New Delhi, Dec 28 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described 2025 as a landmark year that strengthened India’s confidence and global standing, highlighting achievements in national security, sports, science, youth-led innovation and cultural preservation while addressing the 129th edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Reflecting on the year that is drawing to a close, the Prime Minister said India left a “strong imprint” across the world — from security operations and international sports arenas to scientific laboratories and global platforms.
He said 2025 offered many moments that made every Indian proud and prepared the country to move into 2026 with new hope and resolve.
PM Modi pointed to “Operation Sindoor” as a symbol of India’s uncompromising stand on national security, saying the operation showcased the nation’s unity and collective resolve. He also recalled the enthusiastic public participation in the 150th anniversary celebrations of Vande Mataram, calling it a reflection of deep-rooted patriotism.
The Prime Minister said 2025 was a memorable year for Indian sports, citing victories by the men’s cricket team in the ICC Champions Trophy, the women’s cricket team’s maiden World Cup win, and historic triumphs by India’s daughters in the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup. India also saw success in para-sports, with athletes winning multiple medals at world championships, proving that determination can overcome all barriers.
In science and space, Modi highlighted that Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, while India also made strides in environmental conservation, with the cheetah population crossing 30.
He said faith, culture and heritage were equally prominent, from the grand Prayagraj Mahakumbh at the beginning of the year to the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya towards the end.
Calling India’s youth the biggest reason the world looks at the country with hope, PM Modi said Yuva Shakti combines innovation with awareness.
He cited the recently concluded Smart India Hackathon 2025, where students worked on over 270 real-life problems posed by more than 80 government departments, offering solutions on issues ranging from traffic management and digital fraud to agriculture and rural banking.
The Prime Minister announced that the second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue will be held on January 12, National Youth Day, coinciding with Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.
He said he would personally participate in the dialogue, where young Indians will present ideas on innovation, startups, fitness and agriculture.
PM Modi also highlighted inspiring examples of cultural rootedness amid technological progress, including Geetanjali IISc, which began as a small music class at the Indian Institute of Science and has now become the campus’s cultural hub. He praised efforts by the Indian diaspora, such as Kannada families in Dubai running Kannada Pathshalas to keep children connected to their language.
Sharing grassroots success stories, the Prime Minister spoke about a young innovator from Manipur who used solar power to electrify remote areas, improve healthcare access and strengthen livelihoods.
He linked such efforts to government initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which households receive financial support for installing solar panels.
PM Modi also underlined India’s rich civilisational heritage, referring to recent archaeological discoveries in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, that revealed a nearly 2,000-year-old Buddhist complex. He praised initiatives to promote Indian languages abroad, including Tamil language celebrations in Fiji, and at home through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, where even Hindi-speaking children in Varanasi are learning Tamil.
Paying tribute to lesser-known freedom fighters, the Prime Minister recalled Odisha’s Parvati Giri, whose birth centenary will be observed in January 2026, and urged citizens to explore the “Unsung Heroes” section of the government’s freedom struggle portal.
PM Modi also sounded a note of caution on public health, citing an ICMR report that warned of rising antibiotic resistance.
He urged people not to self-medicate and to use antibiotics only on doctors’ advice.
Concluding the final Mann Ki Baat episode of 2025, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to stay connected with India’s traditions, support local artisans, participate in cultural festivals like the Rann Utsav in Kutch, and adopt healthy lifestyles under the Fit India Movement.
He extended his best wishes for 2026, expressing confidence that the collective efforts of citizens will turn the vision of a Viksit Bharat into reality.
