Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 25 October 2026, marked 12 years of his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat', describing the programme as akin to a 'pilgrimage' — a deeply personal tribute to the everyday contributions of ordinary Indians that often go unrecognised by mainstream society. Speaking during the 139th episode of the show, Modi reflected on the journey with characteristic warmth, crediting listeners as both fellow travellers and inspiration.

How It All Began

The first episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' was broadcast on 3 October 2014, coinciding with the festival of Vijayadashami. Aired across All India Radio (Akashvani) and Doordarshan networks, the programme was conceived as a direct conversational channel between the Prime Minister and citizens. Over 12 uninterrupted years, it has aired 139 episodes without a single break — an unusual consistency for any long-running government initiative.

What the Prime Minister Said

'Twelve years ago, on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, we began 'Mann Ki Baat'. Since then, our journey has continued uninterrupted. All of you have been both fellow travellers and inspiration of this journey,' Modi said.

He elaborated on the programme's personal significance: 'Our country has had a tradition of pilgrimages for centuries. For me, 'Mann Ki Baat' is not less than a pilgrimage to closely understand the efforts of people of the country and to pay tributes to their contributions. People who live for society and country are themselves like places of pilgrimage.'

Modi also noted the human connection the show fosters: 'I receive hundreds of such messages in which people tell me that after listening to 'Mann Ki Baat', they feel as though I am sitting among them like a family member and speaking to them.'

Celebrating Unsung Indians

A recurring theme of the programme has been amplifying stories of grassroots changemakers — individuals whose work in education, environment, health, and community service rarely makes headlines. Modi reiterated this mission, saying he uses the platform to 'pay homage to the power of the people of our country' and to spotlight 'extraordinary work' that society would otherwise overlook.

Over the years, the show has featured sanitation workers, farmers using innovative techniques, tribal artisans, and young scientists — presenting what the Prime Minister frames as a counter-narrative to the dominance of celebrity and crisis in mainstream media.

Reach and Reception

Broadcast in multiple languages across All India Radio and Doordarshan, 'Mann Ki Baat' has one of the widest radio footprints of any government programme in Indian history. The show is also streamed on digital platforms, giving it reach beyond traditional radio audiences. Modi expressed gratitude to listeners, calling their 'warmth and affection' a 'truly invaluable asset.'

As 'Mann Ki Baat' enters its 13th year, the programme shows no sign of slowing — with its format, frequency, and emotional register remaining largely unchanged from the debut episode aired under Vijayadashami skies more than a decade ago.