New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday used his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat to offer a comprehensive overview of a nation in transition — confident in new-age technologies like artificial intelligence, rooted in ancient knowledge systems, and increasingly shaped by everyday acts of compassion, civic vigilance and cultural pride.
Modi opened his speech by highlighting the recently concluded Global AI Impact Summit in Delhi, calling it a moment that demonstrated India’s growing role in shaping how the world deploys AI. The summit at Bharat Mandapam brought together global leaders, technology executives, and startup innovators, portraying India as a bridge between cutting-edge innovation and social applicability.
He drew particular attention to two exhibitions that, he said, left world leaders “deeply affected.” One of them, at the Amul booth, showed how AI-powered tools are being used to monitor animal health and support dairy farmers with round-the-clock digital assistance. The second topic focused on preserving India’s cultural heritage through technology, explaining how to restore ancient manuscripts digitally and make them available to new generations.
As an example, Modi cited the digitization of the Sushruta Samhita, explaining how faded manuscripts were first enhanced for readability, converted into machine-readable text, translated through AI avatars, and then translated into multiple Indian and foreign languages. He said that this process showed how Indian cultural knowledge can be shared globally in a modern form. India also unveiled three indigenously developed AI models during the summit, reinforcing its ambition to become a creator, not just a consumer, of advanced technologies.
Moving from technology to sports, the Prime Minister spoke about cricketers of Indian origin who are representing countries like Canada, the United States and Oman in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Mentioning several players, he said their journeys reflect the essence of “Indian identity” – preserving cultural roots while contributing fully to the nations they now represent. He added that their success is an inspiration to young people across continents.
Another part of the speech focused on organ donation, centering on the story of Aline Shireen Abraham, a 10-month-old girl from Kerala whose parents chose to donate her organs after her death. Modi described the decision as an extraordinary act of courage and compassion, noting that Allen had become one of the youngest organ donors in the country. He also cited examples of transplant recipients who have since undertaken arduous journeys or returned to active sports, underscoring how a single act of generosity can change the lives of many people.
The Prime Minister also spoke about doing away with symbols of the colonial legacy, announcing that a statue of C Rajagopalachari, the first Governor-General of independent India, would be installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan in place of that of British architect Edwin Lutyens. The move, which will be celebrated during the upcoming Rajaji Utsav, was framed as part of a broader effort to honor Indian leaders who viewed power as a public service.
He also paid tribute to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa ahead of her birth anniversary on February 24. Noting her popularity and enduring connection with the people of Tamil Nadu, he said Jayalalithaa’s concern for women’s welfare, firm handling of law and order and pride in Indian cultural heritage defined her public life. Modi also shared personal memories of interacting with her as a fellow Prime Minister, describing her thinking as “crystal clear” and her approach to governance as disciplined and focused. He recalled Hanouna’s affectionate Pongal lunch invitation in Chennai, calling it an unforgettable gesture, and lauded her service to the community.
Raising concern over rising rates of digital fraud, Modi warned citizens against “digital jacking” scams and financial scams, especially targeting senior citizens and small business owners. He urged people to follow KYC procedures and re-KYC only through authorized banking channels, never share one-time passwords or personal details, and update passwords regularly. He said that the year-long financial awareness campaign undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India aims to enhance public awareness and financial security.
Agriculture also featured prominently, with Modi praising farmers who combine traditional practices with modern techniques. He cited examples from Odisha and Kerala, including models of integrated farming and preservation of hundreds of rice varieties in a single village. India’s emergence as the world’s largest rice producer, with production exceeding 150 million tons, was linked to improved quality, value added, and the expansion of export markets.
Modi touched on culture and faith, and compared the Maha Kumbh festival in the north to the revival of the centuries-old Mamangam, or Kerala Kumbh, festival in Tirunavaya, describing them as an expression of the common cultural memory that links the country from north to south.
In his concluding speech, Modi addressed the students appearing for the exams, urging them not to measure their self-worth by marks alone, extended his greetings for Ramadan and Holi, and encouraged citizens to choose Swedish products during festivals. He said the speech reflects a simple message – a confident India moves forward by blending innovation with tradition, and individual responsibility with collective purpose.
