NEW DELHI: In the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, broadcast on June 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a comprehensive vision of a developed India by weaving together the themes of the nation’s defence capabilities, self-reliance, environmental conservation, cultural heritage, sports, education and public participation.
On the one hand, he described the achievements of the DRDO’s indigenously developed Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile and the ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft as symbols of India’s growing strategic strength. On the other, he cited examples such as Assam’s ‘Hargila Army’, Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges, Nagaland’s sporting culture, Bihar’s tradition of Shastrarth (scholarly debate), and the environmental conservation initiative led by women in Madhya Pradesh to demonstrate that nation-building is possible only through the collective participation of society.
Sharing this month’s #MannKiBaat. Do hear as we discuss various subjects. https://t.co/iPlqPndKlS
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
A Secure India from Sea to Sky
Prime Minister Modi said that India is steadily emerging as a self-reliant nation capable of developing advanced defence technologies. He highlighted the successful test of the indigenously developed Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile by the DRDO during June, stating that the achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s defence research capabilities and technological self-reliance. He added that India is continuously strengthening its security architecture from the seas to the skies. The development of indigenous defence technologies will not only reinforce national security but also enhance India’s global standing in defence manufacturing.
Here is how Bihar’s Nalanda University and Central Sanskrit University are beautifully merging tradition with modernity. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/wTWRzdXn0P
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
A New Era in Aircraft Manufacturing
Referring to achievements in the aviation sector, the Prime Minister said that the ‘Made in India’ C-295 transport aircraft has successfully completed its maiden flight. At present, 40 such aircraft are being manufactured within the country. He noted that while India had long remained an importer of defence equipment, it is now producing state-of-the-art aircraft and defence systems domestically. This, he said, will lead to unprecedented growth in employment, technological expertise and defence manufacturing capacity.
Yoga Has United the World
Highlighting the success of the International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister said that this year yoga events were organised at more than 2,500 locations across the world, transforming yoga into a global people’s movement. He expressed pride that India delivered an outstanding performance at the World Yogasana Championship held in Ahmedabad, winning 114 medals, including 102 gold medals. India topped the overall medals table. He said that yoga has now become a symbol of India’s cultural strength and global leadership.
Began today’s #MannKiBaat with positive developments relating to the world of security and self-reliance. pic.twitter.com/8plgsJDMKd
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
Public Participation Visible from Gold Purchases to Carpooling
Prime Minister Modi referred to his recent appeal to the people of India, in which he had urged them to refrain from purchasing new gold for some time, postpone foreign travel and adopt carpooling. He said that citizens not only listened to the appeal but also put it into practice. Many families decided to recycle old jewellery instead of buying new gold for wedding ceremonies.
Similarly, a large number of people adopted carpooling, thereby contributing to fuel conservation and environmental protection. The Prime Minister said that this reflects the collective consciousness of Indian society and its ability to come together during challenging times.
हम भारतवासियों ने बार-बार साबित किया है कि जनभागीदारी की ताकत हमारी बहुत बड़ी पूंजी है। मुझे बेहद खुशी है कि पश्चिम एशिया के संकट को देखते हुए मैंने जो आग्रह किए थे, उनका लोगों ने न सिर्फ खुले दिल से समर्थन किया, बल्कि भरपूर सहयोग भी कर रहे हैं।#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/KiO0XpXJLz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
Assam’s ‘Hargila Army’ Has Changed a Centuries-Old Mindset
The Prime Minister referred to the rare Hargila bird found in Assam and recalled that it was once considered inauspicious, leading people to cut down even the trees where it nested. Biologist Purnima Devi Barman adopted a scientific approach and raised awareness among rural women about the bird’s ecological importance. Gradually, thousands of women joined the movement and are now known as the ‘Hargila Army’. The Prime Minister said that the campaign demonstrates how accurate knowledge and community participation can eliminate long-standing superstitions.
Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges: A Remarkable Harmony between Nature and Humanity
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Meghalaya’s renowned Living Root Bridges, explaining that these structures are not created in a few years but through decades of patient effort. The roots of rubber trees are carefully guided across streams, and over time they grow into strong natural bridges. He said they represent an extraordinary example of harmony between humans and nature. India has also submitted an application to have these Root Bridges included in the UNESCO World Heritage network.
India is proud of the people of Meghalaya for the manner in which they have preserved the root bridges. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/AEqVOB1x8M
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
Nagaland’s Sporting Culture Is Becoming a National Inspiration
The Prime Minister made special mention of two unique sporting initiatives in Nagaland. The first is the Nagaland Baby League, in which children aged between five and twelve play football. Boys and girls participate equally. Having completed three years, the league is providing a new platform for young talent.
The second is the Nagaland Women’s Futsal League, where women are developing leadership qualities, quick decision-making skills and self-confidence through indoor football. The Prime Minister said that sport is an effective medium for personality development.
Proud of my sisters and brothers of Assam for showing the way when it comes to breaking old mindsets and showing compassion to others. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/UiNYc7vFv4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
A Wedding in Maharashtra Delivered a Message of Social Security
The Prime Minister praised the Pethkar family of Bahadurpura village in Maharashtra’s Nanded district for arranging accident insurance worth ₹100,000 for approximately 3,500 residents of the village during a family wedding celebration. He said that linking social occasions such as weddings with initiatives for public welfare is highly inspiring and could serve as an example for others.
नांदेड़ में बहादुरपुरा के पेठकर परिवार ने विवाह के अवसर पर गांव के लोगों का दुर्घटना बीमा कराकर एक नई मिसाल कायम की है। मेरा आग्रह है कि मुसीबत में लोगों का सुरक्षा कवच बन रहीं प्रधानमंत्री सुरक्षा बीमा योजना और प्रधानमंत्री जीवन ज्योति बीमा योजना की जानकारी भी आप अपने परिवार से… pic.twitter.com/7IyaHEgB0m
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
Nalanda Revives India’s Tradition of Shastrarth
The Prime Minister said that Nalanda University in Bihar has revived India’s ancient tradition of Shastrarth. He explained that Shastrarth is not merely debate but a culture founded on logic, evidence, discipline and dialogue. It involves presenting one’s arguments with supporting evidence while listening patiently to the views of others. He added that such a culture of healthy dialogue can guide future leadership in a democratic society.
The Convergence of Sanskrit and Artificial Intelligence
Referring to the Central Sanskrit University in Delhi, the Prime Minister said that the university is set to launch a B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. He described the initiative as a historic step towards integrating modern technology with India’s traditional knowledge systems. It will facilitate the development of new AI tools for Indian languages and accelerate the digitisation of ancient texts and manuscripts.
Women in Madhya Pradesh Turn Plastic Waste into a Resource
The Prime Minister commended the women of Biaora in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district for collecting plastic waste and converting it into eco-bricks. Over the past few months, hundreds of kilograms of plastic have been recycled, producing useful construction material while contributing to environmental conservation. He described the initiative as an excellent example of cleanliness, women’s empowerment and sustainable development.
मध्य प्रदेश के राजगढ़ जिले के ब्यावरा की नारीशक्ति ने कचरे से कमाल कर दिखाया है। उन्होंने प्लास्टिक कचरे को जनभागीदारी से इकट्ठा किया, जिनसे बनी Eco-bricks आज शहर की सुंदरता बढ़ाने में बहुत काम आ रही हैं।#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/7xRZKZQHiT
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
A Message of Indigenous Production and Environmental Protection for Ganeshotsav
Referring to the forthcoming Ganeshotsav, Prime Minister Modi made a special appeal to the people to purchase only clay Ganesh murtis made by local potters and artisans. He urged them not to buy murtis made of Plaster of Paris (PoP). He also asked people to check the country of origin before making a purchase so that local craftsmen are encouraged and the environment is protected.
आने वाले गणेश उत्सव को देखते हुए गणपति बाप्पा की मूर्तियां बनाने वालों और उनके खरीदारों से मेरा यह विशेष आग्रह…#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/XqdJyYsR5Y
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 28, 2026
It is noteworthy that, in the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that the vision of a developed India is not confined to economic growth alone. At its core are indigenous defence technology, scientific thinking, environmental conservation, cultural heritage, sports, modern education and the active participation of society.
