Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep anguish over the devastation caused by floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains across the country, as he addressed the 125th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat. He conveyed his pain over the loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure during the natural calamity.
"In this Monsoon season, natural disasters are testing the country. In the last few weeks we have witnessed massive havoc caused by floods and landslides. Homes torn apart, fields submerged, entire families destroyed. The relentless surge of water swept away bridges – roads got washed away, and people's lives were in danger. These incidents have saddened every Indian. The pain of the families who lost their loved ones is shared by all of us," PM Modi said.
He went on to hail the tireless efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other security forces who carried out rescue and relief operations in difficult conditions during landslides and cloudbursts.
"Wherever there was a crisis, our NDRF-SDRF personnel and other security forces worked day and night to save people. The soldiers also took the help of technology. Efforts were made to speed up relief work with the help of thermal cameras, live detectors, sniffer dogs and drone surveillance. During this, relief material was delivered by helicopters and the injured were airlifted. Armed Forces came forward to help in times of disaster. Local people, social workers, doctors, administration – everyone made every possible effort in this hour of crisis. I heartily thank every such citizen who prioritised humanity in these difficult times," he said.
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While speaking of the monsoon fury, PM Modi also highlighted positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir, which he said many people had overlooked.
He pointed to Pulwama witnessing its first ever day-night cricket match, which drew large crowds, and the hosting of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake in Srinagar.
"Amidst this devastation caused by floods and rains, J&K has also achieved two very special achievements. Not many people noticed these. But you will be happy to know about those achievements. A record number of people gathered in a stadium in Pulwama. Pulwama's first day-night cricket match was played here. Earlier this was impossible but now my country is changing. This match is a part of the 'Royal Premier League' in which different teams of J&K are participating," he said.
On the sports festival, PM Modi noted that more than 800 athletes, with equal participation of women and men, took part in the event.
"The second event that caught attention was the country's first 'Khelo India Water Sports Festival' and that too held at Dal Lake in Srinagar. Truly, what a special place to host a festival like this. Its objective is to make water sports more popular in J&K. More than 800 athletes from all over India participated in it. Women athletes were not far behind, their participation was nearly equal to men. I would like to congratulate all the participants. Special congratulations to Madhya Pradesh, that won the maximum number of medals, followed by Haryana and Odisha," he said.
PM Modi also interacted with two athletes of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival – Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha and Moshin Ali of Srinagar – during the programme, who shared their experiences with him.
The Prime Minister also spoke of a new initiative for aspirants of the Civil Services Examination. He announced the launch of the Pratibha Setu portal, designed to support UPSC aspirants who reach the advanced stages of the exam but fall short of the final list.
"UPSC conducts the Civil Services exam, one of the toughest exams in the country. There are thousands of such candidates who are very capable but are unable to reach the final list by a small margin. These candidates have to prepare afresh for other exams that cost both their time and money. That is why, now a digital platform has now been created for such sincere students – Pratibha Setu Portal. 'Pratibha Setu' stores the data of those candidates who cleared all the stages of various exams of UPSC, but their name did not appear in the final merit list... Private companies can obtain information on these promising students and employ them," he said.
Looking ahead to Hyderabad Liberation Day, PM Modi remembered the historic role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in securing the integration of Hyderabad into India.
"Next month, in September, we will also celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day. This is the same month when we will remember the courage of all those heroes who took part in 'Operation Polo'. When India attained independence in August 1947, Hyderabad was in a different situation. The atrocities of Nizam and Razakars were increasing day by day... Finally, Sardar Patel convinced the government to launch 'Operation Polo'. In record time, our forces liberated Hyderabad from the dictatorship of Nizam and made it a part of India," he said.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by expressing solidarity with disaster-affected families, lauding the courage of citizens, and highlighting India's resilience in facing adversity while celebrating progress in sports, education and national unity.
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