My dear countrymen, namaskar. Some dates in our lives are such that we don't need to look at a calendar to remember them. Today, 26th July, is one such date. Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers. The high peaks of Kargil, the harsh weather, the enemy's challenge — every circumstance was before our soldiers. But their spirit was greater than every challenge. They dedicated everything to protect Mother India. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow with deep respect to all the brave martyrs and soldiers.
Friends, today's India not only remembers its heroes but also carries their stories to the new generation. With this spirit, a special Shaurya Vijay Yatra has been organized this year. Starting on 14th July from the National War Memorial in Delhi, this motorcycle rally will reach the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. Its message is: One Ride, One Nation, One Salute. This journey reminds us that the sacrifice made for the nation can never be forgotten.
Friends, today India is continuously strengthening its technological capability alongside the courage of its soldiers. A few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was commissioned into the Indian Navy. This modern warship was designed in India, built in India. Over 75% indigenous materials were used in it. It is a symbol of the growing strength of a self-reliant India. This month, DRDO also successfully tested the Pinaka long-range guided rocket. Behind this success is the collective hard work of our scientists and engineers. Just two or three days ago, DRDO also successfully tested the Kusha missile.
Friends, whether it is defense production, defense exports, or political cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously reaching new heights. Earlier this month, I was in Indonesia, where a major deal for BrahMos and Astra missiles was signed. The world's trust in India's defense equipment and technology is growing. Let us, on this Kargil Vijay Diwas, pay tribute to our immortal martyrs and strengthen our resolve to build a safe, capable, and self-reliant India.
My dear countrymen, in the last episode of Mann Ki Baat, I discussed the Catch the Rain campaign with you. I urged that this campaign of conserving every drop of rainwater be made a people's movement. The message of Catch the Rain is very simple — where it rains, whenever it rains, conserve the water right there. Therefore, from 4th July, a special campaign has been running across the country. Under this, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, rejuvenation of old water sources, and tree plantation are being given new momentum.
I am very happy that whether it is villages or cities, panchayats or social organizations, people everywhere have participated enthusiastically. In some places, silt is being removed from old ponds. In some places, wells and stepwells are being given new life. Abandoned borewells are now becoming means of groundwater recharge. Friends, in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, about one and a half lakh ponds have been built. In Narasapur, Amrit Sarovars have been improved. In Nashik, Maharashtra, great water conservation capacity has been developed. In Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, all gram panchayats have joined this campaign and old ponds have been made useful again.
Our cities are not behind either. In Korba, Chhattisgarh, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, encouraging results of this campaign are visible. Let us also take responsibility for one pond, well, or stepwell in our neighborhood. Save every drop of water. Every drop saved today is the greatest capital for the future of generations to come.
My dear countrymen, the Commonwealth Games started in Glasgow a few days ago. Every citizen is continuously sending best wishes to the Indian contingent. The hope is that all players and athletes perform excellently and also win people's hearts.
Friends, our youth have achieved many spectacular accomplishments in sports in recent days. PV Sindhu has become the first Indian to win the Japan Open title in badminton. The entire country is proud of this achievement. The Indian women's cricket team also won their first Test match at Lord's Stadium in London. This is a historic victory. Our team won this match by a huge margin of 270 runs. But the significance doesn't stop there — in the long history of Lord's, this was the first Test match for the women's team. In 1983, on this very ground, India won its first Cricket World Cup. Now our Nari Shakti has made the country proud here.
Friends, some small efforts also carry great significance. I have learned about one such sports initiative in South Chithoor, Anakulam, Kerala. There is a Sanskrit club in a school there. Teacher Abhilash ji is popularizing Sanskrit in a very unique way. This project has been named Akshar Kanduk. In this, Sanskrit letters are explained in an easy way by linking them with football terminology. This makes learning enjoyable and also increases people's engagement with sports.
My dear countrymen, last Sunday, with the successful launch of Vikram-V, every citizen is filled with pride. We all witnessed this historic moment for India's space sector. This is the first rocket developed by the private sector in India. Our young innovators accomplished something that was almost unimaginable. They showed remarkable skill, passion, and patience.
For a long time, our space sector was closed to the private sector. Many young people with interest in this sector were not getting opportunities to showcase their talent. Keeping their interests in mind, we opened the space sector to the private sector. Today, the world is seeing its results.
Friends, our young companions are also raising India's stature in science. Science Olympiad is one of the world's most important competitions. A large number of students participate in them. This month, Olympiads were held in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The Indian team's performance in these competitions was spectacular. In the Physics Olympiad, all five of our students won gold medals and India secured the first rank. In the last decade, our country's students have won either gold or silver in every Physics Olympiad.
