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Harrdiip Bedii
The India PM Weekend Newsletter for January 24-25, 2026 covers PM Modi highlighting youth, voters, startups and inspiring stories in Mann Ki Baat while stressing government creating new opportunities for youth in India and abroad, appreciating President Murmu's Republic Day eve address, calling becoming a voter an occasion of celebration, congratulating Padma Awardees 2026, stressing girl child empowerment on National Girl Child Day, condoling the demise of Sir Mark Tully, greeting people of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on their Statehood Days, and paying tributes to Karpoori Thakur.
NEWS IN DETAIL
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Highlights Youth, Voters, Startups, Inspiring Stories
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the people of the country—especially the youth engaged in industry and startup enterprises—to place strong emphasis on quality.
Sharing his thoughts during the Mann Ki Baat programme on All India Radio on Sunday, Mr. Modi said that India’s economy is growing rapidly and the entire world is watching India.
He urged people to take a pledge to improve the quality of every product manufactured in the country. The Prime Minister said that whether it is textiles or technology, electronics or even packaging, the goal must be that Indian products meet the highest standards of quality. He said excellence should be both our benchmark and our objective. PM Modi recalled his call from the Red Fort for “Zero Defect, Zero Effect,” stating that only through this approach can the nation accelerate its journey towards a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
The Prime Minister said that ten years ago, in January 2016, India began this ambitious journey with the launch of Startup India. Today, India has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He said these startups are highly innovative and are working in sectors that were barely imaginable just a decade ago. These sectors include artificial intelligence, space, nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility, green hydrogen, and biotechnology.
On the occasion of National Voters’ Day, PM Modi said that voters are the soul of democracy. He said that whenever a young person becomes a first-time voter, the entire neighbourhood, village, or city should come together to congratulate them and celebrate the moment by distributing sweets. This, he said, would increase awareness about voting and strengthen the feeling of how important it is to be a voter. The Prime Minister praised all those involved in the electoral process and in keeping democracy vibrant at the grassroots level. He urged young citizens to register as voters upon turning 18.
Referring to the Republic Day 2026 celebrations, the Prime Minister said that India’s Constitution came into force on Republic Day itself. He said the day provides an opportunity to express gratitude to the architects of the Constitution.
Praising the people of Azamgarh for reviving the Tamsa River, PM Modi said the Tamsa is not just a river but a continuous flow of culture and spiritual heritage. Flowing through Ayodhya and merging into the Ganga, the river was once the lifeline of the region. However, pollution had obstructed its flow, and silt, garbage, and waste had choked the river.
Sharing a similar example of water scarcity from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi said that with administrative support, the Ananta Neeru Sanrakshanam project was launched. As a result, more than ten reservoirs were rejuvenated. These reservoirs are now filled with water, and over 7,000 trees have been planted around them. The Prime Minister said that whether it is Azamgarh, Anantapur, or any other place in the country, it is heartening to see people coming together with a sense of duty to achieve major goals. He said public participation and collective spirit are the country’s greatest strengths.
PM Modi said that bhajans and kirtans have been the soul of Indian culture for centuries. Today’s youth have embraced this devotional spirit as part of their experiences and lifestyle, giving rise to a new cultural trend known as “Bhajan Clubbing,” which is becoming especially popular among Gen Z. The Prime Minister said it is very satisfying to see that the dignity and sanctity of bhajans are being preserved in these events.
Referring to the Indian community in Malaysia and their efforts to preserve and promote Indian culture, the Prime Minister said there are over 500 Tamil schools there, where subjects beyond the Tamil language are also taught. Special attention is also being given to Telugu, Punjabi, and other Indian languages. He said the Malaysia–India Heritage Society organized a Laal Paad Saree Heritage Walk last month. This saree has a deep connection with Bengal’s culture and has been recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records. Odissi dance and Baul music captivated audiences during the event.
Describing India’s family system as an integral part of its tradition, PM Modi mentioned the unique custom of Chandanki village in Becharaji, Gujarat, where food for the entire village is prepared in a community kitchen and people eat together. He said this tradition has been continuing for the past 15 years. The Prime Minister noted that India’s family system is observed with great curiosity in many countries across the world.
The Prime Minister said that in Sheikhgund village of Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir, Mir Jaffer united everyone—from youth to the elderly—against drugs, tobacco, cigarettes, and alcohol. The impact of this initiative was such that shops stopped selling tobacco, and public awareness about its harmful effects increased significantly.
PM Modi also mentioned Vivekananda Lok Shiksha Niketan of Faridpur in East Medinipur, West Bengal, which has been caring for children and the elderly for the past four decades. He said that along with providing education through the Gurukul system and training teachers, the organization is actively involved in several social welfare activities.
The Prime Minister also referred to the efforts of youth across various districts of Arunachal Pradesh who cleaned more than 1.1 million kilograms of waste. Praising a team from Chennai for outstanding work in waste recycling, PM Modi emphasized accelerating efforts toward cleanliness. He said that whether these efforts are individual or collective, they help make cities cleaner.
PM Modi praised Binoy Das of Cooch Behar in West Bengal, who single-handedly worked to make the district a green district. He also mentioned Jagdish Prasad Ahirwar of Panna district in Madhya Pradesh, who identified more than 125 medicinal plants and documented their photographs, names, uses, and local sources.
The Prime Minister said that under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, more than 200 crore saplings have been planted across the country so far.
