PM Modi honours Kargil Heroes, hails youth ,nature in Mann Ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War, saying the nation not only remembers its heroes but is also ensuring that their stories of courage and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations.Addressing the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said July 26 occupies a special place in the nation's memory as Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day that reflects the extraordinary valour of India's armed forces."There are certain days in our lives that do not require a calendar to be remembered. Today, the 26th of July, is one such date. Today is 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers," he said.

Kargil Vijay Diwas fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers.#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/MgC4AcO4rX

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 26, 2026

Recalling the formidable conditions in which the Kargil War was fought, PM Modi said India's soldiers displayed unmatched courage despite towering peaks, harsh weather and enemy aggression, sacrificing everything for the defence of the nation.The Prime Minister said today's India was not only honouring the sacrifices of its soldiers but was also preserving their legacy for future generations through initiatives such as the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a motorcycle rally from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras under the theme "One Ride, One Nation, One Salute."Shifting focus to India's growing defence capabilities, PM Modi said the country was steadily advancing towards self-reliance through indigenous technological development. Referring to the induction of INS Mahendragiri into the Indian Navy, he said the warship, designed and built in India with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, symbolised the growing strength of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.He also highlighted the Defence Research and Development Organisation's successful tests of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile system, crediting India's scientists and engineers for strengthening the country's defence preparedness."Whether it is defence production, defence exports or cooperation with friendly nations, India is continuously scaling new heights," the Prime Minister said, adding that agreements relating to BrahMos and Astra missiles signed during his recent visit to Indonesia reflected growing global confidence in Indian defence technology.

Salute to all those who protect our nation and make it even stronger! #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/G0qWKhL53j

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2026

Turning to education, PM Modi congratulated Indian students for their stellar performance at the International Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics held this month across Paris, Dubai, Quezon City and Shanghai. He noted that India secured an unprecedented clean sweep of gold medals in Physics and Chemistry, while students also excelled in Biology and Mathematics."I am immensely proud of the nation's youth power. It is heartening to see the culture of Olympiads and Hackathons steadily growing in India," he said, expressing confidence that more students would participate in global scientific competitions.

In Ernakulam, Keralam, a unique effort took place that beautifully merges football with Sanskrit. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/cZYqSEuVwK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2026

The Prime Minister also hailed the successful launch of Vikram-1, India's first privately developed rocket built by Skyroot Aerospace, describing it as a milestone made possible after the country's space sector was opened to private participation."For a long time, our space sector remained closed to the private sector... today the world is witnessing the results," he said, crediting India's young innovators for the achievement.Remembering former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ahead of his death anniversary on Monday, PM Modi described him as a teacher at heart and paid tribute to educators across the country for nurturing future generations. He also extended greetings ahead of Guru Purnima.
Environmental conservation emerged as another major focus of the address, with the Prime Minister reviewing the ongoing Catch the Rain campaign. He said communities across the country were reviving ponds, wells and stepwells, desilting water bodies and improving groundwater recharge through people's participation.Citing examples from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, he said such initiatives demonstrated the power of collective action. "Every drop saved today serves as the greatest asset for future generations," he remarked.

‘Catch the Rain’ campaign has a simple message…to conserve water effectively. Highlighted efforts from Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in this regard. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/qOXWwLQOCC

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2026

PM Modi also highlighted the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, noting that more than 25,000 people planted over 3.5 lakh saplings within an hour in Ahmedabad, earning a Guinness World Record, while Uttar Pradesh planted over 350 million saplings in a single day earlier this month.Urging citizens to associate life's important milestones with tree plantation, he said the practice would leave behind a lasting legacy of greenery and clean air for future generations.The Prime Minister also spoke about the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill to Gujarat's Gir forests after nearly six decades, describing it as the result of sustained conservation efforts. Calling it the "farmer of the forest", he said the bird plays a crucial role in dispersing seeds and maintaining ecological balance.
Highlighting grassroots innovation, PM Modi showcased several community-led initiatives promoting sustainability and rural livelihoods, including the revival of Kashmir's traditional Vagu mats, herbal tea produced by a women's self-help group in Uttar Pradesh and benches made from recycled single-use plastic in Bihar under a waste-to-wealth initiative.
Ahead of National Handloom Day on August 7, he appealed to citizens to support handloom, khadi and handicraft products, saying they not only preserve India's rich cultural heritage but also strengthen the livelihoods of artisans across the country.Concluding the address, the Prime Minister urged people to participate enthusiastically in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in the run-up to Independence Day and invited citizens to share suggestions for this year's celebrations through the MyGov platform, calling for greater public participation in the nation's journey towards a stronger, self-reliant and environmentally conscious India.