New Delhi, Sept 27 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 138th edition of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat on Sunday to reflect on national security, the ongoing population enumeration exercise and to commend citizen-led initiatives, including those related to environmental protection and heritage conservation.
Security and policy recall
Opening the September broadcast, the Prime Minister recalled the surgical strikes of 2016 and framed them as part of a steady change in India's counter‑terrorism posture over the past decade. He described the cross‑Line of Control operation of September 28–29, 2016, as a demonstration of a more assertive policy against terrorist infrastructure.
"Ten years ago, on September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan," Modi said.
He linked that operation with subsequent actions such as the Balakot airstrike and Operation Sindoor, saying these measures collectively signalled that terrorism would be met by strong responses. The Prime Minister contrasted what he characterised as an earlier period of delayed action following attacks with the current approach of zero tolerance.
Census, citizen action and environmental mention
Mr Modi also flagged the ongoing national Census and used the platform to showcase examples of citizen engagement across several sectors. He cited initiatives by citizens and communities in areas ranging from heritage conservation to environmental protection, and extended the list to include nutrition, sports and rural livelihoods.
The broadcast underscored the Government's emphasis on public participation alongside institutional programmes, presenting grassroots efforts as complementary to state measures in fields that include conservation and ecological awareness.
- Security: Anniversary of the 2016 surgical strikes and a reiteration of a zero‑tolerance stance on terrorism.
- Census: Ongoing national enumeration was highlighted as a current administrative priority.
- Citizen initiatives: Examples cited in heritage conservation, environmental protection, nutrition, sports and rural livelihoods.
Broader implications for environmental policy
While the programme did not set out new environmental measures, the Prime Minister's reference to citizen action on environmental protection reinforces a recurring theme of recent broadcasts: mobilising community participation in public goods such as conservation, cleanliness and sustainable living. Such public endorsements can encourage local voluntary efforts and draw attention to non‑governmental projects operating alongside official schemes.
Observers note that when national leaders publicly commend grassroots work, it can help secure institutional support, funding and greater visibility for successful local models. On the other hand, detailed policy change or fresh resource allocation for environmental causes was not announced during this episode.
Programme outlook
Mann Ki Baat remains a vehicle for the Government to highlight select achievements and civic examples across the country. In this episode, national security and the Census provided the main administrative focus, while the nod to environmental protection and heritage conservation placed citizen action as a recurring element in the Government's public messaging.
| Topic | Mention in broadcast |
|---|---|
| 2016 surgical strikes | Recalled as a decisive action; part of a decade-long security narrative |
| Census | Noted as ongoing national exercise |
| Environmental protection | Highlighted among citizen-led initiatives |
The broadcast thus combined elements of national security messaging with appeals to civic responsibility, including in environmental stewardship — a blend aimed at both marking anniversaries and encouraging public engagement in conservation and development activities.
