New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday delivered the 130th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, kicking off 2026 with a focus on quality manufacturing, the growth of India’s start‑up ecosystem and active citizen participation.
Quality and Excellence in Indian Industry
In his address, the Prime Minister urged Indian manufacturers and start‑ups to prioritise quality and excellence, saying that products made in India should be globally recognised for their superior standards.
He reiterated the government’s long‑standing “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” approach, calling on industry and entrepreneurs to move beyond “it works” and strive for world‑class quality in everything from textiles to technology and packaging.
Celebrating a Decade of Start‑up India
Mr Modi highlighted the 10th anniversary of the Start‑up India initiative, noting that the Indian start‑up ecosystem has grown from a few hundred ventures in 2016 to become one of the world’s largest today.
He praised the youth for driving innovation across diverse sectors including artificial intelligence, space, semiconductors, green hydrogen and biotechnology, and acknowledged start‑ups for creating jobs and contributing to economic growth.
National Voters’ Day and Civic Engagement
Coinciding with National Voters’ Day, the Prime Minister encouraged eligible citizens, especially young people, to register as voters and take part in the democratic process, emphasising voting as a vital responsibility and a cornerstone of India’s democracy.
Community Success Stories and Future Initiatives
Beyond industry and innovation, Mann Ki Baat featured stories of community‑led achievements, environmental efforts and grassroots campaigns that “include crores of people”, reinforcing a message of collective action and national pride.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the upcoming India AI Impact Summit 2026, which is expected to bring global experts together to discuss India’s progress in artificial intelligence.