In the Chemistry Olympiad too, all our students won gold medals — this has been the best performance so far. In the Biology Olympiad as well, all our students won medals, including one gold medal. In the Mathematics Olympiad, our students won two gold and four silver medals. I am very proud of the country's young strength. It is gratifying to see that the culture of Olympiads and hackathons is continuously growing in India.
My dear countrymen, when there is both talent and the passion to do something, every path becomes easy. The efforts being made today around Kashmir's traditional Bagoo mat reflect this very spirit. It is prepared from straw and rice stalks. The tradition of making this mat is centuries old. First, grass and reeds from Kashmir's marshy areas are cut. After drying in the sun, they are sorted, and then the hand-weaving work begins. It takes about four days for two artisans to make one mat. This mat is unique as well as eco-friendly. A special quality is that it provides coolness in summer and warmth in winter.
Earlier, this mat was visible in every home in Kashmir. But in recent years, its use had started declining. In such a situation, Ghulam Husain ji and his daughter Tanzila ji from Srinagar took a resolve. Both started working to give new life to the Bagoo craft tradition. Ghulam Husain ji comes from a very humble family. He faced many kinds of challenges in this work. But his resolve to preserve Bagoo was unwavering. Gradually, many people joined this effort. Ghulam Husain ji expanded this skill greatly. In his mission, he also received support from the local government. Today, the rapidly popular Bagoo is reaching other parts of the country as well.
I am very proud of all the people connected with this effort. Today, we are all emphasizing local products. We are moving forward with the mantra of Vocal for Local. In such a context, Kashmir's Bagoo should also become part of your home. Do think about this.
Friends, in our country, tea is not just a beverage. It is also a bond of togetherness. Whether it is starting the morning, meeting friends, or spending time with family — tea becomes part of every occasion. You are well aware of my own connection with tea.
But the tea I am discussing today has not only provided taste but has also infused the fragrance of self-reliance into the lives of many sisters. In Lakhewala village of Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, women associated with a self-help group have prepared Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea. It contains lemongrass, giloy, mulethi, tulsi, raw turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel among other natural ingredients. Due to its unique taste and properties, this tea has quickly made a special identity among people. At the Kumbh in Prayagraj and the International Food Festival in Delhi, this herbal tea received great appreciation. People from abroad also showed interest in it.
Friends, the most inspiring aspect is its origin. This entire effort started with just one lakh rupees. Today, this brand has reached major institutions across the country. This initiative tells us that when local knowledge, nature, and the self-confidence of women come together, even a small effort can become the beginning of a big change.
My dear countrymen, today across the country, through the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, people are fulfilling their responsibility towards nature. When society connects with this sentiment, very beautiful and inspiring examples emerge.
Friends, in Ahmedabad, the amazing power of public participation was visible. In the Bhadaj area, more than three lakh saplings were planted within one hour. Over 25,000 people participated. School children, NCC cadets, volunteers, and ordinary citizens — all took part in this campaign. In the coming years, these saplings will take the form of a dense urban forest. This effort has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Friends, under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, Uttar Pradesh also witnessed the wonderful resolve of Jan Shakti. There, more than 35 crore saplings were planted in a single day on 12th July. As a Member of Parliament from UP, this is a matter of special pride for me.
My dear countrymen, trees are not only for humans. They are also homes for countless creatures. In the Gir forests of Gujarat, the Indian Grey Hornbill is once again nesting after about 60 years. This is the result of decades of conservation and restoration efforts in Gir. The Hornbill is called the farmer of the forests. They eat fruits and carry seeds far and wide. New trees grow in the forest from those seeds. In this way, a single bird helps make the forest green again.
I would urge all of us to connect any special occasion of our lives with nature. Plant a tree under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. A small sapling planted today can become a legacy of greenery, clean air, and a beautiful future for generations to come.
My dear countrymen, we all know that today plastic pollution is a major challenge for the environment of the entire world. Single-use plastic waste continues to harm nature for many years. Therefore, proper disposal of plastic is very important. Friends, in Sitamarhi, Bihar, a wonderful example of waste to wealth has emerged. Here, attractive benches are being made by recycling waste. About 40 kilograms of single-use plastic is consumed in preparing one bench. These benches are strong, durable, and comfortable, and also eco-friendly. They are installed in government schools, parks, and public places. Through this, awareness about environmental conservation is also increasing among people.
In this effort, the local body as well as the district administration play an important role. Employment opportunities are also being created at the local level. Sitamarhi's effort tells us that Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are not just slogans today but are becoming a part of our lives.
Friends, you may recall that in the last Mann Ki Baat, I talked about Ganesh Utsav. I had urged that we should worship Ganesh idols made from the soil of our country. Instead of POP idols or those brought from abroad, we should install Ganesh idols made from the country's soil at home. Many people have sent me messages on this topic and shared their views. People shared that they have adopted my appeal. They have resolved to install Ganesh idols made from local soil.
