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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to make the 150th anniversary of India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’ a memorable national celebration, carrying forward its spirit of unity, pride, and patriotism for future generations.

Addressing the 127th episode of his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, the Prime Minister said ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896, reflects the “vibrant and magnificent image of India.” He announced that various programmes will be organised across the country to commemorate the song’s 150-year legacy. “Let this milestone be a celebration of India’s oneness — where every citizen feels the spirit of Vande Mataram in their heart,” the Prime Minister said.

Praises Odisha’s Koraput Coffee as a Symbol of Pride

Switching to a lighter yet inspiring theme, Modi devoted a significant part of his address to Koraput coffee from Odisha, describing it as “truly delectable” and “a pride of the state.” “You all know about my association with tea,” he said with a smile. “But today, I thought, why not discuss coffee in Mann Ki Baat! You may recall, last year we talked about Araku coffee — and today, it’s time to talk about Koraput coffee.”

The Prime Minister shared that many people from Odisha had written to him, requesting that Koraput coffee be featured in Mann Ki Baat.“I have been told that Koraput coffee tastes amazing. And not only that — its cultivation is transforming lives,” he said.

He noted that several people who once worked in the corporate world had turned to coffee farming out of passion, creating a prosperous livelihood. “Many women have also had their lives pleasantly transformed by coffee. They have gained both respect and prosperity through it,” he added.

Modi observed that Indian coffee’s reputation is rapidly growing worldwide, citing major cultivation regions such as Chikmagalur, Coorg, and Hassan in Karnataka; Pulney, Nilgiri, and Annamalai in Tamil Nadu; and Wayanad, Travancore, and Malabar in Kerala. “The diversity of Indian coffee is truly remarkable,” he remarked. “Even the North-East is now progressing in coffee cultivation, further strengthening India’s global identity. That’s why coffee lovers say — India’s coffee is coffee at its finest. It is brewed in India and loved worldwide.”

Applauds Grassroots Innovation and Citizen Initiatives

In his 30-minute address, the Prime Minister also highlighted several citizen-led initiatives showcasing community participation and environmental stewardship. These included mangrove restoration in Gujarat, the establishment of Garbage Cafes in Chhattisgarh, and lake revival projects in Bengaluru. Modi said such efforts underline how ordinary citizens are shaping a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant India through innovative local solutions.

Salutes Indian Dog Breeds in Paramilitary Forces

The Prime Minister also lauded the BSF and CRPF for inducting indigenous dog breeds, such as the Rampur Hound, Mudhol Hound, Mongrel, Kombai, and Pandikona, into their units.

He recalled that a Mudhol Hound had recently won laurels at a national competition, surpassing several foreign breeds. “Our indigenous dogs have displayed amazing courage,” he said, citing a CRPF patrol in Chhattisgarh where an Indian dog detected eight kilograms of explosives. Modi announced that some of these Indian breeds will participate in the parade at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on October 31, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Digital Revival of Sanskrit

Touching on cultural trends, the Prime Minister appreciated how young content creators are reviving interest in Sanskrit through reels and digital learning platforms. He cited the example of Yash Salunke, a cricketer and social media creator, whose video of playing cricket while speaking Sanskrit became viral. “The world of culture and social media has given Sanskrit a new lease of life,” he said, noting how the ancient language is finding new relevance in the digital age.

‘Vande Mataram’ — A Symbol of India’s Eternal Spirit

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi reiterated that Vande Mataram continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for every Indian. “Let us ensure that the 150th year of Vande Mataram becomes a festival of national pride,” he said. “Its message of devotion to the motherland will continue to guide our journey toward a stronger, united India.”