Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi’s message celebrates innovation, heritage, youth power

New Delhi, Nov 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, reflected on a month marked by technological milestones, agricultural breakthroughs, cultural heritage, international goodwill and rising youth innovation.

“The month of November brought along many inspirations,” he began, noting Constitution Day celebrations, the hoisting of the Dharmadhwaja at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the inauguration of the Panchajanya Memorial at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra.

TECHNOLOGICAL LEAP

PM Modi highlighted several strides in India’s innovation ecosystem. He inaugurated the world’s largest Leap Engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, marking a major advancement in aircraft maintenance. INS ‘Mahe, an indigenously designed warship, was inducted into the Indian Navy, symbolising growing self-reliance in defence. Another boost came from Skyroot’s Infinity Campus, aimed at accelerating private sector contribution to the space economy. He praised a unique ISRO drone challenge simulating Martian conditions. Young innovators struggled without GPS support, yet persisted. A Pune-based team finally succeeded, an example, he said, of Chandrayaan spirit: “Failure does not stop us; it becomes the foundation of greater success.”

AGRICULTURE

India has achieved a record foodgrain output of 357 million tonnes, up by 100 million tonnes compared to a decade ago.

He cited successful models like ‘Gramjanya’ initiative in Dakshina Kannada, processing and branding honey for the urban market, Shivganga Kalanjiya’ in Tumakuru, Karnataka, linking farmers through bee-box distribution, traditional cliff-honey hunting by the Khiamni-Yangan tribe in Nagaland Under the Honey Mission, over 2.25 lakh bee-boxes have been distributed, providing livelihoods to thousands.

HERITAGE AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

PM Modi said the Mahabharata Experience Centre in Kurukshetra, with its 3D light-and-sound exhibits, now allows visitors to “experience the battle visually, not just through imagination.” He also attended the International Gita Mahotsav, which saw participation from Europe and Central Asia, and, for the first time, Saudi Arabia. During his recent visit to Bhutan, all leaders expressed gratitude for India sending the sacred relics of Bhagwan Buddha, a gesture that deepened spiritual bonds. Similar enthusiasm, he noted, has been seen in Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam and Russia, where even citizens from remote areas came to view them. He recalled the noble legacy of Jam Saheb of Nawanagar, who sheltered Polish Jewish children during World War II, a statue in his honour was recently unveiled in Israel.

KASHI-TAMIL SANGAMAM

The fourth Kashi-Tamil Sangamam begins on 2nd December, themed “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam.”

He called the event a living example of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

The PM quoted proudly in Tamil: “Tamil Kalachaaram Uyarvanad, Tamil Moli Uyarvanad, Tamil Indiavin Perumidam (Tamil culture is great, Tamil language is great, Tamil is the pride of India).”

VOCAL FOR LOCAL

Reiterating his call for ‘Vocal for Local’, he revealed that all G20 gift items to world leaders were Indian artisan products, including: Chola-era Nataraja bronze statue fromTamil Nadu, Silver horse replica from Udaipur, Rajasthan, Silver Buddha and Karimnagar metal crafts from Telangana and Brass urli from Kerala. He urged citizens to buy Indian-made products during the upcoming Christmas–New Year shopping season and turn local into global.

WINTER TOURISM AND ‘WED IN INDIA’ PUSH

PM Modi said winter tourism is becoming an economic pillar, citing Uttarakhand’s growing popularity. Destinations such as Auli, Munsyari, Chopta and Deyara are witnessing rising footfall. The High Altitude Ultra Run at Adi Kailash (14,500 ft) recently drew 750 athletes from 18 states, while tourist numbers jumped from 2,000 to over 30,000 in three years. He promoted a new homestay policy, adventure sports expansion and even destination weddings under ‘Wed in India’, with the banks of the Ganga emerging as winter wedding hotspots.

DEFENCE TOURISM AND NAVY DAY

Ahead of Navy Day, he urged citizens to visit naval museums that chronicle India’s maritime history, including: Khukri Memorial – Diu, Naval Aviation Museum – Goa, Naval Maritime Museum – Kochi, Samudrika Museum – Port Blair, Warship Museum – Karwar, Submarine & Aircraft Museums – Visakhapatnam

RISING SPORTS CULTURE

November was a “super hit month for Indian sports”, the PM said.

India won: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Kabaddi World Cup (Women), Blind Cricket World Cup – undefeated champions, 20 medals at Deaf Olympics (Tokyo), 20 medals at World Boxing Cup Finals A new fitness culture is emerging with over 1500 endurance events held every month nationwide. The Ironman Triathlon in Goa showcased India’s growing athletic spirit.

RESILIENCE AND UNITY

Concluding his address, PM Modi said: “Dedication, team spirit and the courage to rise after falling — this is the strength of Viksit Bharat. When we meet next month, the year 2025 will be ending. Take care during winter, and continue celebrating the diversity of our great nation.”