PM Modi Hails 2025 as a Year of Pride, Youth Power and Cultural Resurgence in Mann Ki Baat.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described 2025 as a landmark year filled with national pride, unity and confidence, as he addressed the nation in the 129th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. With the year 2026 “knocking at the door,” the Prime Minister reflected on India’s achievements across security, sports, science, culture and social innovation, while calling upon citizens—especially the youth—to carry this momentum forward.
Opening his address with greetings to the nation, the Prime Minister said memories of 2025 were “swirling” in his mind, marked by achievements that bound the country together. He noted that India left a strong global imprint—from national security to international platforms, from sports arenas to scientific laboratories.
Operation Sindoor and National Pride
Highlighting national security, PM Modi said Operation Sindoor emerged as a symbol of India’s resolve and self-confidence. “The world clearly saw that today’s India does not compromise on its security,” he said, adding that the operation evoked widespread expressions of love and devotion towards Maa Bharati across the country.
150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’
The Prime Minister also recalled the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram, noting enthusiastic participation by citizens through the hashtag #VandeMataram150. He said the campaign reflected the collective spirit and emotional unity of the nation.
A Golden Year for Indian Sports
Calling 2025 a memorable year for Indian sports, PM Modi listed a series of historic achievements:
India’s men’s cricket team winning the ICC Champions Trophy
The women’s cricket team lifting the World Cup for the first time
India’s daughters creating history by winning the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup
Victories in the Asia Cup T20
Para-athletes excelling at the World Championships, proving that “no obstacle can come in the way of zeal and determination”
Science, Space and the Environments
India also made major strides in science and space, the Prime Minister said, noting that Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. Environmental conservation remained a priority, with the cheetah population in India crossing 30.
Faith, culture and heritage converged during the year, he said, citing the grand Prayagraj Mahakumbh at the beginning of 2025 and the Dhwajarohan ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya at year’s end.
Youth at the Centre of Nation-Building
Describing India’s youth as the biggest reason the world looks at India with hope, PM Modi spoke at length about platforms enabling young people to contribute to nation-building. He announced that the second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue would be held soon, coinciding with National Youth Day on January 12, 2026, marking Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.
He lauded the massive response to youth initiatives, noting that over 50 lakh young people participated in a related quiz competition, while essay competitions saw strong engagement, with Tamil Nadu securing first place and Uttar Pradesh second.
Smart India Hackathon and Innovation
The Prime Minister praised the Smart India Hackathon 2025, which concluded earlier this month. Students worked on over 270 problem statements from more than 80 government departments, offering solutions on real-life challenges such as traffic management, cyber security, financial fraud, digital arrests and agricultural issues.
He said that over the past 7–8 years, more than 13 lakh students from 6,000 institutes have participated in the hackathon, delivering practical and impactful solutions.
Staying Rooted in Culture
PM Modi emphasised the importance of staying connected to cultural roots in a rapidly tech-driven world. He cited the example of Geetanjali IISc, a music initiative at the Indian Institute of Science that grew from a small class into a vibrant cultural centre involving students, professors and alumni worldwide.
He also highlighted the Kannada Pathshale initiative in Dubai, where Kannada families have come together to teach children their mother tongue. More than a thousand children are now associated with the programme.
Solar Power from Manipur to Healthcare
Sharing an inspiring grassroots story, the Prime Minister spoke about Moirangthem Seth from Manipur, who spearheaded a solar energy campaign in remote areas facing electricity shortages. His efforts have brought solar power to hundreds of homes and improved healthcare services and livelihoods, particularly benefiting women.
PM Modi linked this initiative with the government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which beneficiary families receive financial support to install solar panels.
Rediscovering Kashmir’s Ancient Heritage
The Prime Minister also spoke about a remarkable archaeological discovery in Jehanpora, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, where scientific studies revealed a nearly 2,000-year-old Buddhist complex. An old photograph found in a French museum helped connect the dots, shedding light on Kashmir’s rich and ancient Buddhist heritage.
Global and Domestic Promotion of Tamil
From Fiji to Varanasi, PM Modi highlighted efforts to promote the Tamil language. He noted the celebration of Tamil Day in a school in Raki-Raki, Fiji, and the success of the fourth Kashi Tamil Sangamam held in Varanasi, where children whose mother tongue is Hindi confidently spoke Tamil. Calling Tamil the world’s oldest living language, he said such initiatives reflect India’s unity in diversity.
Remembering Unsung Freedom Fighters
As the country prepares to celebrate its 77th Republic Day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to freedom fighter Parvati Giri of Odisha, whose birth centenary will be observed in January 2026. He recalled her role in the Quit India Movement at the age of 16 and her lifelong dedication to social service and tribal welfare.
Caution Against Misuse of Antibiotics
PM Modi also raised concern over the misuse of antibiotics, citing a recent ICMR report that warned of increasing antibiotic resistance. He urged citizens to avoid self-medication and use antibiotics only on a doctor’s advice, stressing that indiscriminate use poses a serious public health risk.
Traditional Arts and Women-Led Growth
Highlighting the economic potential of traditional arts, the Prime Minister spoke about Narasapuram lace in Andhra Pradesh, which has received a GI tag and now provides employment to nearly one lakh women across 250 villages.
He also praised the efforts of artisans and entrepreneurs from Manipur, including Margaret Ramtharsiem and Chokhone Krichena, who are blending traditional knowledge with modern market access to empower local communities.
Celebrating Festivals and Tourism
Encouraging domestic tourism, PM Modi spoke about the ongoing Rann Utsav in Kutch, which began on November 23 and will continue till February 20. He said over two lakh visitors have already participated, enjoying the folk culture, handicrafts and the breathtaking beauty of the White Rann.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Concluding the final Mann Ki Baat episode of 2025, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the collective efforts and ideas of citizens would help realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He urged people to stay fit, especially during winter, and extended warm wishes for a happy and healthy 2026.
“May the year 2026 prove to be an important milestone in the journey towards a developed India,” he said, ending the address with “Vande Mataram.”
