Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed listeners across India during the 116th episode of his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, which aired on Sunday. This session not only highlighted India’s rich maritime heritage but also laid the groundwork for significant upcoming initiatives aimed at engaging the youth of the country.
Emphasizing the historic significance of Lothal, renowned as the site of the world’s first dockyard, Modi shared exciting developments surrounding the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) currently under construction. Located on the coast of Gujarat, this complex is envisioned as a grand museum to celebrate India’s extensive maritime history dating back to the Harappan civilization. "Lothal is a proud symbol of India's maritime brilliance and ancient trading capabilities," he stated, urging citizens to contribute any relevant artefacts to the National Archives of India. The NMHC, once completed, is expected to attract global visitors, featuring exhibits and educational programs aimed at enriching public awareness of India’s maritime legacy.
Further, Modi introduced the Oral History Project, aimed at documenting the experiences of surviving victims of the Partition. With fewer individuals able to recount their stories of this pivotal event, the project seeks to preserve their narratives for posterity. The Prime Minister noted the importance of capturing these accounts, remarking, "Now, there are very few people left in the country who have witnessed the horrors of Partition. This effort has become increasingly significant as time passes." By highlighting both maritime history and the memories of Partition survivors, Modi seeks to connect past narratives with contemporary discussions on national identity and pride.
Modi stressed the role of citizen participation, inviting everyone to engage with these initiatives. “Let us work together to build our country and showcase our cultural heritage,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of preserving, sharing, and promoting the rich diversity of India.
Another key announcement from the session was for the upcoming Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, set to take place on January 11-12 at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the youth and the political sphere of the nation, particularly targeting those without any prior political backgrounds. The Prime Minister shared his vision of including young leaders from across the country, stating, “This is an opportunity for those who are going to build the future of India.”
Reflecting on the upcoming event, he elaborated on the significance of connecting 100,000 youths with opportunities to participate meaningfully within politics. “Two thousand youths will gather at Bharat Mandapam for the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. It’s about creating pathways for our youth to engage with the nation’s governance and direction,” he added. He encourages participants to share their ideas and visions, stating, "How can the country take these ideas forward? A blueprint will be prepared for this." This initiative is part of a broader movement to invigorate political engagement among young people across India.
Modi’s conversations also touched on the strengths of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), drawing on his personal experiences as a former cadet to illuminate its role in fostering discipline and leadership among youth. He praised the NCC for its embrace of values such as service and leadership, which can empower young participants to contribute vastly to society.
Highlighting inspiring examples of youths taking charge, Modi shared stories of young individuals helping the elderly. One such account involved someone from Lucknow aiding senior citizens to submit digital life certificates, showcasing the compassionate spirit of India’s youth. Another example included efforts by youngsters from Ahmedabad, who are actively raising awareness about cybercrimes targeting the elderly—a demographic often seen as vulnerable online. Modi reassured listeners against the misinformation surrounding digital arrests and commended the youth for their proactive stance.
Shifting gears, Modi reminisced about his recent trip to Guyana—thousands of miles away yet home to one of the largest Indian diasporas outside India. He expressed pride at how Indians have thrived globally, mentioning the significant political and cultural roles they play even 180 years after their ancestors were brought there. Modi encouraged his listeners to explore and document the varied stories of Indian communities around the world, highlighting how these narratives celebrate Indian heritage and contribute to global history. “Can you be on the lookout for such stories of how Indian immigrants made their mark? How they took part in their freedom struggle? I want you to find out such true stories, and share them with me,” he urged, inviting individuals to engage through social media platforms and the NaMo app.
Continuing along these themes, Modi elaborated on the cultural legacies of Indian families residing overseas, particularly citing Oman as a compelling example. He shared how families have preserved their traditions through centuries, stressing on the role of the Indian Embassy there and the National Archives of India, which are collaborating on initiatives to document their histories, spanning documents dating back to 1838. “These documents are full of sentiments,” he remarked, underscoring the richness of cultural interconnections formed over generations.
To connect the past with the present, Modi reiterated the importance of the Oral History Project, both domestically and abroad. This initiative aims to gather testimonies from survivors of Partition and is part of the broader vision for historical preservation. By documenting the oral histories of those who experienced this monumental event, Modi aims to keep those narratives alive, ensuring the voices of the past resonate with future generations.
Throughout his address on Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Modi sparked thoughtful reflections, emboldened citizens to reclaim their narratives, and who encouraged active participation from every corner of society to build the India of tomorrow. Emphasizing unity, heritage, and progress, he positioned these discussions as pivotal to nurturing India's potential as it moves toward being Viksit Bharat (Developed India) within collective aspirations of its people. Each initiative, from the National Maritime Heritage Complex to the upcoming engagement of young leaders, embodies efforts to anchor India firmly within the fold of its rich history, allowing it to sail toward greater horizons, armed with the wisdom of its past.
