New Delhi, Oct 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the 12-year journey of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat as being akin to a “pilgrimage”, saying it has provided an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contributions of ordinary citizens across the country.
Addressing the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi thanked listeners for their continued warmth and affection, describing their support as an invaluable asset throughout the programme’s journey.
“Twelve years ago, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, we began ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Since then, our journey has continued uninterrupted. All of you have been both fellow travellers and inspiration of this journey,” the Prime Minister said.
The first episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on October 3, 2014, coinciding with the festival of Vijayadashami. The programme has since been aired through All India Radio, also known as Akashvani, and Doordarshan networks, creating a platform for the Prime Minister to connect with people across India.
Modi said the programme had offered him a unique opportunity to highlight the hard work, courage, commitment, dedication and spirit of service demonstrated by ordinary citizens.
“For me, Mann Ki Baat has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work, courage, commitment, dedication and spirit of service of the common man of our country,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with India’s centuries-old tradition of pilgrimages, the Prime Minister said the programme had enabled him to understand the efforts of people working for society and the nation and acknowledge their contributions.
He observed that individuals who dedicate their lives to serving society and the country are themselves comparable to places of pilgrimage.
Over the past 12 years, Mann Ki Baat has brought numerous inspiring stories from different parts of India into the public domain, Modi said. Many citizens undertake extraordinary work that often goes unnoticed, but the programme has helped bring their achievements and initiatives to national attention.
The Prime Minister added that the programme had enabled him to connect with families across the country. He recalled receiving messages from listeners who felt that he was speaking to them personally, almost like a member of their family.
“The warmth and affection of all you listeners is truly an invaluable asset for me,” Modi said, expressing gratitude to the people who have remained connected with the monthly broadcast.
