar, in 1925, sought not only political freedom but also intellectual freedom for India.
Shi Modi said, “ This centuries-long slavery had deeply hurt our self-respect and self-confidence. The world’s oldest civilization was being made to face an identity crisis. Our countrymen were becoming victims of inferiority complex. Therefore, along with the country’s independence, it was also important that the country be freed from intellectual slavery. In this context, the most revered Dr. Hedgewar began to ponder over this issue; and for this herculean task, he founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami in 1925. After Dr. Saheb’s passing, Param Poojya Guruji carried forward this great yagya of service to the nation. Param Poojya Guruji used to say, “Rashtraya Swaha, Idam Rashtraya Idam Na Mam,” meaning, “This is not mine, this belongs to the nation.” It inspires us to rise above self-interest and embrace dedication to the nation. This statement by Guruji Golwalkar has shown millions of volunteers the path of sacrifice and service.
This spirit of sacrifice, service, and the discipline it teaches is the true strength of the Sangh. Today, the RSS has been relentlessly and tirelessly engaged in national service for over a hundred years.
That is why, we see, whenever a natural disaster strikes anywhere in the country, RSS volunteers are the first to reach there. This spirit of “nation first” always remains paramount in every action and every endeavor of millions of volunteers. I extend my best wishes to every volunteer who is dedicating oneself to this great yagya of service to the nation.”