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'Let us make excellence our benchmark': PM Modi salutes young entrepreneurs
'Let us make excellence our benchmark': PM Modi salutes young entrepreneurs in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the first Mann Ki Baat episode of 2026. The broadcast marked the 130th edition of his monthly radio programme and coincided with the eve of India's 77th Republic Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the first Mann Ki Baat episode of 2026. The broadcast marked the 130th edition of his monthly radio programme and coincided with the eve of India's 77th Republic Day.
Celebrating India's entrepreneurial spirit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared during the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday that Indian startups have established a presence across all major technology sectors, from artificial intelligence and space exploration to nuclear energy, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and biotechnology.
Addressing the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi said, "These days I am seeing an interesting trend on social media. People are reliving their memories of the year 2016. In the same spirit, today I too would like to share one of my memories with you. Ten years ago, in January 2016, we embarked upon an ambitious journey. We had realised then that even if it were a small one, it was very important for the future of the country for the young generation. Today, India has turned into the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. These Start-ups are out of the box; they are working in sectors that were unimaginable even 10 years ago."
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While saluting young entrepreneurs, Prime Minister Modi also urged Indian manufacturers to improve quality across textiles, technology, electronics, and packaging so that the "Indian product" becomes synonymous with "top quality" worldwide.
"AI, Space, Nuclear Energy, Semiconductors, Mobility, Green Hydrogen, Biotechnology, you name it, and you'll find one Indian Start-up or the other working in that sector. I salute all my young friends who are associated with one Start-up or the other, or want to start one of their own. Let us resolve to improve the quality of whatever we manufacture. Be it our textiles, technology, electronics, or packaging, the connotation of an Indian product should become ‘top quality'. Let us make excellence our benchmark," he said.
During the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of encouraging first-time voters and strengthening democratic participation. He suggested that communities should celebrate young citizens when they become eligible to vote, saying such gestures would help raise awareness about voting and reinforce the significance of being a voter.
"Just as we wish and celebrate birthdays similarly, whenever a young person becomes a voter for the first time, the entire neighbourhood, village, or city should come together to congratulate them and distribute sweets. That would raise awareness about voting and strengthen the feeling of how important it is to be a voter," he said.
Prime Minister Modi said that January 26, Republic Day, marks the day the Constitution came into effect and provides an opportunity to pay homage to the founding fathers of the Constitution.
"This is the first 'Mann Ki Baat' of the year 2026. Tomorrow, on the 26th of January, we will celebrate our Republic Day. Our Constitution came into effect on this very day. This day, the 26th of January, gives us an opportunity to pay homage to the founding fathers of our Constitution," he said.
PM Narendra Modi said, "The family system in India is an important part of our tradition. It is viewed with great curiosity in many countries around the world. In many countries, such family systems are highly respected. Just a few days ago, my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, visited India. He conveyed to me that the UAE is celebrating 2026 as the Year of the Family."
PM Narendra Modi said, "Bhajans and kirtans have been the soul of our culture for centuries. Today's youth have incorporated the spirit of devotion into their experiences and lifestyles. Large numbers of the youth are gathering in different cities across the country. The stage is decorated. There is all the pomp and show, and the atmosphere is no less than a concert. But what is being sung there is a Bhajan. This trend is being called 'bhajan clubbing' today, and it's becoming increasingly popular, especially among Gen Z."
PM Narendra Modi said, "The tradition of Chandanki village in Beharaji, Gujarat is unique. People here, especially the elderly, do not cook in their homes. The reason for this is the village's magnificent community kitchen. Food for the entire village is cooked in this community kitchen, and people sit together to eat. This tradition has been continuing for the past 15 years. This initiative not only connects people, it also fosters a sense of family."
Emphasising that India has emerged as the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world, Prime Minister Modi said start-ups are working in sectors that were unimaginable even a decade ago.
Source: ZeeNews
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