Prime Minister lauded the growing global interest in Indian culture, citing examples from three continents
In the final 'Mann Ki Baat' episode of 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation with a reflection on India’s achievements and initiatives in various spheres, blending national pride with a vision for the upcoming year. The 117th episode broadcast on Sunday (December 29, 2024) highlighted the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, India's creative industry, and the global reach of Indian culture, among other topics.

75 Years of the Indian Constitution
As the Indian Constitution approaches its 75th anniversary on January 26, 2025, PM Modi called it a guiding light that has stood the test of time. He announced a year-long celebration, starting on Constitution Day (November 26, 2024), featuring initiatives to connect citizens with its legacy. The dedicated website, constitution75.com, allows citizens to read the Preamble, explore the Constitution in various languages, and engage interactively by uploading videos or asking questions. He urged students and youth to actively participate in this celebration.

Maha Kumbh 2025: A Digital and Spiritual Marvel
PM Modi shared his excitement about the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, commencing on January 13, 2025. Describing it as a “Maha Kumbh of Unity,” he emphasized its representation of India’s cultural diversity, with lakhs of saints and devotees congregating without discrimination.

He announced several tech-driven features for the event, including:
Digital Navigation Systems: Assisting pilgrims in locating ghats, temples, and parking areas.
AI-Powered Chatbots: Providing information in 11 Indian languages.
AI Cameras: Enhancing safety and reuniting lost individuals with their families.
Digital Lost & Found Centers: Streamlining assistance for misplaced belongings and people.

PM Modi encouraged participants to embrace the message of unity and upload selfies with the hashtag #EktaKaMahakumbh.

Global Recognition of Indian Culture
The Prime Minister lauded the growing global interest in Indian culture, citing examples from three continents:
Egypt: Over 23,000 students participated in a painting competition celebrating Indian culture. He praised a Divyang girl who created a Taj Mahal painting using her mouth.
Paraguay: Erica Huber, an engineer-turned-Ayurveda practitioner, has been promoting Indian traditional medicine with remarkable success.

Fiji: A Tamil teaching program supported by the Indian government is preserving and propagating the world’s oldest language.

PM Modi emphasized that these efforts reflect the universal appeal of India’s cultural heritage.

India’s Creative Industry: A Global Force
Celebrating India’s thriving creative industry, PM Modi highlighted the success of the animated series "Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy – Bharat Hain Hum", which narrates the stories of unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. Broadcast in multiple languages, the series has gained international acclaim.

PM Modi also announced the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), to be hosted in India in 2025. Likened to the economic conclave in Davos, WAVES aims to position India as a global content creation hub. He invited creators from all sectors of the entertainment industry to participate, urging them to showcase India’s rich cultural narratives on the global stage.

Bastar Olympics and Beyond
Highlighting India’s growing enthusiasm for sports, PM Modi shared inspiring stories from the Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh. Over 165,000 participants from seven districts competed in traditional and modern sports, transforming a region once plagued by Maoist violence into a hub of unity and hope. Success stories of young athletes like Payal Kawasi and Punem Sanna underscore the transformative power of sports.

The Prime Minister encouraged citizens to promote local sports events and share stories using the hashtag #KhelegaBharatJeetegaBharat.

Achievements in Health
PM Modi celebrated India’s success in combating malaria and cancer:
Malaria: An 80% reduction in cases and deaths between 2015 and 2023, thanks to nationwide participation and innovative initiatives like those in Assam and Haryana.

Cancer: Timely treatment for 90% of patients under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana has significantly improved survival rates.

He stressed the importance of awareness, timely action, and accessible healthcare in continuing these strides.

The PM also highlighted the “vegetable revolution” in Kalahandi, Odisha, where a farmers’ producer organization has transformed a region once known for migration into a thriving vegetable hub with a turnover exceeding INR 1.5 crore.

PM Modi concluded the episode by reflecting on the collective power of Indian citizens as documented through ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ He expressed optimism for 2025, urging citizens to stay united, embrace fitness, and continue contributing to India’s progress.

"With positive thinking and a spirit of innovation, India will touch new heights," he said, wishing the nation a healthy and prosperous New Year.