New Delhi marked a pivotal moment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2026, the 130th edition of his iconic radio program. Speaking on a Sunday, Modi reflected on the transformative journey of Startup India, now a decade strong, crediting India’s youth for turning it into a global powerhouse.
Modi reminisced about 2016, when Startup India launched, evolving into a historic movement. ‘The real heroes are our young innovators who stepped out of their comfort zones to illuminate India’s name worldwide,’ he said. Today, India boasts the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with ventures thriving in AI, space tech, nuclear energy, semiconductors, mobility, green hydrogen, and biotechnology.
No sector lacks an Indian startup’s footprint, Modi noted, saluting aspiring entrepreneurs. But he issued a stern call to industry and startups: elevate quality to the forefront. ‘The days of ‘chalta hai’ or ‘it will do’ are over,’ he declared. As India’s economy surges and global eyes turn to us, every product—from textiles to tech, electronics to packaging—must scream top-tier excellence.
Modi urged businesses to benchmark against the best, making quality their hallmark. He also celebrated collective community action, spotlighting grassroots triumphs. In Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh, locals revived the polluted Tamsa River, once a lifeline flowing from Ayodhya to the Ganga. Through cleanup drives and tree plantations along banks, they breathed new life into it.
Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur, water scarcity spurred the ‘Anant Neeru Sanrakshan Project.’ With administrative support, over 10 reservoirs were restored, and more than 7,000 trees planted, boosting water conservation and green cover. ‘People’s participation is India’s greatest strength,’ Modi affirmed, driving the nation toward unprecedented development.