New Delhi, Jan 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 130th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, called upon citizens, especially the youth, to focus on quality, innovation and collective responsibility to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Addressing the nation in the first Mann Ki Baat of 2026, the Prime Minister noted that the episode coincided with National Voters’ Day and urged young citizens to treat becoming a voter as a matter of pride and celebration. He described voting as a fundamental responsibility that strengthens democracy.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s rapid growth in the start-up ecosystem, stating that the country has emerged as the third-largest start-up hub in the world, with innovations across sectors such as AI, space, biotechnology, nuclear energy and green hydrogen.
Calling for a renewed emphasis on quality, he urged industries and entrepreneurs to adopt the mantra of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect”, stressing that excellence must become the identity of Indian products.
The Prime Minister shared several examples of community-driven initiatives, including the revival of the Tamsa river in Uttar Pradesh, water conservation projects in Andhra Pradesh, and anti-drug campaigns in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the power of public participation.
He also spoke about growing youth interest in devotional music through a trend called “bhajan clubbing”, and praised Indian diaspora communities, particularly in Malaysia, for preserving Indian culture abroad.
Highlighting environmental efforts, the Prime Minister cited tree plantation drives under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, noting that over 200 crore trees have been planted across the country.
He further praised grassroots efforts in cleanliness, waste recycling and afforestation across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka and West Bengal.
The Prime Minister also encouraged the consumption of millets (Shree Anna), citing their nutritional value and role in boosting farmers’ income.
Towards the end of his address, he announced that India will host the India AI Impact Summit next month, which will bring global experts to discuss India’s achievements and future in artificial intelligence.
Concluding the programme, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to citizens on the eve of Republic Day and expressed confidence in the collective strength of the people to shape a stronger and more resilient India.
