New Delhi, 28 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 129th episode of his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme broadcast on Sunday, reminisced about India's stellar achievements throughout 2025—from the men's cricket team's ICC Champions Trophy victory and the women's historic first Cricket World Cup title to breakthroughs in para-athletics, space exploration, and cultural milestones—while outlining aspirations and challenges for 2026.

The Prime Minister evoked poignant moments including the women's Blind T20 World Cup win, Asia Cup T20 success, para-athletes' medals at world championships, Shubhanshu Shukla becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), the grand Prayagraj Mahakumbh, and the flag-hoisting ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple, underscoring how these unified the nation and instilled pride across security, sports, science, space, and global forums.

Youth Innovation and Sporting Glory

PM Modi highlighted India's youth as the driving force behind Viksit Bharat, praising their zeal and awareness amid 2025's highlights: the men's ICC Champions Trophy triumph, women's unprecedented World Cup conquest, daughters scripting history in the Women's Blind T20 World Cup, Asia Cup T20 flag-waving, and para-athletes elevating national honour through world championship medals, cementing 2025 as a landmark year in sports history.

In science and space, Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS milestone exemplified India's technological prowess and global scientific stature, while cultural unity shone through Prayagraj Mahakumbh's awe-inspiring scale at year's start and Ayodhya Ram Temple's flag-hoisting finale, embodying spiritual resurgence.

Hackathons, Cultural Revival, Diaspora Efforts

The Prime Minister lauded Smart India Hackathon 2025's culmination, where students tackled over 270 challenges from 80+ government departments, delivering innovative real-world solutions for governance and society. He spotlighted IISc Bengaluru's Gitanjali Cultural Centre evolving from a classroom into a vibrant hub blending Hindustani classical music, folk traditions, and arts, fostering cultural dialogue among students, professors, and families.

PM Modi commended Dubai's Kannada families for launching Kannada Pathshala to preserve mother tongues amid technological advances, teaching children to read, write, and speak Kannada—a model for diaspora cultural safeguarding. He affirmed 2025's collective strengths pave the way for 2026's renewed goals, resolve, and confidence, with no incidents marring the broadcast.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar