ANI file photo
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, highlighting developments in technology, social awareness and India’s cultural heritage. PM Modi talked about the AI Impact Summit 2026, where he met global leaders and technology executives. He noted how artificial intelligence is being used across sectors, including animal healthcare and agriculture.In the earlier episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi highlighted the need to improve the quality of Indian manufacturing, praised the rapid growth of the country’s start-up ecosystem, and pointed to evolving cultural trends among young people, including “bhajan clubbing.”
Top quotes from PM Modi’s address:
- At the summit, I got the opportunity to meet the world leaders and Tech CEOs. At the AI summit exhibition, I showed myriad things to world leaders… In this summit, it explained how AI is helping us in the treatment of animals… and how farmers keep track of their dairy and animals with the help of 24×7 AI assistance.
- I showcased many innovations to world leaders. I would like to mention two things in particular: The first innovation was at the Amul booth. It was explained how AI is helping in treating animals and how, with the help of a 24/7 AI assistant, farmers are keeping track of their dairy operations and livestock. The second innovation focused on preserving India’s cultural heritage. Leaders from across the world were surprised to see how, with the help of AI, our ancient scriptures, traditional wisdom, and manuscripts are being preserved and adapted for today’s generation
- In our country, those who have worked for the welfare of society… those who have prioritised the public in their noble deeds always remain in the hearts of the people. Amma Jayalalithaa ji was one such popular leader. February 24th is the occasion of her birth anniversary. I still feel the deep affection the people of Tamil Nadu had for her, even today, during my visits to the state. The mention of Amma Jayalalithaa brings a glow to the faces of the people of Tamil Nadu. She attended my oath-taking ceremonies in Gujarat. Her thinking was very clear.
- During the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, I spoke of the ‘Panch-Pran’ from the Red Fort. One of them is freedom from the mentality of slavery. Today, the country is leaving behind the symbols of slavery and has begun to value symbols related to Indian culture. Tomorrow, on 23rd February, Rajaji Festival will be celebrated in Rashtrapati Bhavan… The exhibition will run from 24th February to 1st March.
- In ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I have spoken to you at length about Digital Arrest. After this, a lot of awareness was generated in our society regarding Digital Arrest and Digital Fraud, but still, such incidents are happening… You all must be familiar with the process of KYC – Know Your Customer. Sometimes, when you receive messages from your bank asking you to update KYC or re-KYC, the question arises in your mind – I have already done KYC, then why this? I urge you not to fret; this is just for the safety of your money. We all know that nowadays everything from pension, subsidy, insurance, UPI, everything is linked to the bank account. This is why banks periodically perform re-KYC to ensure your bank account remains secure.
- You surely remember the amazing images of the Maha Kumbh around this time last year. The sea of humanity surging on the banks of the Sangam, the immense flow of faith, and in that sacred moment of bathing, it seemed as if India was ‘in communion’ with its ‘Sanatan Chetana’… But today, in our country, which is re-recognising its heritage, history has taken another turn, without any major announcement kerala Kumbh was organised.
- We must always remember some mantras like ‘Vocal for Local’. Many items used during Holi or even in other festivals have entered our markets that are foreign-made. Keep these products away from festivals. Choose local products. When you buy local, you also support the initiative of making the country self-reliant.
- There is no greater sorrow for any parent than losing one’s own child. The pain of losing a very young child is deeper. Just a few days ago, we lost Aalin Sherin Abraham, a little innocent girl from Kerala… Awareness regarding organ donation is increasing… Medical research is also getting a boost… There are many people like Aalin who has given another life to someone by organ donation.
- You must be watching T20 World Cup matches these days. The jersey may belong to another country, but hearing their name, you realise that he is from our country. This moment gives you slight happiness, because the player is of Indian origin and is playing for the country where his family is settled. Canada’s team has the highest number of Indian-origin players. The team’s captain, Dilpreet Bajwa, was born in Punjab’s Gurdaspur. America’s team has many players from India’s domestic cricket.
- I hope you watched ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ earlier this month and learned something from it. You are exam warriors. I’m sure you’re all wholeheartedly preparing for your exams.
