‘India Remembers Its Heroes’: PM Modi on Kargil Vijay Diwas

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th July: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War and highlighted India’s growing capabilities in defence, science, space and innovation during the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

Remembering the bravery of the armed forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister said the nation continues to honour its heroes while inspiring younger 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.

Modi said India’s defence strength continues to grow with the induction of the indigenous warship INS Mahendragiri, successful tests of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and Kusha missile, and increasing international confidence in Indian defence technology, including a recent missile-related agreement with Indonesia.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the progress of the Catch the Rain campaign and appealed to citizens to participate in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and restoration of traditional water bodies. He cited successful conservation efforts in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Congratulating the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Modi praised recent sporting achievements, including P.V. Sindhu’s Japan Open title and the Indian women’s cricket team’s historic Test victory at Lord’s.

Highlighting India’s scientific progress, the Prime Minister described the successful launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed rocket, as a landmark for the space sector. He also congratulated Indian students for their medal-winning performances in the International Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.

Modi praised several grassroots initiatives, including the revival of Kashmir’s traditional Vagu mat, the production of Vidur Prerna Swadeshi Herbal Tea by a women’s self-help group in Uttar Pradesh and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, under which large-scale tree plantation drives have been undertaken across the country. He also highlighted the return of the Indian Grey Hornbill to Gujarat’s Gir forests and a plastic recycling initiative in Bihar’s Sitamarhi that converts single-use plastic into benches for public spaces.

Ahead of National Handloom Day, the Prime Minister urged people to support Khadi, handloom and handicrafts, noting that Khadi sales have increased significantly over the past decade. He also encouraged citizens to install eco-friendly Ganesh idols made from indigenous clay during Ganesh Utsav and appreciated efforts to preserve India’s traditional musical heritage.

Concluding the address, Modi paid tribute to former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam ahead of his death anniversary, extended greetings on Guru Purnima, and appealed to citizens to participate enthusiastically in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in the run-up to Independence Day.