Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party National President JP Nadda and National Democratic Alliance Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers listen to the 122nd episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
ANI
In his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India’s soldiers destroyed terror bases with indomitable courage aided by weapons, equipment and technology that was made in India. Noting that the mission reflected the resolve of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, he added that there is a renewed focus on “Vocal for Local”.
“Our soldiers destroyed terror bases; it was their indomitable courage, along with the power of weapons, equipment and technology made in India. It also included the resolve of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The sweat of our engineers, our technicians, in fact, that of everyone… is involved in this victory. After this campaign, a renewed energy is visible in the whole country regarding ‘Vocal for Local’,” he stated.
The Prime Minister said that “Operation Sindoor” was not just a “military mission” but reflects a picture of resolve, courage and a transforming India. He said it has also infused the whole country with a sense of patriotism and has painted it in the hues of the tricolour. “Friends, the valour displayed by our forces during Operation Sindoor has made every Indian proud. The precision and accuracy with which our forces destroyed the terrorist hideouts across the border is amazing. Operation Sindoor has lent a new confidence and enthusiasm to the fight against terrorism across the world,” he said.
“Friends, Operation Sindoor is not just a military mission; it is a picture of our resolve, courage and a transforming India and this picture has infused the whole country with a sense of patriotism and has painted it in the hues of the tricolour. You must have seen that in many cities, villages and small towns of the country, Tiranga Yatras were organised,” Modi added.
“‘Operation Sindoor’ has influenced the people of the country so much that many families have made it a part of their lives. In Katihar in Bihar, Kushinagar in UP, and many other cities, children born during that period have been named ‘Sindoor’,” he added.
He urged all citizens to take a pledge that wherever possible, to accord priority to products made in the country. He said this was not just a matter of economic self-reliance but also in line with nation building.
During his monthly radio programme, the Prime Minister touched on various examples of growth and development in the country. He also hailed the development that within five years, the population of lions in Gir, Gujarat, has increased from 674 to 891. Stating that a lion census is a challenging exercise, he elaborated on the census exercise that enabled the counting of lions to be completed with utmost precision.
“Friends, the rise in the population of the Asiatic Lion shows that when the sense of ownership strengthens in the society, amazing results happen. Along with the latest technology, global best practices were also adopted there. During this time, Gujarat became the first State where women were appointed as Forest Officers on a large scale. All these have contributed to the results we are seeing today. We will have to remain vigilant and alert like this for wildlife protection,” he added.
Referring to the recently celebrated “World Bee Day,” Modi stated that in the past 11 years’ production of honey in India has increased by about 60 per cent to 1.25 lakh tonnes. “Friends, National Beekeeping and ‘Honey Mission’ have a big role in this positive impact. Under this, thousands of farmers associated with beekeeping were imparted training, equipment and their direct access to the market was created,” he added. He also noted that the “sweetness of honey” is the taste of self-reliant India and urged citizens to buy it from honey entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs and local farmers.
Published on May 25, 2025