The BRICS TimesIn the 125th episode of his monthly radio show, Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, reflecting on the devastating impact of monsoon rains while highlighting India’s growing sports scene.
PM Modi on Monsoon Disasters
Acknowledging the heavy rainfall affecting several regions, PM Modi said, “This monsoon season has tested the nation with natural calamities.” He described the destruction caused by floods and landslides, noting the loss of homes, submerged fields, and disrupted lives. Expressing empathy, he added, “The grief of families who lost loved ones is felt by every Indian.”
He also praised the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other security personnel. “Our teams worked tirelessly, using technology like thermal cameras, drones, and sniffer dogs. Relief materials were airlifted, the injured were evacuated, and the armed forces, along with local volunteers, doctors, and administration, made every effort to assist. I sincerely thank everyone who prioritized humanity in these trying times,” he said.
"मैं ऐसे हर नागरिक को हृदय से धन्यवाद देता हूँ जिन्होंने इस कठिन समय में मानवीयता को सबसे ऊपर रखा हुआ है |"
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) August 31, 2025
– प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi .#MannKiBaat @PMOIndia @NDRFHQ pic.twitter.com/41KCTyMsKj
Royal Premier League in Pulwama
Despite the destruction, PM Modi highlighted two notable achievements in Jammu & Kashmir. He pointed out the record attendance at Pulwama stadium for its first-ever day-night cricket match, part of the “Royal Premier League,” reflecting the region’s changing sports landscape.
During today’s #MannKiBaat, applauded my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir for celebrating sports, notably the Khelo India Water Sports Festival! Also spoke to Rashmita Sahoo and Mohsin Ali, who took part in the tournament. pic.twitter.com/DKrpCRnJL8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025
Spotlight on Khelo India Athletes
PM Modi introduced Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha and Moshin Ali from Srinagar, who participated in the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. Rasmita shared her journey in canoeing since 2017, winning 41 medals at the national level despite limited local sports facilities. Moshin expressed his joy at winning a gold medal in the inaugural Kashmir event, bringing pride to his family and community.
#Listen | In today's #MannKiBaat, PM @narendramodi interacts with two young talents, Rashmita Sahu from Odisha and Mohsin Ali from Srinagar who showcased their skills at the recently organised first Khelo India Water Sports Festival.@PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya pic.twitter.com/imu0GJYkcl
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) August 31, 2025
Pratibha Setu Portal for UPSC Aspirants
PM Modi introduced the Pratibha Setu Portal, a digital platform supporting UPSC candidates who clear all exam stages but narrowly miss the final merit list. The portal allows private companies to access data on these talented candidates, opening new employment opportunities.
UPSC की अलग-अलग परीक्षाओं में जो होनहार प्रतिभागी आखिरी मेरिट लिस्ट का हिस्सा नहीं बन पाते, उनके लिए ‘प्रतिभा सेतु’ Digital Platform बनाया गया है। यह बहुत खुशी की बात है कि इसकी मदद से उन्हें नए अवसर मिलने लगे हैं।#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/7SFjGxt7Ra
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025
MP Youth Training in Germany
Highlighting a collaboration with German football coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer, PM Modi noted that several young footballers from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, will get a chance to train in Germany, inspired by a recent podcast episode with him.
PM @narendramodi's insightful podcast with @lexfridman that left German Footballer & Coach Dietmar Beiersdorfer to embark on a new mission..#MannKiBaat @PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya pic.twitter.com/ENN4z2GS7o
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) August 31, 2025
Stories of Inspiring Citizens
PM Modi shared the efforts of Jitendra Singh Rathore from Surat, who has meticulously documented soldiers who lost their lives defending India. He also praised Devki from Bihar, fondly called “Solar Didi,” whose solar pump project transformed irrigation in her village, benefiting over 40 acres of farmland.
बिहार के मुजफ्फरपुर की देवकी जी ने अपनी मेहनत और दूरदर्शिता से यह साबित कर दिखाया है कि सौर-ऊर्जा सिर्फ बिजली का साधन नहीं, बल्कि किसानों की आय बढ़ाने वाली एक नई शक्ति भी है। उनके प्रेरक कार्यों के लिए अब लोग उन्हें सोलर दीदी बुलाने लगे हैं।#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/hq3SpCxBkg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025
Hyderabad Liberation Day
Looking ahead, PM Modi reminded the nation of Hyderabad Liberation Day in September, commemorating the success of Operation Polo and the integration of Hyderabad into India after the Nizam’s rule.
Recalled the courage shown by our forces during Operation Polo. Our Government’s decision to mark 17th September as Hyderabad Liberation Day has been deeply appreciated, especially by the people of Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/zKfkPZHD8B
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2025
Indian Culture Shines Abroad
PM Modi noted cultural highlights, including the unveiling of a Maharishi Valmiki statue in Camporotondo, Italy, a 51-foot Lord Ram statue in Mississauga, Canada, and a Ramayan-themed children’s art exhibition in Vladivostok, Russia, emphasizing India’s global cultural influence.
"साथियो, रामायण और भारतीय संस्कृति के प्रति ये प्रेम अब दुनिया के हर कोने में पहुंच रहा है | रूस में एक मशहूर स्थान है – Vladivostok. बहुत से लोग इसको ऐसी जगह के रूप में जानते हैं, जहां सर्दियों में तापमान -20 (minus twenty) से -30 (minus thirty) डिग्री Celsius तक गिर जाता है |… pic.twitter.com/wvRZUrPPY2
— Mann Ki Baat Updates मन की बात अपडेट्स (@mannkibaat) August 31, 2025
Ganesh Utsav Celebrations and Swadeshi Message
Finally, PM Modi highlighted the ongoing Ganesh Utsav celebrations, urging citizens to remember the spirit of Swadeshi during festivals.
Mayur Mohta
Akshay Didwaniya
Pratik Agrawal
Aditya Didwaniya
