Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation in the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, highlighting the importance of voting in a democracy, recalling India’s start-up journey over the past decade, and urging citizens to strive for excellence in every sector.
Calling the voter the “soul of democracy”, the Prime Minister said that participating in elections is not only a right but also a responsibility. With January 25 observed as National Voters’ Day, Modi stressed the need to create a culture that celebrates first-time voters. He suggested that when a young person casts their vote for the first time, families and communities should come together to congratulate them and even distribute sweets. According to him, such symbolic gestures can help strengthen awareness about democratic participation and encourage more people to actively engage in the electoral process.
“This is the first Mann Ki Baat of the year 2026,” the Prime Minister noted, linking the occasion to the country’s upcoming Republic Day celebrations on January 26. He reminded listeners that it was on this historic day that the Constitution of India came into force, offering citizens an opportunity to honour the vision and sacrifices of the Constitution’s framers. Emphasising the connection between constitutional values and voting rights, Modi said that a strong democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their franchise responsibly.
Reflecting on a trend circulating on social media, where people have been revisiting memories from 2016, the Prime Minister shared his own recollections from a decade ago. He recalled the ambitious efforts launched in January 2016 to encourage entrepreneurship among the youth, describing it as a crucial step for India’s future.
“Ten years ago, we realised that even small beginnings could have a big impact on the coming generations,” Modi said, adding that those early initiatives have borne remarkable results. Today, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem, with young innovators working across diverse and advanced sectors.
He highlighted how Indian start-ups are now making their presence felt in fields that seemed unimaginable just a decade ago. From artificial intelligence and space technology to nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility solutions, green hydrogen, and biotechnology, Modi said Indian entrepreneurs are pushing boundaries and contributing to the nation’s growth story.
Praising the youth for their creativity and determination, the Prime Minister said he felt proud of the millions of young Indians who are either part of start-ups or dreaming of launching their own ventures. He described them as the driving force behind a new India that is confident, innovative, and ready to compete on the global stage.
At the same time, Modi urged citizens and businesses to focus not just on innovation but also on quality. He called for a collective resolution to raise the standards of Indian products across all industries. Whether in textiles, technology, electronics, or packaging, he said, the label “Made in India” should become synonymous with world-class excellence.
“The identity of an Indian product should stand for top quality,” he said, encouraging manufacturers and entrepreneurs to make excellence their benchmark.
Through his address, the Prime Minister once again blended themes of democratic responsibility with economic progress, underlining how active citizenship and innovation go hand in hand in building a stronger nation. As the country prepares to celebrate Republic Day, Modi’s message served as a reminder of the values enshrined in the Constitution and the role every citizen plays in shaping India’s future.