New Delhi, Jan 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged Indian industry and start-ups to make quality and excellence their defining benchmark, saying the era of “somehow it works” was over as India emerged as the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem.
Addressing the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat—the first broadcast of 2026—Modi linked India’s rapid economic growth with civic responsibility, innovation and people-led social change, ahead of Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
“India’s economy is progressing rapidly and the world is watching us,” the Prime Minister said. “At such a juncture, we all shoulder a huge responsibility—quality, quality and only quality. Let excellence become our benchmark.”
The Prime Minister began the address by highlighting National Voter’s Day, observed on January 25, calling voting both a privilege and a constitutional duty. He urged young Indians to celebrate the milestone of becoming a voter in the same spirit as birthdays.
“A voter is the soul of democracy,” PM Modi said, encouraging first-time voters to register as soon as they turn 18 and suggesting community celebrations to raise awareness about the importance of voting.
Recalling the launch of the Start-up India initiative in January 2016, PM Modi said the past decade had transformed India’s innovation landscape. From artificial intelligence and space to green hydrogen and biotechnology, Indian start-ups are now active in sectors “unimaginable 10 years ago,” he noted.
“Today, India has turned into the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world,” he said, saluting young entrepreneurs for stepping out of their comfort zones and creating history.
He reiterated his “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” vision, stressing that Indian products—from textiles to electronics and even packaging—must be globally synonymous with top quality to achieve the goal of a Viksit Bharat.
A significant part of the broadcast showcased community-led initiatives across the country. PM Modi praised residents of Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh for reviving the Tamsa river through a people’s campaign, and villagers in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, for restoring reservoirs and increasing green cover under the Ananta Neeru Sanrakshanam Project.
He also highlighted efforts ranging from a community kitchen in Chandanki village of Gujarat, to a successful anti-addiction movement in Sheikhgund village of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.
“This spirit of public participation and collectivity is our country’s greatest strength,” the Prime Minister said.
Noting changing cultural expressions among the youth, PM Modi welcomed the growing popularity of “bhajan clubbing” among Gen Z, calling it a creative blend of modernity and spirituality that preserves the sanctity of devotional music.
He also lauded Swachh Bharat efforts led by young volunteers in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, recycling initiatives in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru, and individual environmental champions such as West Bengal’s Benoy Das and Madhya Pradesh forest guard Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar, who documented medicinal plants for future generations.
Underlining the scale of environmental action, PM Modi said over 200 crore trees have been planted nationwide under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
The Prime Minister welcomed the sustained popularity of millets, or Shree Anna, crediting women farmer collectives in Tamil Nadu and farmer producer companies in Rajasthan for adding value through processing and innovation. He also praised temples adopting millets in prasad, calling it a boost to both farmer incomes and public health.
PM Modi commended the Indian diaspora in Malaysia for preserving Indian languages and culture, citing initiatives such as Tamil schools and heritage walks organised by the Malaysia India Heritage Society.
“I am proud of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia; they are bringing India and Malaysia even closer,” he said.
Concluding the broadcast, PM Modi announced that the India AI Impact Summit would be held in February, bringing global technology experts to showcase India’s achievements in artificial intelligence.
Extending Republic Day greetings, the Prime Minister said Mann Ki Baat would continue to celebrate grassroots achievements and national milestones.
“This programme gives all of us an opportunity to realise and celebrate our country’s achievements,” he said, signing off with best wishes to the nation.
