Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, 27 September 2026, highlighted Chhattisgarh's 'Har Ghar Munga-Ghar Ghar Munga' campaign as a model initiative in the national fight against malnutrition, drawing an enthusiastic response from residents of Dhamtari and across the state. Modi stressed the nutritional value of traditional Indian produces — including Amla and Moringa (locally known as Munga or drumstick) — and urged citizens to keep the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' alive during the festive season.

What Modi Said in Mann Ki Baat

Speaking during the monthly radio programme, the Prime Minister noted that September is observed as Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) and underscored the role that locally available plants such as Moringa can play in addressing nutritional deficiencies at the household level. He pointed out that every region of India holds unique fruits, traditional knowledge, and special skills, and called on citizens to champion homegrown produce. His explicit mention of Chhattisgarh's 'Har Ghar Munga' campaign elevated it to national visibility.

About the 'Har Ghar Munga' Campaign

The Chhattisgarh government had launched the 'Har Ghar Munga-Ghar Ghar Munga' (Drumstick in Every Home) campaign to encourage families to incorporate Moringa into their daily diet. The drumstick tree — its leaves, bark, and roots — is widely regarded as a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse. Its leaves are rich in vitamins, calcium, and essential minerals, while various parts of the plant have traditionally been used to treat a range of ailments. Proponents of the campaign note that Moringa is cost-effective, locally available, and requires minimal cultivation effort.

How Locals in Dhamtari Responded

Residents of Dhamtari welcomed the Prime Minister's acknowledgement with pride. One local resident said, 'Munga, or moringa, is a very popular vegetable in Chhattisgarh and has been a traditional part of our culture since ancient times. The practice of using Munga has continued since the time of our grandparents and forefathers, when almost every household used to plant a Munga tree. From a scientific and medicinal perspective, Munga is considered a medicinal plant. Its leaves and fruits contain various vitamins, calcium and other essential minerals.'

The resident added, 'Consuming Munga as a vegetable and using its leaves can provide several important nutrients. Considering these benefits, PM Modi gave this slogan so people can use it as a cost-effective natural remedy to stay healthy and combat illnesses.'

Another local echoed the sentiment: 'It is an extremely useful plant species for life. Even its roots are used as medicine. Our ancestors and elders used it as a natural remedy, and its leaves can also be consumed as leafy greens. The slogan 'Har Ghar Munga, Ghar Ghar Munga' raised by PM Narendra Modi is right, and people should definitely utilise it. This medicinal plant is safe and wholesome for the body.'

Significance During Poshan Maah

Modi's comments arrive at a meaningful moment: September is nationally designated as Poshan Maah, a month-long drive to combat malnutrition, particularly among women and children. The Prime Minister's focus on indigenous, affordable superfoods such as Moringa reflects a broader government thrust to address nutritional gaps through accessible, community-level solutions rather than solely through institutional programmes. Notably, this is not the first time Modi has used Mann Ki Baat to spotlight a state-level health or nutrition initiative — the platform has previously amplified campaigns ranging from water conservation to women's health.

What Comes Next

The national spotlight on Chhattisgarh's campaign is expected to encourage other states to explore similar low-cost, plant-based nutrition drives during and beyond Poshan Maah. Advocates argue that the antibiotic and medicinal properties of Moringa warrant wider adoption across India's diverse agro-climatic zones.