PM calls for celebrating new voters, stresses quality, people’s participation in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to celebrate the occasion of becoming a voter, emphasised the need to make 2026 a year of quality, and highlighted people-led initiatives in environmental conservation and social reform across the country in the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat .

Addressing the nation on the eve of Republic Day, Modi noted that the first Mann Ki Baat of 2026 coincided with National Voters’ Day , describing voters as the “soul of democracy”. He said turning 18 and enrolling as a voter should be treated as a major life milestone and celebrated like birthdays to strengthen democratic awareness, especially among youth.

Recalling the launch of Start-up India in January 2016 , the Prime Minister said India has emerged as the third-largest start-up ecosystem globally , with young entrepreneurs working in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, space, semiconductors, biotechnology, green hydrogen and mobility. He lauded the role of youth in driving innovation and economic growth.

Calling upon industries and start-ups to prioritise excellence, Modi said the era of compromise on standards was over and reiterated the mantra of “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” , stressing that Made in India products must be globally recognised for top quality to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat .

Highlighting community participation in environmental conservation, the Prime Minister cited the revival of the Tamsa river in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh , and restoration of water bodies in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh , as examples of collective resolve yielding transformative results.

He also spoke about a growing cultural trend among Gen Z , referred to as “bhajan clubbing” , describing it as a harmonious blend of spirituality and modern presentation while maintaining the sanctity of devotional music.

The Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora in Malaysia for preserving Indian languages and cultural traditions, citing Tamil schools and heritage initiatives that have strengthened India–Malaysia ties.

Sharing grassroots success stories, Modi referred to a community kitchen in Chandanki village, Gujarat , social reform efforts against substance abuse in Sheikhgund village in Anantnag , and long-standing social service by organisations such as Vivekananda Lok Shiksha Niketan in West Bengal.

He also highlighted youth-led cleanliness campaigns in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bengaluru and Chennai , individual efforts in tree plantation, documentation of medicinal plants, and the nationwide ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, under which over 200 crore trees have been planted.

On agriculture and nutrition, Modi reiterated the importance of millets (Shree Anna) , citing examples of women-led farmer producer companies and innovative millet-based products boosting farmer incomes and public health.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister announced that the India AI Impact Summit would be held next month, bringing together global experts to showcase India’s progress in artificial intelligence. He extended Republic Day greetings to the nation.