My dear countrymen, Namaskar. There are some dates in our lives that we don't need to look at a calendar to remember. 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 challenges — every situation was before our soldiers. But their resolve was greater than every challenge. They sacrificed everything to protect Mother India. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow with reverence 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. In this spirit, a special Shaurya Vijay Yatra has been organized this year. This motorcycle rally, which started from the National War Memorial in Delhi on 14th July, 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 not only strengthening its soldiers' courage but also continuously building its technological capability. A few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was inducted into the Indian Navy. This modern warship has been designed in India, built in India. More than 75% indigenous material was used in it. It is a symbol of the growing strength of self-reliant India.
In this same month, DRDO also conducted a successful test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket. Behind this success is the collective hard work of our scientists and engineers. Just two-three days ago, DRDO also conducted a successful test of the Kusha missile.
Friends, be it defense production, defense exports, or political cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously moving towards new heights. In the beginning of this month, I was in Indonesia, where a major deal was signed for BrahMos and Astra missiles. The world's trust in India's defense equipment and technology is growing. On this Kargil Vijay Diwas, let us salute 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 had discussed the Catch the Rain campaign with you. I had urged that this campaign of harnessing every drop of rainwater should become a people's movement. The message of Catch the Rain is very simple — wherever rain falls, whenever it falls, let the water be conserved right there. That is why a special campaign has been running across the country since 4th July.
Under this campaign, 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 step-wells are being given new life. Closed borewells are now becoming means of groundwater recharge.
Friends, in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, about 1500 ponds have been created. In Narsapur, Amrit Sarovars have been renovated. In Nashik of Maharashtra, a large capacity for water conservation has been developed. In Nandigama of Andhra Pradesh, all gram panchayats are connected with this campaign and old ponds have been made useful again. Our cities are not lagging behind either — Korba in Chhattisgarh, Bhubaneswar in Odisha, and Vijayanagaram in Andhra Pradesh are showing encouraging results from this campaign.
Let us also take responsibility for one pond, well, or step-well in our vicinity. Save every drop of water. Every drop saved today is the greatest capital for the future of coming generations.
My dear countrymen, just a few days ago, the Commonwealth Games began in Glasgow. Every countryman is continuously extending good wishes to the Indian contingent. The wish is that all players and athletes perform brilliantly and win people's hearts too.
Friends, our youth have achieved many splendid accomplishments in sports in recent days. PV Sindhu has become the first Indian to win the Japan Open badminton title. The entire country is proud of her 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 goes beyond just that. In the long history of Lord's, this was the first Test match for the women's team. In 1983, India won its first Cricket World Cup on this very ground. Now our women power has made the country proud here.
Friends, there are some small efforts that matter a great deal. I learned about one such sports effort in South Chittur, Ernakulam, Kerala. There is a Sanskrit club in a school there. Teacher Abhilash Ji is making Sanskrit popular in a very unique way. This project has been named Akshar Kanduk. In this, Sanskrit letters are explained in an easy way by connecting them with words used in football. This makes learning enjoyable, and it also increases people's engagement with sports.
My dear countrymen, last Sunday, the successful launch of Vikram-S filled every countryman with pride. We all witnessed this historic moment of India's space sector. This is the first rocket developed by the private sector in India. Our young innovators accomplished something that was hard to even imagine. They showed amazing skill, passion, and patience.
For a long time, our space sector was closed to the private sector. Many young people interested in this sector were not getting the opportunity to showcase their talent. In the interest of the youth, we opened the space sector for the private sector. Today, the world is seeing its results.
Friends, our young compatriots are also raising India's head high in science. The Science Olympiad is one of the world's most important competitions. A large number of students participate in it. This month, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics Olympiads were held. The Indian team performed brilliantly in these competitions.
In the Physics Olympiad, all five of our students won gold medals and India secured first rank. In the last decade, in every Physics Olympiad, students from our country have won gold or silver medals. 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 youth power. It is heartening to see that the culture of Olympiads and Hackathons is continuously growing in India. I am confident that more and more youth of the country will show interest in such forums and wave India's flag.
My dear countrymen, when there is both talent and the passion to do something, every path becomes easy. The efforts being made today regarding Kashmir's traditional Bagoo mats reflect this very spirit. These mats are made from straw and paddy stalk. The tradition of making these mats is very old.
For this, first the grass and reeds from the marshy areas of Kashmir are harvested, dried in the sun, sorted, and then the work of hand-weaving begins. It takes two artisans about four days to make one mat. This mat is unique and also eco-friendly. A special quality is that it keeps you cool in summers and warm in winters.
Earlier, this mat was seen in every home in Kashmir. But in the last few years, its use had started declining. In such a situation, Ghulam Hussain Ji and his daughter Tanzila Ji from Srinagar made a resolve. Both got engaged in giving new life to the Bagoo craft tradition. Ghulam Hussain Ji comes from a very humble family. He faced many kinds of challenges in this work. But his resolve to preserve Bagoo was unwavering.
Soon, many people started joining this effort of his. Ghulam Hussain Ji promoted this craft extensively. He also received government support at the local level in his mission. Today, the rapidly popular Bagoo is also reaching other parts of the country. I am very proud of all the people associated with this effort.
Today, we all emphasize local products. We are moving forward with the mantra of Vocal for Local. In this context, Kashmir's Bagoo should also become part of your home. Do think about it once.
Friends, tea in our country is not just a drink. It is also a bond of affection. Be it the start of the morning, meeting friends, or spending some time with family — tea becomes part of every occasion. You all know very well what my relationship with tea is.
But the tea I am discussing today has not only given taste but has also filled many sisters' lives with the fragrance of self-reliance. In Lakhewala village of Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, women associated with a self-help group have prepared Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea.
