New Delhi, June 28 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said June had been a month of inspiring achievements for India in defence self-reliance, advancements in the aviation sector, the global acceptance of Yoga, public participation, social security, environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage. He said the positive changes taking place across different parts of the country are giving new strength to the resolve of building a developed and self-reliant India.

Addressing the 135th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister said the first half of 2026 is drawing to a close and the country has recorded notable achievements across several sectors during the past six months. He said June, in particular, had witnessed a number of successes and people's movements that have further strengthened

India's strategic capability, technological competence, social awareness and global standing.

The Prime Minister said the sense of responsibility and awareness displayed by citizens amid the war-like situation in West Asia reflects India's collective strength. He said people responded positively to his appeal to limit gold purchases, postpone foreign travel, adopt carpooling and promote natural farming. He added that the nation always stands united when it comes to issues of national interest.

He said many families chose to recycle old jewellery instead of purchasing new gold for weddings and other family functions. A large number of people postponed their foreign travel plans and preferred public transport. He said people are increasingly adopting carpooling, helping save petrol and diesel, while reports from several states indicate greater use of natural fertilisers.

The Prime Minister said he recently had the opportunity to participate in an important naval event in Kolkata, where INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray were inducted into the Indian Navy. He said the warships were entirely designed and built in India, describing the achievement as a reflection not only of the country's defence capabilities but also of its technological strength, engineering excellence and self-reliance.

He said India also achieved a historic milestone in the aviation sector during June with the successful maiden flight of the Made-in-India C-295 transport aircraft. He noted that 40 such aircraft are being manufactured in India, providing a major boost to the MSME sector, the aerospace industry and skill development, while creating new employment opportunities for the youth.

The Prime Minister said the DRDO also successfully tested an indigenous long-range land attack cruise missile during the month. He described the achievement as the result of the combined efforts of DRDO and Indian industry, adding that it has further strengthened India's defence capability and enhanced the country's security preparedness across land, sea and air.

The Prime Minister said Indian culture is reaching distant parts of the world. He noted that members of a group named 'Brahmakamal Dominicana' in the Dominican Republic are studying Vedic literature and learning to recite Vedic mantras, describing it as a reflection of India's cultural strength and global influence.

He said Meghalaya's living root bridges are a unique heritage of India. Developed over decades through sustained community effort, these bridges represent an extraordinary example of harmony between nature and human beings. He informed that India has submitted a nomination for their inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Prime Minister said local communities are actively engaged in conserving more than 120 living root bridges. He also mentioned the contribution of Padma awardee Hally War, who has dedicated his life to the preservation of these bridges.

The Prime Minister said the International Day of Yoga once again succeeded in connecting the world with India's cultural heritage. More than 2,500 Yoga programmes were organised across the globe, while millions of people participated in Yoga Day celebrations across India. He said Yoga is no longer merely an Indian tradition but has become a part of the global way of life.

He said Indian athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad. India won a total of 114 medals, including 102 gold medals. He described the achievement as a matter of national pride, adding that it demonstrates Yoga is not only a means of promoting health but is also emerging as a competitive sport with global recognition.

The Prime Minister cited the example of the Pethkar family from Bahadurpura village in Maharashtra's Nanded district, describing it as an inspiring example of social responsibility. He said the family arranged accident insurance cover for nearly 3,500 villagers during a wedding ceremony, providing each beneficiary with insurance coverage of Rs one lakh. He said the initiative demonstrated how personal celebrations could also be linked to social security and public welfare.

The Prime Minister said the Central Government is continuously working to extend social security to crores of families. Under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, accident insurance cover of up to Rs two lakh is available for an annual premium of only Rs 20. He said more than 58 crore people have enrolled under the scheme so far, including nearly 28 crore women, and assistance exceeding Rs 3,700 crore has been provided to affected families.

He said the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana has also become an important source of support for crores of families. The scheme provides life insurance cover of Rs two lakh for an annual premium of Rs 436. More than 27 crore people have enrolled under the scheme, while nearly 11 lakh families have received assistance amounting to about Rs 22,000 crore.

The Prime Minister said superstition holds society back, while science and awareness help it move forward. Referring to the conservation campaign for Assam's Hargila bird, he said the bird was once considered inauspicious and even trees bearing its nests were cut down.

He said wildlife biologist Purnima Devi Barman created awareness among people through scientific facts, following which thousands of women joined the campaign. Today, these women are known as the 'Hargila Army' and are playing a significant role in conserving the rare bird. He said the campaign demonstrates how long-held beliefs can be changed through awareness and public participation.

The Prime Minister also referred to the Nagaland Baby League, saying the initiative is introducing children between the ages of five and twelve to football, helping nurture their talent and encouraging greater interest in sports. He said the Nagaland Women's Futsal League is also providing daughters with opportunities to showcase their sporting abilities. Such initiatives, he said, are paving the way for social transformation through sports and inspiring the youth.

The Prime Minister said it is essential to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity in the age of technology. He noted that Nalanda University has revived the ancient tradition of Shastrartha in a modern form, adding that the culture of dialogue, debate and discussion helps students develop a broader perspective.

He said the Central Sanskrit University has decided to introduce a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. According to him, the initiative will help develop new technologies for Indian languages, digitally preserve ancient texts and integrate traditional knowledge with modern technology.

The Prime Minister said women in Biaora in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh district have set an inspiring example of environmental conservation by converting plastic waste into eco-bricks. He said plastic, once considered a source of pollution, is now being used for beautifying public places.

Referring to the upcoming Ganesh festival, the Prime Minister urged people to give preference to clay idols of Lord Ganesha. He appealed to citizens to avoid Plaster of Paris idols and instead purchase idols made by local artisans. He said 'Vocal for Local' is not merely an economic campaign but also a means of strengthening India's cultural and social fabric.

The Prime Minister said water conservation must become a people's movement. Calling for greater participation in the 'Catch the Rain' campaign, he said saving every drop of rainwater is an important step towards securing the country's future. He appealed to citizens to make water conservation a part of their daily lifestyle.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar