Mann Ki Baat: PM Recalls 2025 Milestones, Youth Power, Cultural Roots; Calls for Responsible Antibiotic Use

New Delhi, December 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reflected on India’s achievements in 2025, highlighted the energy and innovation of the country’s youth, celebrated India’s cultural heritage at home and abroad, and cautioned citizens against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, during the 129th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

Welcoming the approaching year 2026, the Prime Minister said memories of the past year were filled with pride, unity, and collective achievement, noting that India made its mark across national security, sports, science, space, culture, and environmental conservation.

National security, sports and scientific achievements

The Prime Minister described Operation Sindoor as a defining moment of national pride, underscoring India’s uncompromising stance on security. He also recalled the completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram, appreciating public participation through the #VandeMataram150 campaign.

Highlighting sporting achievements, he said 2025 was memorable with victories by India’s men’s cricket team in the ICC Champions Trophy, the women’s cricket team’s maiden World Cup win, triumphs in the Women’s Blind T20 World Cup, Asia Cup T20 success, and medal-winning performances by para-athletes at the World Championships.

In science and space, the Prime Minister noted that Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, marking a major milestone for India’s space journey.

Culture, heritage and environment

The Prime Minister said the Prayagraj Mahakumbh at the beginning of the year and the Dhwajarohan ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya towards the end showcased India’s spiritual and cultural unity. He also pointed to rising enthusiasm for swadeshi products and environmental progress, including the cheetah population in India crossing 30.

Youth, innovation and leadership

Calling India’s youth the country’s greatest source of hope, the Prime Minister spoke about the upcoming second edition of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, to be held on January 12, National Youth Day, coinciding with Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.

He said more than 50 lakh young people participated in the related quiz competition, while Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh emerged as top performers in the accompanying essay contest.

Referring to the Smart India Hackathon 2025, the Prime Minister said students worked on over 270 real-life problem statements from more than 80 government departments, offering solutions in areas such as traffic management, cyber security, digital banking, agriculture, and financial fraud prevention. Over the past seven to eight years, more than 13 lakh students from over 6,000 institutions have participated in the initiative, he noted.

Staying rooted amid technology-driven change

Addressing concerns about rapid technological change, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of remaining connected to cultural roots. He cited initiatives such as Geetanjali IISc, a cultural and music collective at the Indian Institute of Science, and Kannada Pathshale in Dubai, which teaches Kannada language and culture to children of the Indian diaspora.

He also highlighted the revival of Tamil language learning through the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, noting that even Hindi-speaking children in Varanasi are now learning Tamil.

Grassroots innovation and solar energy

Sharing a story from Manipur, the Prime Minister praised Moirangthem Seth for promoting solar energy in remote areas, improving electricity access, healthcare, livelihoods, and empowering local communities. He linked such efforts with the government’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which families receive financial support for rooftop solar installations.

Rediscovering heritage and global cultural connect

The Prime Minister spoke about the discovery of an ancient Buddhist complex at Jehanpora in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting India’s rich historical legacy. He also referred to initiatives promoting Tamil language and culture in Fiji, where Tamil Day was recently celebrated in a school in Raki-Raki.

Tribute to freedom fighters and unsung heroes

Ahead of the 77th Republic Day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to freedom fighters, especially unsung heroes, mentioning Odisha freedom fighter Parvati Giri, whose birth centenary will be observed in January 2026. He urged citizens to explore the “Unsung Heroes” section on the independence commemorative website.

Health advisory on antibiotics

Citing a recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research, the Prime Minister warned that indiscriminate use of antibiotics is making them ineffective against diseases such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. He urged citizens to use antibiotics strictly on medical advice, saying, “Medicines require guidance, and antibiotics require doctors.”

Traditional arts and livelihoods

The Prime Minister highlighted the success of Narasapuram lace in Andhra Pradesh, now GI-tagged and providing employment to nearly one lakh women across 250 villages. He also praised entrepreneurs from Manipur who are promoting handicrafts, bamboo products, and floriculture while empowering local communities.

Celebrating festivals and unity in diversity

Referring to the ongoing Rannotsav in Kutch, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to explore India’s diverse festivals and cultural celebrations, noting that over two lakh visitors have already attended the festival this season.

Concluding the final Mann Ki Baat episode of 2025, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that people’s ideas and efforts would help realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat. He urged citizens to stay fit, exercise regularly during winter, and wished everyone a happy and healthy 2026.