New Delhi, August 31(HS): In his 125th Mann Ki Baat episode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation with a stirring reflection on the recent monsoon devastation, heroic rescue efforts, and uplifting stories of progress that inspire hope and unity. Opening with words of empathy, he acknowledged the widespread suffering from floods and landslides that have ravaged homes, fields, and infrastructure, extending his deepest condolences to bereaved families. Highlighting the relentless toil of the NDRF, SDRF, armed forces, and local volunteers who employed cutting-edge technology like thermal cameras, drones, and sniffer dogs for timely rescue, he saluted their heroic commitment and the nation's spirit of humanity amid adversity.

Turning to brighter horizons, Modi spotlighted two remarkable milestones in Jammu and Kashmir. The historic first day-night cricket match in Pulwama, drawing thousands of enthusiastic youth spectators, symbolizes the region's transformative journey. Equally momentous was the inaugural 'Khelo India Water Sports Festival' held on the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar, attracting over 800 athletes nationwide with nearly equal female participation—a celebration of inclusivity and burgeoning aquatic sports culture. Personal conversations with medalists Rashmita Sahu from Odisha and Mohsin Ali from Srinagar revealed inspiring narratives of talent, perseverance, and dreams, underscoring sports as a unifying force that nurtures potential and national pride.

Expanding on empowerment themes, the Prime Minister unveiled 'Pratibha Setu', a novel digital platform bridging meritorious UPSC candidates who missed final selection with private sector employment opportunities—an innovative step to harness latent talent and restore hope. Sharing a compelling global connection, Modi recounted how his recent podcast interaction with famed podcaster Lex Fridman sparked interest from a German football coach, leading to training opportunities for Indian youths from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh—testament to India's growing sports eminence on the world stage.

Celebrating grassroots patriotism, the narrative of Jitendra Singh Rathod, a Surat-based security guard who meticulously honors martyred soldiers' sacrifices, was a poignant reminder of devotion that fuels the nation's soul. On sustainable development, the Prime Minister praised the transformative power of solar energy among farmers, epitomized by Devki ji of Bihar whose solar pump irrigates expanded farmland and fosters village prosperity while embracing digital modes of transaction.

Honoring engineers and artisans ahead of Engineers’ Day and Vishwakarma Jayanti, Modi acknowledged their pivotal roles as creators and preservers of India's prosperity, reaffirming government initiatives that support these craftsmen. A poignant audio clip of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel evoked the valor behind Hyderabad’s liberation, commemorated next month, celebrating the triumph of unity over adversity.

Globally, the enduring impact of Indian culture resonated with the unveiling of Maharishi Valmiki’s statue in Camp-Rotondo, Italy, a grand statue of Lord Ram in Canada, and a Ramayana-themed art exhibition by Russian children in Vladivostok, spotlighting India’s rich cultural diplomacy reaching far corners of the world.

Concluding with festival fervor, the Prime Minister urged citizens to champion Swadeshi products during Ganesh Utsav festivities to sustain economic self-reliance under the banners of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. He emphasized that the joy of festivals is amplified by cleanliness, calling on all to nurture this ethos as a mark of collective pride and progress.

Prime Minister Modi’s address resonated as a heartfelt blend of compassion, celebration, and call to action—embodying the spirit of a resilient, united, and progressive India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar