Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 138th episode of Mann Ki Baat on September 27, 2026. The address covered a wide range of topics, primarily focusing on national achievements, social initiatives, and developmental programs.
The PM commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan, describing it as a decisive response to terrorism that demonstrated India's new counter-terrorism policy. He also noted that this year marks 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks and extended condolences to the bereaved families of Indian victims.
Regarding the national census, Modi reported that the first phase is nearly complete across all states and union territories, with data already recorded for over 32 crore families. Work is ongoing in remote, snow-clad regions of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. The self-enumeration facility on the census online portal (se.census.gov.in) has been used by more than 2 crore 60 lakh people to enter their details via mobile, available in Hindi and 16 other languages without requiring document uploads.
The address highlighted several regional development initiatives, particularly the 'One District One Product' (ODOP) scheme that is boosting local economies. In Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 100 units related to Amla processing are operational, with women from self-help groups like Savitri Phule Self-Help Group and Vindhyavasini Self-Help Group producing candy, preserves, juice, pickle, and digestive powder, leading to increased income through access to new markets.
Modi announced a 100-week 'Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan' campaign against substance abuse, which has already seen thousands of pledge ceremonies and awareness programs across the country. The campaign involves volunteers from 'MY Bharat', NSS, educational institutions, and social organizations, with activities including health check-ups and meditation camps planned.
Other initiatives mentioned include Modhera village in Gujarat becoming the country's first 'Surya Gram' (Solar Village) running entirely on solar energy, conservation efforts for Pygmy Hogs in Assam (population now over 190), and women in Sundarbans creating mangrove forests for protection and livelihood. Various state-level nutrition campaigns were also highlighted, including Chhattisgarh's 'Har Ghar Munga' promoting Moringa, Gujarat's 'Vangi Spardha' millet dish competition with over two lakh participants, and Mizoram's 'Poshan Vatika' upkeep campaign.
The PM acknowledged individuals contributing to national causes, including A. Selvaraju in Tamil Nadu who discovered ancient sculptures and temples, and Rajinder Singh (1980 Olympic gold medalist in hockey) who is identifying rural hockey talent through Round Glass Hockey Academy.
This content may not be financially relevant.