PM Highlights Indigenous Defence, Public Participation and Environmental Conservation in Mann Ki Baat
New Delhi, June 28 (TNT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in the defence sector, lauded citizens’ participation in nation-building, and called for environmental conservation and support for local artisans during the June edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
The Prime Minister said India achieved significant milestones in June in defence and aerospace, citing the induction of indigenous naval platforms—INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray—into the Indian Navy.
He also noted that the Made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft had completed its maiden flight, describing it as a major boost to the country’s aerospace sector, MSMEs and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He further said the successful test of an indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) reflected India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing.
Referring to International Yoga Day, Modi said yoga programmes were organised at over 2,500 locations across the world, while crores of people participated in events across India.
He also congratulated Indian athletes for topping the medal tally with 114 medals, including 102 gold, at the World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad.
The Prime Minister thanked citizens for responding positively to his recent appeals in view of the prevailing war-like situation in West Asia, saying many families had deferred gold purchases, postponed foreign travel, adopted carpooling and embraced natural farming practices.
Highlighting social welfare initiatives, Modi urged people to enrol in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, saying the low-cost insurance schemes had provided financial assistance to millions of families across the country.
Speaking against superstition, he cited the conservation of the rare Hargila bird in Assam as an example of how scientific awareness and community participation can transform public attitudes towards wildlife.
The Prime Minister also praised sports initiatives such as the Nagaland Baby League and the Nagaland Women Futsal League for encouraging greater participation among children and women.
On education and technology, Modi highlighted Nalanda University’s revival of the ancient tradition of Shaastraarth (intellectual discourse) and welcomed the Central Sanskrit University’s launch of a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science aimed at integrating modern technology with India’s traditional knowledge systems.
He also appreciated efforts by Spanish-speaking enthusiasts in the Dominican Republic to learn Vedic literature and chant Sanskrit mantras, describing it as a reflection of India’s growing cultural influence abroad.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s living root bridges, Modi said India had nominated the unique structures for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage network and praised local communities for preserving the ecological heritage.
The Prime Minister also lauded women in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district for converting plastic waste into eco-bricks to beautify public spaces.
With Ganesh Utsav approaching, Modi urged people to purchase clay idols made by local artisans and avoid Plaster of Paris idols to protect water bodies and promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.
Concluding the programme, the Prime Minister called upon citizens to continue contributing to nation-building and urged them to conserve every drop of rainwater by strengthening the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign.
TNT KS