Referring to millets (Shri Anna), the Prime Minister said that in Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu, a group of 800 women farmers associated with the Periyapalayam Shri Anna FPC has set up a millet processing unit and is directly supplying millet-based products to the market. He added that farmers in Ramsar, Rajasthan, are also creating new products from millets. More than 900 farmers associated with the Ramsar Organic Farmer Producer Company are engaged in making delicious laddoos from pearl millet. PM Modi said that today, many temples are offering prasadam made exclusively from millets.
He also announced that the India AI Impact Summit will be held next month, showcasing India’s progress and achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.
Government Creating New Opportunities for Youth in India and Abroad: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the government is making efforts to create new opportunities for youth in the country and abroad.
He said India is signing trade and mobility agreements with several countries that open opportunities for the country’s skilled youth. The Prime Minister said this while addressing the 18th National Rozgar Mela virtually from New Delhi on Saturday.
Highlighting the country’s robust economy, PM Modi said that it is the only economy in the world which doubled its GDP within a decade. He said, today, over 100 countries are investing in India through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), underscoring that FDI inflows have increased by more than 2.5 times compared to the decade before 2014. He added that this surge in foreign investment is creating countless employment opportunities for young people.
On the significance of 24 January, PM Modi said, it is the day when the Constitution recognised Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem and Vande Mataram as the National Song. Talking about the Rozgar Mela, the Prime Minister said, Rozgar Mela has become an institution and lakhs of youths have already received appointment letters from various government departments so far.
He said the appointment letters distributed today are an invitation for nation-building. He said, this is a sankalp patra for guiding youth toward a Viksit Bharat. He also said that the beginning of the year 2026 marks the start of new joy, coinciding with the recent celebration of Basant Panchami.
During the event, appointment letters were distributed to more than 61 thousand newly recruited youth in various Government departments and organisations under the Rozgar Mela initiative. The 18th Rozgar Mela was organised at 45 locations across the country. The newly recruited candidates will be joining various ministries and departments.
PM Modi Appreciates President Murmu’s Address on eve of Republic Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appreciated President Droupadi Murmu’s Address on the eve of Republic Day and described it as inspiring.
In a social media post, he said that the President has correctly emphasised the uniqueness of our Constitution and appreciated the collective spirit that has taken our nation forward.
The Prime Minister added that her address motivates every citizen to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening democracy, upholding constitutional ideals and building a Viksit Bharat.
PM Calls Becoming a Voter an Occasion of Celebration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of National Voters’ Day.
The Prime Minister said that the day is an opportunity to further deepen faith in the democratic values of the nation. He complimented all those associated with the Election Commission of India for their dedicated efforts to strengthen India’s democratic processes.
Highlighting the importance of voter participation, the Prime Minister noted that being a voter is not only a constitutional privilege but also a vital duty that gives every citizen a voice in shaping India’s future. He urged people to always take part in democratic processes and honour the spirit of democracy, thereby strengthening the foundations of a Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi described becoming a voter as an occasion of celebration and underlined the importance of encouraging first-time voters.
On the occasion of National Voters’ Day, the Prime Minister wrote a letter to MY-Bharat volunteers, urging them to rejoice and celebrate whenever someone around them, especially a young person, gets enrolled as a voter for the first time.
Prime Minister Congratulates Padma Awardees 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated all the Padma Awardees for their outstanding contributions to the nation.
Responding to an X post announcing the Padma Awards 2026, PM Modi said: “Congratulations to all the Padma Awardees for their outstanding contributions to our nation. Their excellence, dedication and service across diverse fields enrich the fabric of our society. The honour reflects the spirit of commitment and excellence that continues to inspire generations.”
Girl Child Empowerment Stressed by PM on National Girl Child Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reiterated the Government’s unwavering resolve to ensure that every girl child leads a life of dignity, opportunity and hope.
In a message on X on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, the Prime Minister highlighted that over the last ten years, sustained focus has been placed on improving education, skilling and healthcare for the girl child.
He noted that these efforts have helped in creating an enabling environment in which the girl child can flourish and effectively contribute towards a Viksit Bharat.
Prime Minister Condoles Demise of Sir Mark Tully
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of Sir Mark Tully, a towering voice of journalism.
In a social media post on Sunday, the Prime Minister said that Sir Mark Tully’s deep connect with India and its people was vividly reflected in his works.
He noted that Sir Mark’s reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, friends and admirers of Sir Mark Tully.
Prime Minister Greets People of Himachal Pradesh on Their Statehood Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted o the people of Himachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day.
The Prime Minister described Himachal Pradesh as a unique confluence of nature and culture. He lauded the people of the State for their remarkable talent and valour, noting that they have always dedicated themselves to the service of Mother India.
The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for a bright future for the people of Himachal Pradesh and prayed for the continued prosperity of the Devbhoomi.
Prime Minister Greets on Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the state’s Establishment Day, lauding their invaluable contribution to the richness of India’s culture and heritage.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister said that with the double-engine government and the active participation of people committed to development, Uttar Pradesh has, over the past nine years, transformed its journey from a ‘BIMARU’ state to an exemplary one.
Expressing confidence in the state’s future, the Prime Minister said that Uttar Pradesh’s immense potential will play a crucial role in keeping the nation’s progress dynamic and forward-looking.
Prime Minister Pays Tributes to Karpoori Thakur
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to former Chief Minister of Bihar and Bharat Ratna awardee Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister said that the upliftment of the oppressed, deprived and weaker sections of society was always at the core of Karpoori Thakur’s politics.
He noted that Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur will always be remembered and emulated for his simplicity and lifelong dedication to public service.