Raipur, October 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday listened to the 139th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat along with former Union Minister Smriti Irani and Siddharth Shambhu at Agarwal Bhawan in Abhanpur, Raipur district.
Describing Mann Ki Baat as a powerful medium to celebrate the collective strength of the people and establish a personal connection with 1.4 billion citizens, Sai said the programme gives national recognition to the extraordinary contributions of ordinary people working in areas such as society, environmental protection, culture, innovation and public service.
The Chief Minister said these inspiring stories motivate citizens to contribute towards social welfare and nation-building.
He added that it was a matter of pride for the people of Chhattisgarh that the state’s rich cultural heritage, tribal traditions, sporting talent, water conservation initiatives, nutrition programmes and innovations had featured prominently in various episodes of Mann Ki Baat.
Sai said the Prime Minister had highlighted the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, bringing national attention to the region’s sporting talent and vibrant tribal culture. He noted that Bastar was moving towards peace, trust and development while establishing a new identity through its young talent and cultural heritage.
The Chief Minister also referred to the innovative five per cent water conservation model in Koriya district, which was appreciated by the Prime Minister. Under this initiative, farmers reserve five per cent of their land for ponds to collect rainwater, helping improve irrigation and groundwater conservation.
He said references to the historical copper plates of Malhar and the ‘Har Ghar Munगा’ initiative promoting nutrition had also helped showcase Chhattisgarh’s distinctive identity on the national stage.
PM Modi Highlights Local Products, Innovation and Social Responsibility
During the 139th episode, Prime Minister Modi reflected on the 12-year journey of Mann Ki Baat and appreciated the dedication, service and hard work of ordinary citizens across the country.
He highlighted inspiring initiatives, including natural cotton cultivation and weaving in Punjab that support women’s empowerment, efforts to revive the Heval River in Uttarakhand, the growing global recognition of local products and the increasing popularity of khadi.
With the festive season underway, the Prime Minister urged citizens to prioritise products made by local artisans and promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign.
He also highlighted the importance of e-Sanjeevani, modern research, deep-tech startups led by young entrepreneurs, Shree Anna (millets) cultivation and organ donation.
The Prime Minister called on citizens to participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and emphasised the importance of cleanliness and strengthening social harmony.
Public Participation Key to Developed India: CM Sai
Sai said the Prime Minister’s messages encouraged people to draw inspiration from positive initiatives around them and fulfil their responsibilities towards society and the nation with dedication.
He observed that Mann Ki Baat had played an important role in connecting citizens with initiatives related to cleanliness, environmental and water conservation, promotion of local products, innovation, public service and community participation.
The Chief Minister stressed that a developed Chhattisgarh would play a significant role in achieving the vision of a developed India.
He said public participation, innovation and dedication to civic responsibilities were essential to realising Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat.
Sai expressed confidence that collective efforts would help Chhattisgarh and the country progress towards new milestones in development.
Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, MP Lakshmi Verma, Abhanpur MLA Indra Kumar Sahu, other public representatives and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.
