New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program of 2026 on Sunday, focusing on important themes such as Startup India, industrial quality, and public participation. In the 130th edition of the program, he reflected on the journey of Startup India and highlighted the crucial role of quality in the nation’s progress.
Startup India’s Transformative Journey
Recalling the launch of Startup India nearly a decade ago, Prime Minister Modi noted how the initiative has grown into a historic movement led by the country’s youth. He said that young innovators stepping out of their comfort zones have brought recognition to India on global platforms. Today, India ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem worldwide, with Indian startups active in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, space, nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility, green hydrogen, and biotechnology.
The Prime Minister praised the contributions of young entrepreneurs and those aspiring to start new ventures, acknowledging their role in shaping India’s future.
Emphasising Quality Across Industries
PM Modi urged industries and startups to prioritise quality as India’s economy grows rapidly and attracts global attention. He stated that the era of ‘just getting by’ or ‘it will be done’ must end, and quality must become the defining feature of Indian products at every level. Whether textiles, technology, electronics, or packaging, the identity of Indian goods should be synonymous with top quality.
He appealed to businesses and startups to set excellence as their benchmark and place quality at the forefront of every product they create.
Power of Public Participation and Collective Efforts
The Prime Minister highlighted the strength of public participation and collective action in driving change. He said that innovation and problem-solving are deeply rooted in the Indian spirit, with some contributing through startups and others through community efforts.
Giving examples, PM Modi spoke about how local communities in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, revived the Tamsa river by cleaning it up, planting trees along its banks, and restoring its flow, which had been disrupted due to pollution. Similarly, in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, residents took the initiative to clean reservoirs and launched the ‘Anant Neeru Conservation Project’ with government support, revitalising over ten water bodies and planting more than 7,000 trees. These efforts have enhanced water conservation and increased green cover in the region.
He concluded by stating that public participation and collective efforts are India’s greatest strengths, enabling the country to reach new heights of development.
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