5 min readUpdated: Jul 26, 2026 01:11 PM IST
In his Mann Ki Baat radio address Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on Kargil Vijay Diwas, national security achievements, and youth achievements in sports and science, while remaining silent on the recent widespread student protests that gripped the national capital and several other cities.
The address came a day after students ended their demonstration at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Honouring Kargil heroes
Opening his address on Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi paid tribute to the armed forces. “This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers. Towering peaks of Kargil, harsh weather, the challenge posed by the enemy, our soldiers faced every such circumstance, yet their spirit was greater than every challenge,” Modi said.
“They sacrificed their all for the defence of Maa Bharati. Today, on ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, I respectfully bow to all the brave martyrs and soldiers.”
Modi added, “The India of today not only remembers her heroes but also conveys their saga to the new generation. With this very sentiment, a special ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ has been organised this year. Having started on July 14 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.”
Highlighting advancements in defence self-reliance, Modi talked about the recent induction of the home-built warship INS Mahendragiri, which features over 75 per cent indigenous content, and successful tests of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile system by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
He also noted growing international confidence in Indian defence technology, citing a major BrahMos and Astra missile agreement signed with Indonesia earlier this month.
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Celebrating youth, sports, and science
Shifting focus to youth accomplishments, Modi praised shuttler PV Sindhu’s Japan Open victory and the Indian women’s cricket team’s historic 270-run Test win at Lord’s.
He also lauded India’s achievements in science and innovation, calling attention to the launch of ‘Vikram-1’, India’s first privately developed rocket, and India’s top ranking at the International Physics Olympiad.
“For a long time, our space sector remained closed to the private sector, denying many interested young people the opportunity to showcase their talent. Keeping the interests of the youth in mind, we opened up the space sector to private enterprise, and today, the world is witnessing the results.”
“Our young friends are also bringing glory to India in the field of science. Science Olympiads are among the most important competitions in the world. A large number of students participate in these events,” he said.
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“Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics were held just this month. The Indian contingent delivered a spectacular performance in these competitions. In the Physics Olympiad, all five of our students won gold medals, and India secured the top rank.”
Environmental initiatives
On environmental efforts, PM Modi noted the planting of over 35 crore saplings in a single day under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in Uttar Pradesh, and a “waste to wealth” project in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, where single-use plastic is recycled into durable public benches.
“About 40 kilograms of single-use plastic are consumed to make one bench. These benches are not only strong, durable, and comfortable but also eco-friendly. They are installed in government schools, parks, and public spaces.”
He also appealed to citizens to use locally made clay idols for the upcoming Ganesh festival instead of imported or Plaster of Paris (PoP) alternatives.
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Modi recalled that in his last Mann Ki Baat, he cited the importance of “catching the rain”, or rainwater harvesting. He provided examples of successful initiatives and urged people to participate actively in water conservation efforts.
Calls for handloom
Ahead of National Handloom Day on August 7, Modi encouraged citizens to purchase Khadi and local handicraft products during the upcoming festive season, noting that Khadi sales have grown six-fold over the past 12 years to nearly Rs 8,000 crore.
“We all know that Khadi was very dear to Mahatma Gandhi. During recent years, Khadi has become quite popular. I urge all of you to definitely buy at least one product or the other made of Khadi, handloom, or handicraft during the upcoming festive season.”
Closing his address, he remembered former President A P J Abdul Kalam on the eve of his death anniversary, extended greetings for Guru Purnima, and called on citizens to fly the national flag at their homes for Independence Day on August 15 and asked them to share their ideas and suggestions for Independence Day with him at the MyGov platform.