In his first "Mann Ki Baat" address of 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the critical need for Indian products to be synonymous with top quality on a global scale. Broadcast on January 25th, ahead of Republic Day, the Prime Minister urged industries and startups to prioritize excellence and establish it as the benchmark for manufacturing.
Modi highlighted that as India's economy rapidly progresses and gains international attention, maintaining high quality is a collective responsibility. He stressed that the era of "somehow it works" is over, advocating for a "Quality First" approach across all sectors. He reiterated his vision of "Zero Defect, Zero Effect," emphasizing that Indian goods, be they textiles, technology, electronics, or even packaging, must be recognized worldwide for their superior quality.
The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of young entrepreneurs who have propelled India into becoming the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, a journey that began with the Start-up India initiative in 2016. He noted the diversification of Indian startups into areas previously considered unimaginable, including artificial intelligence, space exploration, nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility, green hydrogen, and biotechnology. Modi saluted these young innovators for venturing beyond conventional paths and shaping India's future.
In addition to quality, the Prime Minister also spoke on the importance of civic responsibility, innovation, and people-led social change. He began his address by acknowledging National Voters' Day, celebrated on January 25th, emphasizing that voting is both a privilege and a constitutional duty. Modi encouraged young citizens to register to vote as soon as they turn 18, celebrating this milestone with the same enthusiasm as they would a birthday. He described the voter as the "soul of democracy" and promoted community celebrations to raise awareness about the importance of voting.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the increasing popularity of millets, also known as "Shree Ann," noting the growing attachment to these grains among people across the country. He highlighted the efforts of women farmers in Tamil Nadu who have established millet processing units and are directly marketing millet-based products. He also mentioned innovations in Rajasthan, where farmers are processing millet to create products like millet laddus, which are in high demand. Modi expressed his delight that many temples are incorporating Shree Ann into their prasad offerings, contributing to both increased farmer incomes and improved public health.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the upcoming India AI Impact Summit, which will bring together experts from around the world, particularly from the technology sector, to showcase India's progress and achievements in the field of AI.
