In his first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode of 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation an early Happy Republic Day, calling this year’s celebration particularly significant.
The Prime Minister began by paying tribute to India’s great leaders, acknowledging their immense contributions to the country’s growth and development. He also highlighted the special timing of the broadcast, explaining, “Mann Ki Baat is usually held on the last Sunday of every month, but today we are meeting a week earlier. This is because next Sunday marks Republic Day, and I extend my advance wishes to all the countrymen.”
This year’s Republic Day, he emphasized, is especially momentous as it marks the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution. “This Republic Day celebrates 75 years of the implementation of the Constitution of India,” said PM Modi, bowing to the visionaries who helped shape the nation.
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In a poignant moment, the Prime Minister played a segment of Dr. BR Ambedkar’s address, in which the architect of India’s Constitution emphasized the need for cooperation and unity among the Constituent Assembly members. Dr. Ambedkar’s call for collective effort for the welfare of all remained a central theme in Modi’s speech.
The Prime Minister also shared an audio excerpt from Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, who spoke about India’s cultural legacy and the importance of peaceful coexistence. “Dr. Rajendra Prasad stressed the commitment to human values and how our rich history and culture exemplify our unity,” Modi noted.
Additionally, PM Modi played a portion of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s speech, focusing on the issue of equal opportunities for all citizens. “These timeless ideals from our leaders should inspire us to work towards an India that will make our Constitution’s framers proud,” Modi stated.
Turning his attention to National Voters’ Day, observed the day before Republic Day, the Prime Minister reminded the nation of the Election Commission’s crucial role in strengthening India’s democracy. “Our Constitution makers gave great importance to the Election Commission as a cornerstone of democracy. Despite initial skepticism about India’s democratic future, we have proven the world wrong. India, after all, is the mother of democracy,” he said.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Election Commission’s continuous efforts to modernize the voting process. “I commend the Election Commission for embracing technology to enhance the electoral process and ensuring fairness in elections. I urge every citizen to vote in large numbers and actively participate in our democracy,” he added.
‘Mann Ki Baat,’ PM Modi’s monthly radio address, serves as a platform for him to connect with citizens across India, addressing important national issues, celebrating achievements, and sharing his thoughts on topics of social relevance.
In his final address of 2024, PM Modi highlighted the enduring relevance of the Indian Constitution, which will complete 75 years of its implementation on January 26, 2025. He also encouraged citizens to engage with a special website, http://constitution75.com, where they could read the Preamble, explore the Constitution in various languages, and even contribute by uploading videos.
Launched in 2014, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a widely popular program, with listeners from all corners of India tuning in each month. Through this platform, PM Modi has successfully connected with diverse sections of society, from women and the elderly to youth, inspiring them with his vision for a progressive and unified India.