PM Modi skips student protest in Mann Ki Baat, pays tribute to Kargil heroes
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to the armed forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas and highlighted achievements in defence, sports, science and environmental conservation during his Mann Ki Baat radio address.
The address came a day after students ended their protest at Jantar Mantar following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The Prime Minister did not comment on the protests.
Paying tribute to Kargil war heroes, Modi said the day reminds the nation of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
He also referred to the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a motorcycle rally that began on July 14 from the National War Memorial in New Delhi and will conclude at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. The rally carries the message, "One Ride, One Nation, One Salute."
PM Modi highlighted India's growing defence capabilities, citing the induction of the indigenous warship INS Mahendragiri, which has more than 75 per cent indigenous content, and the successful testing of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile system by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. He also referred to a BrahMos and Astra missile agreement signed with Indonesia earlier this month.
The Prime Minister praised the achievements of young Indians, including PV Sindhu's Japan Open title and the Indian women's cricket team's 270-run Test victory at Lord's.
He also lauded India's performance at international science competitions, noting that all five Indian participants won gold medals at the International Physics Olympiad, securing the country's top rank. PM Modi said opening the space sector to private participation had created new opportunities for young innovators and cited the launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed rocket.
On environmental initiatives, PM Modi said more than 35 crore saplings were planted in Uttar Pradesh in a single day under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. He also highlighted a recycling initiative in Bihar's Sitamarhi district that converts single-use plastic into benches for schools, parks, and public spaces.
Ahead of National Handloom Day on August 7, he urged citizens to buy Khadi, handloom and handicraft products during the festive season, saying Khadi sales have increased to nearly Rs 8,000 crore over the past 12 years.
PM Modi also encouraged people to participate in rainwater harvesting, remembered former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ahead of his death anniversary, extended greetings for Guru Purnima, and urged citizens to hoist the national flag on Independence Day and share their suggestions for the celebrations through the MyGov platform.