During episode 136 of Mann Ki Baat,Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted achievements across India,from a Manipur astrophysicist to recycling project in Bihar.
Dr. Ronaldo Laishram,originally from Manipur and now in Japan,was praised for discovering Loktak proto-cluster, group of young galaxies. Modi remarked,"His name is Ronaldo,but he’s an astrophysicist. He works in Japan and was part of the team that discovered a large cluster of young galaxies. They named this entire cluster the Loktak proto-cluster,after a beautiful lake in Manipur."
Modi also highlighted an environmental effort in Sitamarhi,Bihar, where officials recycle plastic waste into public benches. Each bench uses about 40 kilograms of single-use plastic,placed in schools, parks, community areas. Modi said, "A wonderful example of ‘Waste to Wealth’ has emerged in Sitamarhi,Bihar. Here,waste is being recycled to create attractive benches. These benches are strong,durable,comfortable, and eco-friendly."
He noted the initiative's dual role in job creation,community involvement,stating,"Both local bodies and district administration play vital roles in this effort . That’s also generating local employment opportunities . In Sitamarhi, ‘Reduce, Reuse,and Recycle’ is no longer just a slogan but is becoming part of our lives."
Touching on environmental conservation,Modi shared that Indian Grey Hornbill has returned to Gujarat's Gir forests after 60 years,crediting restoration efforts. "Hornbills are called farmers of the forests. They eat fruits and spread seeds far and wide, from which new trees grow in forest. In this way, a bird helps re-green the forest," he explained.
Public participation was another focus,with Modi lauding a record event in Ahmedabad where over 350,000 saplings were planted in an hour by more than 25,000 people, earning a Guinness World Record. "Amazing power of public participation demonstrated in Ahmedabad. These saplings will form a dense urban forest," Modi noted.
Women-led entrepreneurship got nod, as Modi highlighted a self-help group in Lakhiwala village, Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, for creating 'Vidur Prerana Swadeshi Herbal Tea' from lemongrass and turmeric. Modi praised its growth from a one lakh rupee investment to a brand reaching major institutions. "When local knowledge,nature, women’s confidence come together, even a small effort can become beginning of big change," he remarked .
In Kashmir,Modi recognized Ghulam Hussain and his daughter Tanzila for preserving traditional ‘Wagu’ mat-making craft. "When you have both skill and a passion to do something, every path becomes easy. This is reflected in the efforts being made today to preserve Kashmir’s traditional mat, the ‘Wagu’," Modi said.
Another initiative in South Chittoor, Ernakulam,Kerala, featured a school Sanskrit club promoting language through ‘Aksharakanduk’, linking Sanskrit letters to football terms for fun learning. Modi noted, "Named ‘Aksharakanduk’; it explains Sanskrit letters in a simple manner by linking them to terms used in football."
Modi also mentioned efforts in Tripura to revive ‘Chongprung’ bamboo musical instrument,with Suraj Kumar Debbarma leading its resurgence among youth. "Made of bamboo,this instrument has three strings. tune it produces is very melodious,similar to that of sarod," he described.
As Modi shared these stories,several BJP leaders and Chief Ministers from various states,including Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai,tuned in, reflecting wider interest in local initiatives…
