Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday, 31 May 2026 thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting Belpana — Odisha's traditional summer drink — on the monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, calling the Prime Minister's mention an inspiration that would elevate local traditions across the country.

Context

Posting in Odia, Minister Pradhan expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, writing: 'Maanyabar Pradhanamantri @narendramodi aaji #MannKiBaat kaaryakramre Odishara paaramparika o swaasthyabardhak Belpanara prashansa karithibaarun dhanyabaad' — ('Thank you, honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi, for praising Odisha's traditional and health-promoting Belpana on today's Mann Ki Baat programme.')

Belpana is a cooling beverage made from the pulp of the wood apple (bel fruit), mixed with water, sugar, and spices. It is widely consumed across Odisha during summer months for its heat-relieving properties and is deeply embedded in the state's food culture, particularly around festivals such as Pana Sankranti.

Policy Backdrop

Mann Ki Baat was launched by Prime Minister Modi in October 2014 as a monthly radio address to engage citizens on national and cultural themes. Over successive episodes, the programme has consistently been used to spotlight regional foods, indigenous health practices, local languages, and community traditions from across India's states and union territories.

This pattern aligns with the Central Government's broader push — through ministries such as AYUSH and cultural bodies — to document and mainstream traditional knowledge systems. Minister Pradhan, himself from Odisha, has frequently used his public platforms to amplify Odia heritage and regional identity at the national level.

Stakeholders and Impact

The Prime Minister's mention on a nationally broadcast programme is expected to generate heightened visibility for Belpana among audiences outside Odisha, potentially boosting demand for wood apple-based products and benefiting local producers and small food businesses in the state. Odia communities across India have welcomed the acknowledgement as recognition of the state's distinct culinary and cultural identity.

Minister Pradhan noted that the Prime Minister's 'inspiring message' would help elevate the glory of local traditions, culture, and food across the entire nation — framing the mention as part of a larger national conversation on cultural pride and indigenous wellness practices.

What's Next

The spotlight on Belpana may prompt Odisha's state tourism and AYUSH departments to explore promotional initiatives around the beverage and similar traditional summer foods. Future episodes of Mann Ki Baat are likely to continue featuring state-specific traditions, as the programme has established a pattern of rotating regional spotlights to reinforce national integration through cultural diversity.