People wrote that the discussion in Mann Ki Baat helped them take the right step at the right time. I once again repeat my appeal. This time during Ganpati Puja, install and worship Ganesh idols made from the country's soil. This effort of yours will also be, in a way, worship of nature.
My dear countrymen, now I will tell you about a person who will fill you with great pride. A person who is working extensively in the field of science and innovation, whose identity is being recognized worldwide. But despite this, he remains deeply connected to his roots. Whenever he gets the opportunity, he does not forget to honor his homeland. That person is Dr. Ronaldo Resharam ji from Manipur. His name is Ronaldo, but by profession, he is an astrophysicist.
He works in Japan and has been part of a team that discovered a huge group of young galaxies. You would want to know what he did. Actually, he named this entire group after a beautiful lake in Manipur — the Loktak Protocluster. Loktak is a very large freshwater lake. Floating phumdis in Loktak Lake create a unique landscape. It appears as if small islands are floating in a vast ocean. Similarly, in the universe, this young galaxy also forms a vast structure. Today, Manipur's Loktak is not only on the country's map but is also shining in the vast universe. This achievement is something that every Indian can be proud of.
It teaches our young friends that they can touch new heights while staying connected to their traditions. These are roots that can illuminate even the world of stars.
My dear countrymen, in just a few days, on 7th August, our country will celebrate National Handloom Day. On this occasion, we celebrate the skill and creativity of our weaver brothers and sisters. Our companions are carrying forward traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Friends, every garment made from handloom brings forward the story of some region, community, and countless people connected to it. These are the people who are preserving India's cultural heritage with pride. On this day, I urge that we encourage handicrafts and honor our weaver friends. Let us further strengthen the spirit of Vocal for Local.
Friends, the way handloom is being promoted in the country today is improving the lives of a large number of people. From Pochampally to Patna and from Kuthampally to Kutch, there are many such examples. Today, there are many people and groups giving new energy and identity to our glorious handloom tradition. Some are carrying forward the beautiful tradition of Pochampally Ikat, some are creating bulk products by connecting women weavers, and some are preserving Kerala's traditional Kasavu art. This is also providing employment to our mothers and sisters.
Friends, there is one more topic I would particularly like to mention, and that is Khadi. We all know that Khadi was very dear to Mahatma Gandhi. In recent years, Khadi has become quite popular. In the last 12 years, its sales have grown sixfold. This sales figure has now reached close to two thousand crore rupees. I urge all of you to buy at least one handloom or handicraft product during the upcoming festivals.
My dear countrymen, if someone asked you how many types of musical instruments India has, you would be stumped. This is because we have many instruments and traditions associated with them. One such instrument is Tripura's Chong Prag. It is very popular among the tribal communities there. Made from bamboo, this instrument has three strings. The melody it produces is very sweet, similar to a sarod. For some reasons, its popularity among the youth had started declining. In this context, Suraj Kumar Dev Verma ji took the resolve to make it popular again. Today, his efforts are bearing fruit.
He has been performing with the Chong Prag and other traditional instruments of the region. Kok Borok folk songs, Baul songs, Bengali folk music — he enjoys them all. Now I would like to play a small clip for you. You will never forget this music.
Friends, I am sure listening to this must have made you feel wonderful. I am very proud of Dev Verma ji. His effort to popularize traditional music is very commendable. I urge you to share information about traditional instruments from your area on social media. Your effort will surely connect others with traditional Indian music as well.
My dear countrymen, tomorrow, 27th July, is the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam ji. Dr. Kalam had many inspiring aspects to his personality. But closest to his heart was the role of a teacher. He inspired children and youth to dream big. Incidentally, this week we will also celebrate the sacred festival of Guru Purnima. Our parents are our first gurus. School teachers give us the knowledge of letters. Guru Purnima is an occasion to express gratitude to all such gurus. I bow with deep respect to all the teachers and gurus of the country.
Friends, in just a few weeks, we will also celebrate our great festival of independence. 15th August is a day of pride for every Indian. It is a day to remember those countless bravehearts who dedicated everything for India's freedom. Because of their sacrifice and penance, today we hold the tricolour in our hands. In this tricolour are the ideals of our Constitution.
Friends, in recent years, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has connected the entire country with a wonderful sentiment. The celebration of the tricolour is visible in every home and every street. This year too, we must take forward the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign with full enthusiasm. Hoist the tricolour at your home with full respect.
Friends, every year before 15th August, you send me many ideas and suggestions. This year too, please share your thoughts on MyGov. I await your suggestions.
Friends, that is all for today's Mann Ki Baat. Next month we will meet again, with many new achievements and inspiring efforts from fellow citizens. Until then, please give me permission to take leave.
