PM Modi Highlights Surgical Strike Anniversary, Census, Heritage and Youth Initiatives in 138th Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi, September 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strikes, the ongoing census exercise, heritage conservation, environmental protection, the campaign against drug abuse and the promotion of sports talent during the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

Marking the upcoming 10th anniversary of the September 28-29, 2016 surgical strikes, the Prime Minister recalled the Indian Army’s action across the Line of Control against terrorist targets. He said the operation demonstrated India’s approach to counter-terrorism and referred to subsequent operations, including the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor.

Modi also recalled previous terrorist attacks, including the September 2008 Delhi serial blasts and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, while saying that India today follows a “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism.

Census exercise underway

The Prime Minister spoke about the ongoing census and said the first phase was nearing completion across states and Union Territories, with data of more than 32 crore families recorded.

He said census work was continuing in remote and snow-bound areas, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

Modi urged citizens to participate in the census and highlighted the facility for self-enumeration through the online census portal. According to him, more than 2.60 crore people had already completed self-enumeration through their mobile phones.

Modi pays tribute to Ashok Singhal

The Prime Minister also marked the birth centenary of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad International Working President Ashok Singhal, who was born on September 27, 1926.

Recalling Singhal’s contribution to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Modi also highlighted his work against social discrimination and inequality. He paid tribute to Singhal on the occasion of his birth centenary.

Somnath and Modhera heritage recalled

Modi referred to the Somnath Swabhiman Parv and spoke about the historical destruction and reconstruction of the Somnath Temple.

He also discussed the history of the Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat, noting its destruction in different periods and its subsequent significance as a symbol of India’s cultural heritage.

The Prime Minister highlighted Modhera’s development as India’s first solar village and urged citizens to visit the heritage site.

Focus on heritage and environment

The Prime Minister cited the work of A. Selvaraju in Manapparai, Tamil Nadu, who has been documenting ancient sculptures and temples, and said similar efforts could help people connect more closely with India’s heritage.

On cleanliness, Modi highlighted community-led initiatives in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, Delhi and West Bengal, stressing the role of public participation in sanitation campaigns.

He also cited conservation efforts in Assam’s Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, where elephants have returned following the removal of encroachments, and spoke about conservation of the endangered pygmy hog.

In West Bengal’s Sundarbans, he highlighted women from Jharkhali who are planting mangroves while earning livelihoods, including women who lost their husbands in tiger attacks.

Call for drug-free youth

The Prime Minister said millions of young people had taken a pledge to stay away from drugs under the Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, a campaign that he said would run for 100 weeks.

He said volunteers associated with MY Bharat, NSS, educational institutions and social and spiritual organisations were participating in awareness programmes, pledge ceremonies, competitions and street plays.

Modi urged families and communities to support young people struggling with addiction and called for collective efforts towards a drug-free youth population.

Sports talent identification

The Prime Minister recalled his announcement of a sports talent hunt from the Red Fort and stressed the need to identify sporting talent in villages and smaller towns.

He highlighted the work of former hockey player and coach Rajinder Singh ‘Senior’, a member of India’s 1980 Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team. Modi referred to Singh’s work through the RoundGlass Hockey Academy and his efforts to develop hockey facilities and identify young talent in villages.

Amla-based entrepreneurship in Pratapgarh

Modi highlighted the traditional cultivation and processing of amla in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, saying the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative had created new opportunities for local farmers and women.

He cited women-led self-help groups producing amla candy, preserves, juice, pickles and digestive products, and said access to machinery, loans and markets had helped increase their incomes.

The Prime Minister called for local products to reach markets across India and abroad and reiterated the importance of the “Vocal for Local” initiative during the festive season.

Focus on nutrition

Speaking about September’s Nutrition Month, Modi highlighted initiatives in several states to address malnutrition.

He referred to Chhattisgarh’s campaign promoting moringa, Gujarat’s millet-based food competition, awareness initiatives in Maharashtra and nutrition-garden efforts in Mizoram.

He also highlighted the digital integration of Anganwadi centres through the Poshan Tracker and said approximately nine crore beneficiaries were registered on the platform.

Ganesha traditions beyond India

The Prime Minister also spoke about the international spread of traditions associated with Lord Ganesha, citing the example of Thailand.

He referred to Shriman Panthoun Thirkhanon, who has studied Ganesha traditions for decades and established the Ganesha Himal Museum in Chiang Mai in 2002.

According to Modi, the museum houses more than 10,000 Ganesha idols and has helped promote the Ashtavinayak tradition among devotees in Thailand.

Concluding the programme, the Prime Minister urged citizens to continue sharing inspiring stories from their communities and extended greetings for the upcoming festivals.

(PIB)