Modi stressed that National Voters’ Day on 25 January highlights how central every voter is to Indian democracy.
Modi reminded listeners that the Constitution took effect on 26 January, now marked as Republic Day, and said the date always offers a chance to honour its framers. The address targeted young Indians in particular, stressing their growing role in public life and national development.
‘Mann Ki Baat’ focus on Republic Day, Constitution and National Voters’ Day
In the 130th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This is the first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of the year 2026. Tomorrow, on 26 January, we will all celebrate Republic Day. It was on this day that our Constitution came into force. The day of 26 January gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to the makers of our Constitution. Today, 25 January, is also a very important day. Today is ‘National Voters’ Day’. The voter is the soul of democracy.”
During ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi also explained that voting is not just a right but a duty in a democracy. Modi suggested that when any young person votes for the first time, neighbours, villages or city communities should meet, greet them, and share sweets. Modi said this simple act can spread awareness and strengthen habits of active voting.
‘Mann Ki Baat’ highlights 2016 memories and start-up journey
During the same ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, Modi referred to a trend on social media where users revisit 2016. Modi said this inspired a personal story from January 2016, when a new effort began for the youth. Ten years later, Modi said, India has become the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem.
PM Modi on memories of the 2016 trend During the 130th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, “These days I am seeing an interesting trend on social media. People are reliving their memories of the year 2016. In the same spirit, today I too would like to share one of my memories with you. Ten years ago, in January 2016, we embarked upon an ambitious journey. We had realised then that even if it were a small one, it was very important for the future of the country for the young generation. Today, India has turned into the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. These Start-ups are out of the box; they are working in sectors that were unimaginable even 10 years ago.”
Modi told listeners that Indian start-ups now operate in many advanced sectors that seemed distant a decade earlier. Modi framed this growth as linked to choices made by young people, including active participation in elections. The message in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ tied civic responsibility with innovation and economic opportunity.
“AI, Space, Nuclear Energy, Semiconductors, Mobility, Green Hydrogen, Biotechnology, you name it, and you’ll find one Indian Start-up or the other working in that sector. I salute all my young friends who are associated with one Start-up or the other, or want to start one of their own. Let us resolve to improve the quality of whatever we manufacture. Be it our textiles, technology, electronics, or packaging, the connotation of an Indian product should become ‘top quality’. Let us make excellence our benchmark,” he said.
Across the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode, Modi connected several themes, from the meaning of Republic Day to the rise of start-ups. Modi underlined that young citizens shape India both as voters and as entrepreneurs, and urged better quality in every Indian product alongside stronger democratic participation.