New Delhi, 28 June (H.S.):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said June had been a month of remarkable achievements and inspiring initiatives for India, highlighting the country's growing indigenous defence capabilities, progress in aviation, the global popularity of yoga, wildlife conservation efforts in Assam, sports development in Nagaland and the expansion of social security schemes. He said these positive developments across diverse sectors were giving fresh momentum to the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
Addressing the nation in the 135th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said the first half of 2026 was drawing to a close and India had registered significant progress in several fields over the past six months. He said the achievements of June had not only demonstrated the country's capabilities but had also strengthened the confidence of its citizens.
PM Modi said the recent induction of three new warships into the Indian Navy marked another milestone in India's journey towards defence self-reliance. He noted that the ships had been designed, developed and built entirely in India, reflecting the success of the country's indigenous defence manufacturing programme. He added that India was steadily reaching new heights in defence production and that homegrown technologies were further strengthening national security.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the successful maiden flight of the Made-in-India C-295 military transport aircraft earlier this month. He described it as a landmark achievement for India's aviation and defence manufacturing sectors, adding that 40 such aircraft would be produced in the country. According to Modi, the project would strengthen the aerospace industry, create employment opportunities for young people and benefit a large number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Praising scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), PM Modi referred to the successful test of the indigenous long-range land-attack cruise missile. He said the achievement had significantly enhanced India's defence capabilities and demonstrated the country's rapid progress in developing advanced military technologies.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the overwhelming success of the International Day of Yoga celebrations this year. He said yoga events were organised at more than 2,500 prominent locations across the world, while millions of people in India and abroad participated in the celebrations. Referring to the World Yogasana Championship 2026 held in Ahmedabad, PM Modi noted that Indian athletes topped the medal standings by winning 114 medals, including 102 gold medals, showcasing India's leadership in promoting yoga globally.
Highlighting environmental conservation, PM Modi praised the Hargila conservation movement in Assam. He recalled that the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork was once considered a bad omen, leading many people to destroy its nesting trees. However, he said the efforts of noted conservationist Purnima Devi Barman and thousands of local women, who formed the Hargila Army, had transformed public perception. Today, the bird has become a symbol of community pride and successful conservation through public participation.
The Prime Minister also lauded sports development initiatives in Nagaland. He referred to the Nagaland Baby League, a football programme for children between the ages of five and twelve, saying it had played a key role in nurturing talent, building confidence and encouraging personality development among young participants. Now in its third year, the league includes both boys and girls and has strengthened the sporting culture in the state.
PM Modi further highlighted the Nagaland Women's Futsal League, describing it as an important platform for women athletes. He said futsal, a fast-paced version of football played with five players on each side, helped participants develop quick decision-making skills and technical excellence while encouraging greater participation of women in sports.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of the Centre's social security schemes. He said the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana had become an effective safety net for economically weaker sections by offering accident insurance of Rs 2 lakh for an annual premium of just Rs 20. According to him, more than 58 crore people have enrolled under the scheme.
Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, PM Modi said the programme provides life insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh for an annual premium of Rs 436 and has benefited more than 27 crore people. He urged citizens to spread awareness about these schemes so that more families could benefit from them.
The Prime Minister also shared the inspiring example of the Pethkar family from Bahadurpura village in Maharashtra's Nanded district. Instead of distributing conventional gifts during a wedding, the family arranged accident insurance worth Rs 1 lakh each for nearly 3,500 villagers. PM Modi described the initiative as an outstanding example of social responsibility and compassion and encouraged people to link their personal celebrations with community welfare by extending support to those in need.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
