Maan Ki Baat: PM Modi links Baramulla stupas, France photograph to Kashmir’s Buddhist past
New Delhi, Dec 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the discovery of ancient Buddhist stupas in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, citing the findings as evidence of the region’s glorious cultural past.
During his monthly radio address, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi referred to Jehanpora, a village in Baramulla, where what were long believed to be natural mounds were recently identified as remains of a large, man-made Buddhist complex dating back nearly 2000 years.
He said scientific studies, including drone mapping, revealed the structures’ true nature, while an old photograph found in a French museum archive helped confirm the presence of three Buddhist stupas at the site.
“The Buddhist complex in Jehanpora reminds us of Kashmir’s past and its rich identity,” the PM said, describing the discovery as a source of pride and a reminder of Kashmir’s deep historical links to Buddhist traditions.
His remarks on Jammu and Kashmir came as part of a wide-ranging address reflecting on achievements and challenges of 2025, the final ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode of the year.
He said memories of the year included achievements that united the country, from national security to sports, science and culture.
PM Modi cited “Operation Sindoor” as a symbol of national pride, saying it demonstrated that India would not compromise on its security.
He said the operation triggered widespread expressions of devotion to ‘Maa Bharati’ across the country.
The PM also recalled the completion of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram,’ noting the enthusiastic public participation that followed after he invited citizens to share messages and suggestions using the hashtag #VandeMataram150.
In sports, he said 2025 was a memorable year, highlighting victories by India’s men’s cricket team in the ICC Champions Trophy and the women’s cricket team’s first-ever World Cup win.
PM Modi also cited India’s win in the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup, success in the Asia Cup T20, and medal-winning performances by para-athletes at the World Championship, which he said showed that “no obstacle can come in the way of zeal and determination.”
Turning to science and space, he said Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station.
The PM also pointed to environmental and wildlife conservation efforts, noting that India’s cheetah population had increased to more than 30.
He said faith, culture, and heritage defined much of the year, citing the Prayagraj Mahakumbh held at the beginning of 2025 and the Dhwajarohan ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya toward the end of the year.
PM Modi said enthusiasm for swadeshi products was evident, with people choosing goods reflecting Indian labour and soil.
He said that despite facing natural disasters in several regions, India was ready to move forward into 2026 with renewed hope.
Calling India’s youth the world’s biggest source of hope for the country, the PM highlighted achievements in science, innovation, and technology.
He announced that the second edition of the ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ would be held soon and said that he would participate in a ‘Young Leaders Dialogue’ on January 12, National Youth Day, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
“Youth will share ideas on innovation, fitness, startups and agriculture,” PM Modi said.
He said more than 50 lakh young people participated in a recent quiz competition linked to the initiative, while an essay competition saw Tamil Nadu rank first and Uttar Pradesh second.
The PM also highlighted platforms like the ‘Smart India Hackathon’, noting that the 2025 edition concluded this month and involved work on more than 270 problems from over 80 government departments, including traffic management, cyber security, financial fraud, digital arrests and agriculture.
He said more than 13 lakh students from over 6000 institutes had participated in the hackathon over the past seven to eight years.
Addressing concerns about technology replacing humans, PM Modi stressed the importance of staying connected to cultural roots.
He cited the example of ‘Geetanjali IISc,’ a cultural initiative that began as a small music class at the Indian Institute of Science and has grown into a campus cultural centre with more than 200 participants, including alumni joining online from abroad.
The PM also referred to cultural preservation efforts among the Indian diaspora, citing “Kannada Pathshale” in Dubai, where more than 1000 children from Kannada-speaking families were learning to read, write and speak the language.
He highlighted grassroots innovation in Manipur, praising Moirangthem Seth, who addressed electricity shortages in a remote area by promoting solar power.
PM Modi said the initiative had brought electricity to hundreds of homes, improved healthcare services, supported livelihoods and benefited women, fishermen, and artists.
He linked the effort to the government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which beneficiaries receive about Rs 75,000 to 80,000 to install solar panels.
Internationally, the PM cited efforts in Fiji to promote Indian languages and culture, noting the first celebration of Tamil Day at a school in Raki-Raki, where children recited poems, delivered speeches and showcased Tamil culture.
He also highlighted domestic initiatives to promote Tamil, including the fourth Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, where Hindi-speaking children learned and spoke Tamil under the ‘Learn Tamil - Tamil Karakalam’ campaign.
Ahead of India’s 77th Republic Day, PM Modi paid tribute to freedom fighters, singling out Parvati Giri of Odisha, whose birth centenary would be marked in January 2026.
He recalled her participation in the ‘Quit India Movement’ at age 16 and her later work in social service and tribal welfare.
The PM also warned against the misuse of antibiotics, citing a recent Indian Council of Medical Research report that said drugs were becoming ineffective against diseases like pneumonia and urinary tract infections due to indiscriminate use.
He urged people to take antibiotics only on a doctor’s advice.
Highlighting traditional arts as drivers of economic empowerment, PM Modi cited the lace craft of Narasapuram in Andhra Pradesh, which has received a geographical indication tag and now supports about 1 lakh women across 250 villages.
He also praised entrepreneurs in Manipur who were promoting handicrafts and floriculture to create livelihoods.
The PM encouraged citizens to experience India’s cultural diversity, citing the ongoing Rann Utsav in Kutch, which has attracted more than 2 lakh visitors in the past month.
He said ‘Mann Ki Baat’ would continue in 2026 with renewed energy and called on citizens to contribute ideas toward a ‘Viksit Bharat.’
Wishing listeners a happy and healthy new year, PM Modi urged people to stay fit during the winter season.