It includes natural ingredients like lemongrass, giloy, mulethi, tulsi, raw turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel. Due to its unique taste and qualities, this tea quickly created a special identity among people. This herbal tea received great appreciation at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and the International Food Festival in Delhi. People from abroad also showed interest in it.
Friends, the most inspiring thing is its origin. This entire effort started with just ₹1 lakh. Today, this brand has reached major institutions of the country. This initiative tells us that when local knowledge, nature, and women's confidence come together, even a small effort becomes the beginning of a big change.
My dear countrymen, today, across the country, through the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One Tree for Mother) campaign, people are fulfilling their responsibility towards nature. When society connects with this sentiment, very beautiful and inspiring examples emerge.
Friends, an amazing display of public participation has been seen in Ahmedabad. In the Bhaad area, more than 3 lakh saplings were planted within one hour. More than 25,000 people participated in this. School children, NCC cadets, volunteers, and ordinary citizens — everyone 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, an amazing resolve of public power was also seen in UP. There, on a single day — 12th July — more than 35 crore saplings were planted. As a Member of Parliament from UP, this is also a matter of special pride for me.
My dear countrymen, trees are not only for humans. They are also homes for countless living beings. In the forests of Gir in Gujarat, after about 60 years, the Indian Grey Hornbill is making its home once again. 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. From those seeds, new trees grow in the forest. In this way, a bird helps in making the forest green again. I would say to all of you, let us all connect any special occasion of our lives with nature. Plant a tree in your mother's name. Today's small sapling planted can become a legacy of greenery, clean air, and a beautiful future for coming generations.
My dear countrymen, we all know that today plastic pollution has become 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, benches are being made attractively by recycling waste. About 40 kg of single-use plastic is consumed in making 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.
This effort of Sitamarhi tells us that Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle is not just a slogan today but is becoming a part of our lives.
Friends, you will remember that in the last Mann Ki Baat, I had talked about Ganesh Utsav. I had urged that we should worship Lord Ganesha made from our own country's soil. Instead of POP Ganesha or imported Ganesha idols, we should install Lord Ganesha made from the soil of our country. Many people have sent me messages on this topic and shared their thoughts. People said they adopted my appeal and resolved to install Ganesha made from local soil.
People wrote that this 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 Lord Ganesha made from the soil of our country in your homes. Worship them. This effort of yours will also be a form of worship of nature.
My dear countrymen, now I will tell you about a person about whom you will feel very proud. A person who is working enthusiastically in the field of science and innovation, whose identity is being built in the world. But even after this, he remains deeply connected to his roots. Whenever he gets the opportunity, he does not forget to honor his soil. That person is Dr. Ronaldo Reshram Ji from Manipur.
His name is Ronaldo, but he is an astrophysicist by profession. He works in Japan and was part of the team that discovered a massive group of young galaxies. You would want to know what exactly he did.
Actually, he named this entire group after a beautiful lake in Manipur — the Loktak Proto-Cluster. Loktak is a very large freshwater lake. The floating phumdis in Loktak Lake create a unique landscape. It looks as if small islands are floating in a vast ocean. In a similar way, in the universe, these young galaxies also form a massive structure.
Today, Manipur's Loktak is shining not just on the map of the country but also in the vast universe. This achievement is a matter of pride for every Indian. 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 friends are carrying forward traditions that have continued for generations.
Friends, every garment made by handloom brings forward the story of some region, community, and countless people associated with it. These are the people who are proudly preserving India's cultural heritage. On this day, I appeal that we encourage handloom 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, it is improving the lives of a large number of people. From Pochampally to Patna and Kuthampally to Kutch, many such examples can be seen. Today, there are many people and groups who are giving new energy and identity to our glorious tradition of handloom.
Some are carrying forward the beautiful tradition of Pochampally Ikat, while others are creating rural products by involving women weavers. Some people 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 the past few years, Khadi has become quite popular. In the last 12 years, its sales have increased sixfold. The sales figure has now reached close to ₹50,000 crore.
I urge you all to definitely buy some handloom, handicraft, or Khadi product in the coming festival season.
My dear countrymen, if someone were to ask you how many types of musical instruments India has, you would be left thinking. This is because we have many instruments and associated traditions. One such instrument is Tripura's Chong Prag. It is very popular among the tribal communities there.
This instrument, made of bamboo, has three strings. The tune it produces is very melodious and resembles the Sarod. For some reasons, its popularity among the youth had started declining. In this context, Suraj Kumar Dev Verma Ji resolved to make it popular again. Today, his effort is bearing fruit.
He has been performing not just with the Chang Prang but also on other traditional instruments. Kok Borok folk songs, Baul songs, Bengali folk — he enjoys them all. Now I want to play a small clip for you. You will never be able to forget this music.
[Music plays]
Friends, I believe listening to this must have made you feel very good. I am very proud of Dev Verma Ji. His effort to popularize traditional music is highly commendable. I urge you to also share information about traditional instruments from your surroundings on social media. Your every effort will 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 facets to his personality. But closest to his heart was the role of a teacher. He used to inspire children and youth to dream big.
Coincidentally, this week we will 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 respectfully bow 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 heroes who dedicated everything for India's independence. Because of their sacrifice and penance, we hold the tricolor in our hands today. In this tricolor are the ideals of our constitution.
Friends, in the last few years, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has connected the entire country with a wonderful sentiment. The celebration of the tricolor is visible in every home, every lane. This year too, we must carry forward the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign with full enthusiasm. We must hoist the tricolor at our homes with full respect.
Friends, every year before 15th August, you send me many ideas and suggestions. This year too, do 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 of our countrymen. Until then, grant me permission to take your leave. Many, many thanks. Namaskar.
