Bhubaneswar: During the 124th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised two inspiring initiatives from Odisha that reflect a unique blend of cultural preservation and social transformation, led by grassroots women.
In a heartfelt segment, the Prime Minister commended a group of women from Odisha’s Keonjhar district who have adopted an innovative approach to environmental awareness. The group, Radhakrishna Sankirtan Mandali, led by Pramila Pradhan, is using traditional devotional music, such as kirtans and bhajans, to raise awareness about the dangers of forest fires.
“The most beautiful glimpse of India’s diversity is found in our folk songs and traditions. But have you ever heard of people being made aware of forest fires through kirtans? This may sound surprising, but such inspiring work is taking place in Keonjhar, Odisha,” said PM Modi.
କେନ୍ଦୁଝର ଜିଲ୍ଲାର ଶ୍ରୀମତୀ ପ୍ରମିଳା ପ୍ରଧାନଙ୍କ ନେତୃତ୍ଵରେ "ରାଧାକୃଷ୍ଣ ସଙ୍କୀର୍ତ୍ତନ ମଣ୍ଡଳୀ" ସଙ୍କୀର୍ତ୍ତନ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ 'ବନାଗ୍ନି' ସୁରକ୍ଷା କରାଇବା ପ୍ରୟାସକୁ ମାନନୀୟ ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଶ୍ରୀ ନରେନ୍ଦ୍ର ମୋଦୀ ୧୨୪ ତମ ‘ମନ୍ କି ବାତ୍’ ସଂସ୍କରଣରେ ସାଧୁବାଦ ଜଣାଇଛି । #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/TR92LupOch
— BJP Odisha (@BJP4Odisha) July 27, 2025
He explained how the women’s group travels from village to village, singing modified devotional songs that now convey messages about forest conservation and the harmful impact of wildfires. Their songs help villagers understand the importance of protecting their natural surroundings, combining spirituality with social responsibility.
“With devotion, this group is now chanting the mantra of environmental protection. Pramila Pradhan ji’s creativity and leadership have given a new purpose to traditional music. This shows us that our folk traditions are not relics of the past — they have the power to guide society even today,” the Prime Minister noted.
In the same episode, PM Modi also recognized another significant initiative from Odisha the revival of the traditional Santhali saree by over 650 tribal women in Mayurbhanj district. Once a fading part of tribal culture, the Santhali saree is experiencing a resurgence thanks to these women, who are not only preserving their heritage but also becoming economically self-reliant.
“There is a similar success story in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. Here, more than 650 tribal women have revived the Santhali saree. These women are not just making clothes — they are carving their own identity,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the initiative is now helping these women earn thousands of rupees each month, demonstrating how cultural revival can also be a powerful tool for women’s empowerment and economic development.
Union Education Minister Thanks Prime Minister for Highlighting the Bhajan-Kirtan Campaign for Forest Fire Awareness
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan commended the Radha Krishna Sankirtan Mandali of Keonjhar, Odisha, for their innovative use of Bhajan, Kirtan, and folk songs to raise awareness about forest fires and promote environmental responsibility.
In a social media post, Minister Pradhan thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for higligting the Mandali’s efforts during the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, his monthly radio address to the nation.
Bhajan-Kirtan-Folk songs—a unique and inspiring effort to promote awareness on forest fires.
Grateful to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji for highlighting the untiring efforts of Radha Krishna Sankirtan Mandali of Keonjhar, Odisha, to promote responsible actions for environment and… pic.twitter.com/uRG7eNCkPO
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) July 27, 2025
“Bhajan-Kirtan-Folk songs, a unique and inspiring initiative to promote awareness about forest fires,” Pradhan wrote, highlighting the role of cultural traditions in driving social change.
He also praised Pramila Pradhan’s leadership, calling her a true inspiration and a change-maker in society. “Change-makers like Pramila Pradhan ji are truly an inspiration for society,” he added.
The campaign by the Sankirtan Mandali has gained national recognition for effectively blending devotion and public awareness to tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges—forest fires—especially in biodiversity-rich regions like Keonjhar.
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