In the 127th episode of his monthly radio address, Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there is “tremendous enthusiasm” among citizens for the GST Bachat Utsav and a renewed push to buy indigenous goods this festive season, noting that the initiative is helping both consumers and small businesses. 

“In the messages people have sent me, they have mentioned what indigenous products they have purchased this time,” Modi said. “This time, something equally pleasant was observed during the festivals. The purchase of indigenous goods in the markets has increased tremendously.” He also added that people have responded positively to his appeal for a 10% reduction in edible oil consumption.

Modi’s address then moved to stories of local change-makers driving sustainability and innovation. He highlighted Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, where Garbage Cafes provide meals in exchange for plastic waste, calling it “a unique initiative to clean up plastic waste from the city.” Similarly, he praised Bengaluru-based engineer Kapil Sharma, whose team has “rejuvenated 40 wells and six lakes” while involving both corporates and citizens in the effort. “Ambikapur and Bengaluru—these inspiring examples show that when you are determined, change is bound to take place,” he said.

The PM also cited Gujarat’s mangrove plantation efforts near Dholera, where forest officials have restored 3,500 hectares of coastal land. “The number of dolphins, crabs, and migratory birds has risen,” he said, adding that the initiative has also improved livelihoods for local fish farmers.

Another segment of the address focussed on the use of indigenous dog breeds by India’s security forces. Modi noted that the BSF and CRPF are increasingly training breeds such as the Mudhol Hound and Kombai. 

Ahead of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary on October 31, Modi urged citizens to take part in the Run for Unity. “This should become an opportunity for youth awakening; this run for unity will strengthen unity. This will be our true tribute to that great luminary who united India,” he said.

He also called for making the 150th year of ‘Vande Mataram’ memorable, urging people to share ideas with the hashtag #VandeMataram150. “It was composed 150 years ago, and in 1896 Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore sang it for the first time. ‘Vande Mataram’ will always be our inspiration,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister ended his address spotlighting India’s coffee culture and the revival of Sanskrit among young creators. Citing Odisha’s Koraput coffee, he said, “It is brewed in India and loved by the world.” On Sanskrit, he added, “Language is the carrier of the values and traditions of any civilization. Sanskrit has fulfilled this duty for thousands of years.”

He also remembered tribal icons Komaram Bheem and Birsa Munda, urging youth to learn from their courage and contributions ahead of Janajatiya Gaurav Diwas on November 15.